Air Fair at Groveland Oaks

Saturday, August 6, 2016
Ken and I were off for our walk early this morning when it was just about 70 degrees but still very very humid so we didn't break any speed records but we did get in our first 5,000 of the day. Everything was "waking up" in the park in preparation for the Saturday activities which always have a different theme but provide lots to do.  This weekend the theme was Air Fair so most of the activities had to do with things that fly including an opportunity to do some zip lining, make a balsa wood plane, meet some birds of prey, or possibly create a kite and fly it.  The part we most enjoyed was watching five hot air balloons take to the air with full baskets of riders and sail off in the clear blue sky.

General RV brought out over a dozen new trailers, 5th wheels and motorhomes for people to visit and near the end of the day we saw a couple sitting with the manager obviously finalizing a sale of one of them.

The sail plane club in the area came out with their planes eager to find new members and show off the fun they have with the planes.

The local butterfly farm had a small butterfly house filled with monarchs and people had the opportunity to go in with sweetened Q tips to catch and hold them or put them on their bodies.  We watched one little girl very patiently move several on to her dress and arms.  She sure was having fun! (it is hard to see in the picture because the camera focused on the screen)

The local nature center sent out some of their birds of prey along with a caretaker who shared them with us and gave lots of information about them.  

Several blowup structures were also available for the kids to have fun bouncing, sliding, and running

An older gentlemen came prepared to make a huge variety of balloon characters for any who were interested 

One fellow was doing caricatures of kids

others were doing face painting

and the local Home Depot had a tent filled with picnic tables where kids were building a variety of wooden toys like small wagons and a bowling game

Oakland Parks had a set up with lots of brochures but also small frisbee type toys to throw so lots of people were having fun tossing them in the open areas.  There were other activities at the opposite end of the park including zip lining but we didn't make it there in time to watch any of that.

In the evening there was a band, Space Cats, on stage providing lots of music to dance or listen too (though not what we enjoy - heavy on the drums and electric guitars)

but we did go over because a couple of the balloons came back and provided a glow after the sun set

What a wonderful day enjoying our campground and all that it offers to the people who choose to come out to camp or simply spend the day.