This
past Friday, August 30, Amy, Hannah, Hannah’s friend, Carter and I joined 209,785
others at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, known as the State Fair. Amy & I haven’t missed a State Fair since
we were married. Most times we go more than once. This year Amy & Hannah
went on Opening Day while I waited until Friday for this annual celebration.
The
first challenge of the Fair is where to park. We’ve done park-and-ride before,
but this year we decided to drive. I dropped off the three at the gate and went
searching for street parking east of the main entrance. While I’m looked for parking I’m kept asking
myself the question, “How much is my time worth?” Parking right across Snelling is $30; parking
about a quarter mile away is $20. Do I
keep looking for free parking or do I pay?
I’m
basically cheap at heart, so I kept driving east until I found a free spot on
Como & Midway Parkway. It was only a
mile walk. That’s worth $20, right?
Right????
How
did people stay together at the Fair prior to cell phones? The app that kept the
red-heads and I near each other this year was Find Friends. All I had to do was click that app, and I
could find the lovely red-heads in my life.
When
we found each other we couldn’t help but sing? The Giant Sing Along is a fun
place to stretch our vocal cords. Each of us found a microphone and added to
the cacophony of sound at the fair. I found out later that the playlist is
voted on the previous year and is on the State Fair web site. https://www.mnstatefair.org/
Amy
& I then walked to the grandstand. I
even went up the stairs to check out what was there. While walking I thought about what would
happen if the Presbytery had a stand in the grandstand or somewhere else in the
fair. A terrific way to share
information, develop a list of people who might be interested in a local
congregation, and have fun.
Yesterday
was Rotary Day at the Fair—along with MPR Day and many other organizations’
days. I’m part of the Blaine, Ham-Lake Rotary club. At our meeting this past
Wednesday I was told about Rotary Day, so I wore my Rotary shirt. They had a
stand near the grandstand—great idea for a non-profit to have a stand!—and I
enjoyed talking to people at the stand.
We
met-up with a high-school classmate of Amy’s and her husband and spent the rest
of the day trying to stay together. Not easy when over 200,000 people have
joined the party.
During
the afternoon the group, Cantus sang at the Minnesota Public Radio Booth. Their
singing was divine and inspired me to go to one of their concerts this
year.
I
walked over to the KFAN booth and listened to Dan Cole and Mark Rosen riff on
the local sports scene. At their stand I
saw a Vikings shirt that I couldn’t help but notice. In yellow color on a
purple shirt the slogan read, “54th time’s the charm.” I’m not sure
how the number 54 came up. But I
understand the sentiment. I’ve written before
about the pain of a Vikings fan—four Super Bowls, Gary Anderson, Brett Favre
interception when we were in field goal range, wide left. The Minneapolis
Miracle helped for a week—until we were thrashed by the Eagles.
When
I saw that shirt I thought, “I’m going to regret not purchasing that.” So for
only $15 I had another shirt to wear during the fair.
And
the rest of the day I received a large number of comments from Vikings fan.
One
of the best parts of the fair is running into people. My nieces met us for a
bit at the Eco building. I saw some Presby pastors and kept seeing friends.
Going through Facebook I saw that many others were there. With over five
percent of the Metro is in one place I’m bound to run into some people I know.
Of
course, we ate—and the number on the scale on Saturday affirmed how much I ate.
Sweet
corn—tasty as always
Walleye
in a boat—too expensive at $9
Chicken
and artichoke fajita at the Food Booth—nothing too special;
Cinammin
almonds—there is no way to stop eating these once they are purchased
Stuffed
Cabbage Role—thanks, honey for sharing with me!
Cheese
Curds—I didn’t think I was going to have this treat I eat every year. But as I
left the fair and walked by the Food Building I realized I still had $6 in my
pocket. I know they aren’t good for me and would increase the number on the
scale on Saturday morning. But eating cheese curds isn’t rational, right?
Thelma’s
Handmade Ice Cream sandwich—A new food that I hope stays—yumm!
Key
Lime Ice Cream Bar—oustanding
And
plenty of water and a glass of lemonade
I’ll
be taking off these pounds for at least a week. But it was worth every bite!
Other
miscellaneous items about the fair.
· I took three
surveys at the U of MN building. One on
the flu shot, one on different types of milk, and one on sex. I could have had
three U of M backpacks.
· The semi-finals
amateur talent contest was delightful. I had the opportunity to watch the 12
& under division. Any kid who is 12 & under who will get in front of at
least 500 people deserves applause.
· During the evening
we spent a half hour at the Midway. That was one big party of high school kids.
If I was that age, this would be the place I would want to be.
I
love the fair. Despite eating too much and walking 23,576 steps I’m already
looking forward to next year!
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