No piece of cake

To me, county fairs have always been a wonderful slice of rural America. From tractor pulls and deep-fried Oreos to pulled taffy and pig racing, they are a photographer's dream.

The Durham County Fair in Connecticut did not disappoint. My camera came out as a group of 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old kids lined up for the official pie-eating contest. Looks of disbelief and doubt appeared on the contestants' faces – and on those of their parents – as full-size apple pies were placed on the table in front of each child.

One by one, children dropped out as they considered the pie, which was much bigger than their stomachs.

The brave few who decided to stay plunged their whole faces in as the judges yelled, "Begin!" And I started snapping away.