As I write my column this week, my heart is full and my legs are achy. You see, I spent the weekend on an “adventure” with my three youngest grandchildren - ages 4, 7, and 8. We hung out at an arcade and water park during the heat of the day, and took in the Buffalo County Fair during the evening…though it was still far from cool.

Don’t you just love county fairs? I always have. My preference would have been to take the littles to the Custer County Fair; however, the attraction they are most interested in is not part of our local fair. The midway.

I know it has been many years since the Custer County Fair has included a carnival. I remember when the carnival in Broken Bow got moved from fair week to earlier in the summer and was hosted by the Jaycees. And while our county fair does feature lots of fun activities, it just doesn’t seem like a fair to me without the carnival.

It was a little bit of a new experience for the 4-yearold, and her eyes lit up when she saw the rides with all of the lights and noise. The boys, meanwhile, were big enough this year to get on some of the big rides! It made me a little nervous to watch them as they spun around in the air on the Oribter and Tornado, but they absolutely loved it.

I asked the 8-year-old when he got off if he was scared. He said, “I was terrified! But that’s what made it fun. I want to go again!”

Now I admit, I am a big chicken. Being terrified is not what I consider a good time. My friend Becky Gentry once talked me into getting on the Zipper with her at the carnival in Broken Bow - I’m still not sure how she ever convinced me. All I remember is being so scared and yelling at her about how I would never speak to her again, while she laughed hysterically. Yes…we’re still friends.

I have always found it fascinating that so many people enjoy being frightened. Personally, I love being the scare-er, but hate being the scare-ee. And watching videos of people getting prank scared is my favorite!

Hiding and jumping out to scare my kids when they were little was a pastime of mine, and I still try to scare them if I get a chance.

My daughter and grandson enjoy watching scary movies and going to haunted houses at Halloween. Not me! I close my eyes when a commercial for a scary movie comes on…I’m not kidding!

So, what is it about fear that people enjoy? According to “Psychology Today”, when scared, the body triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine. The heightened alertness and energy from adrenaline can be exhilarating. Dopamine, a 'feel-good' hormone, contributes to feelings of pleasure and can create a euphoric sensation, making controlled fear feel enjoyable.

I guess those feelings aren’t for everyone, though. The kids had to get on the carnival rides without me especially the Ferris wheel. No thank you!

Apparently, I already have all the endorphins I can handle.