Millennials are different than their parents and grandparents, thanks to the digital era. This generation has grown up with broadband internet, home computers, video games, social media and smartphones at their disposal.
Our son and his friends are included in the mix — fans of their smartphones (our son’s is a Google Pixel XL), Snapchat, Minecraft and so on. Some of them are world travelers too.
But their summer fun also includes a visit to the Nevada County Fair: a wonderful small-town experience. This year’s theme was “farms, food and fun.”
Last night, our son and two of his friends at Ghidotti High (Michael and Anna) went to the fair, ate dinner on Treat Street and enjoyed the entertainment — for nearly the last time before heading off to college in fall 2020.
I texted our son around 9:30 p.m., nudging him for an ETA to be home. “Dad, I’m about to get on a ride!” he responded. Well, OK then.
Our son and his friends had a great time, as in the past — “old-fashioned fun,” to be sure. We all have enjoyed the opening ceremonies at the Fair, complete with breakfast, music, speeches, and a flag raising.
I know this is going to be a memorable experience as our son grows older, and I’m glad for that — in our digital era, no less.
Our son is getting a bit too old to go to the Fair with mom and dad, but that has been fun in the past (see the photo of him and mom on a fair ride in grade school). In grade school, he received free admission as an “honor roll student,” a thoughtful perk for our local children.
Thanks to our Fair organizers, staff and board members for all the work that goes into the Fair. We are grateful.
Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report 
A big part of this story is how quickly your son is growing up (our kids are in their 40s and 50s, so we are keenly aware of that). You can be proud of yourselves for your good work as parents.
Thanks Don. “It takes a village,” literally, to raise good kids nowadays, and his friends, parent’s friends, teachers, relatives, neighbors and others also play a role. My only regret is that his grandparents are no longer around to see him and his friends grow into adulthood.