a smattering of summer scenes

Summer varies from culture to climate, but in northern Illinois and throughout America similar classic scenes can be seen year after year.  A county fair, an afternoon baseball game, an outdoor ice cream stand. Though these photos may not be mind-blowing, to me they represent Americana and are timeless; the year could be 1950 or 2011.

A look at the County Fair Pageant contest.

I love the stance of this Japanese pitcher! It looks like art! Japan's Masato Hagiwara pitches against Victory Illinois in the game Saturday at Lippold Park.

fair features

I have never much cared for shooting fairs, parades and the like, but I have tried changing my attitude about these events the past 2 years and come out with much better results. Instead of looking at it as a daunting interchangeable event to cover, I have fun with light, exposure, people watching... much more enjoyable.

Jake Perkins of Huntley nuzzles Taylor Ciskowski of Woodstock at the McHenry County Fairgrounds on Thursday evening.

Paola Garcia, 11, left, and Jackie Garcia, 9, ride the Sizzler.