by Trudy Brown

Created on: November 04, 2009

The ferris wheel, the flashing lights, the smell of cotton candy bring back good memories from childhood visits to the county fair. You want to pass those memories on to your kids, but the idea of taking small children into that swirling chaos can be daunting. You know it will be worth the trouble to see their grins, sticky from the cotton candy, as they bob along on the carousel, but how do your make the most out of your trip without stressing out?

Before you leave:

1. Dress sensibly - Yes, everyone else in the county is going to be there and you want to look nice when you run into those old friends you haven't seen since high school, but trying to get in and out of a child-sized helicopter with your preschooler while wearing a skirt or running after a toddler in uncomfortable shoes is going to make it a long day for everybody. Choose clothes that are comfortable and allow you freedom of movement. Chances are at some point you are going to find yourself racing your little guy through the fun house so wear your sneakers, too. If the forecast is chilly, make sure everyone has a sweater available. Consider dressing your entire family in the same bright color. If everyone has on red shirts, not only will they be easier to spot in the crowd, but it will be easier to remember what they were wearing if you do find yourself in a situation where you need to describe them to someone.

2. Pack smart - Along with diapers and other essentials, make sure you take along disinfectant wipes. Don't try to sanitize every seat and safety bar your child comes in contact with, but after rides and certainly after any petting zoo encounters, wipe your child's hands. Make sure you have band-aids in case of skinned knees or elbows when someone gets a little too excited and doesn't watch where they're going. Have an extra change of clothes for the kids out in the car in case of spills or accidents. Nobody wants to wear wet pants all day.

3.Get a group together - Invite along grandparents and friends who can help watch kids. Sometimes it seems like you just don't have enough eyes and hands to keep track of everyone, so bring along another pair or two of eyes and hands. No friends or family available? Call up your favorite babysitter and see if she's interested.

While there:

4. Bring a stroller - Even if your child is walking well and has been for some time, going to the fair is an exhausting business and he's going to want to rest at some point. Also, if you want to browse the crafts

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