Since we’d done our traditional family day earlier in the week, I made plans to head over early with Sally. I picked her up at 8:00 and we drive over without any traffic at all.

I parked for the last time this year at the Mackey’s. I’m so grateful for the spot. Not just the ability to park every day and come and go as I please, but it’s the sharing of stories at the end of the day and the feeing of family. It’s like coming home. I’m lucky.

The fair was relatively empty. We had plenty of space to move through and get what we needed. Sally needed a scone from the French Meadow. Between 8 and 9 am nothing is open but food and there aren’t a ton of breakfast places. The only lines this morning were for Anchor coffee and (of course) French Meadow.

I had a stop to make in the Grandstand, but it wasn’t open yet, so we sat outside so Sally could eat. I stopped to check in with Deb @ Juanita and I thought she looked great for Day 12!

Once the building opened, I led Sally to the place she thought she bought socks from last year in the Merchandise Mart. She didn’t get any, but I decided to try some. Mmmm bamboo!

My goal was to buy my nordic ware bacon pan. It’s $7 cheaper here than the store and when I bought it today it was discounted further! $10 off!

I finished my shopping and waited outside the Grandstand as Sally filled her water and I thought about standing in a mister. I didn’t.

The Hmong Minnesota Day festivities were setting up behind us. Craft activities and giveaways, as well as performances.

Today I spun wheels and picked up more swag than any other day out here. I got a rice paddle, chapstick, hand sanitizer, stickers and erasers. I have no idea why.

The dancers were beautifully dressed.

I hadn’t spent much time in Dan Patch Park and noticed the KSTP mural for the first time. Too hot for a selfie or to ask a stranger for a picture. There weren’t many people around!

There were two buildings I did not visit yet. The HealthFair11 and the DNR. I never get to the health fair, but today I saw the DNR. Michael didn’t remember that we had family bricks in the taxidermy wing of the building so I walked through looking for them. It’s so dark and my vision is terrible, so I asked to see a map of the area. Turns out they’re all alphabetical (sort of) but I found out Kelsey Family one, the Clive & Mary brick and the one Linda did in honor of my Aunt Judy . They’re hard to see even in a photo with the reflective paint.

There’s a master list if you ask!

We wandered through DNR Park a bit. Found the shortest state hiking trail.

And shocking news, the fire danger is high.

I still wanted to get my last recipe card and Sally wanted to stop in the Merchandise mart. The sun was hot and temps were climbing over 90°.

Leaving the park I took in the view surrounding Mom & Dads bench. Said my goodbye for this year. The streets are not crowded at all.

Trying to follow the shady streets we walked by the Ball Park and ran into a mutual friend a Jean & her husband. They were on a hydration beer tour!

In the merchandise mart, Sally didn’t find anything she needed, but once again I did. The muddy rug people are there. I bought one a while ago and it works great for snowy muddy paws. I bought one for the front door. They’re also machine washable.

Sally stopped up to the Education Building while I got the last recipe card in my set.

I sat on a shady bench and when Sally got back we chatted a while longer not ready to walk out into the sun. We’d done a lot and walked about three miles. But I was ready to go. I got a stamp as I left thinking I might return.

Once I got home I started cleaning my house, changed the sheets and took a shower. That was all she wrote. Tomorrow is a work day.

I caught up on the blogs, so I don’t forget like last year. I may take the time to update those posts later. I still have all the photos on my phone to jog my memory.

I also added up my logged steps for the 12 days. I averaged 12,500 per day. I walked almost 150,000 steps which for me is the equivalent of 75 miles. No wonder I’m a little tired!

I looked at the attendance numbers for the previous days and yesterday was low! 141,000. That’s like a Monday, not a Saturday. I’ll be curious to see where the totals end up.

Until next year!

Sunday was warm. I like the heat, but not as much when you’re elbow to elbow with people all vying for the shady spots. I stayed home, put my feet up, sorted mail and caught up with the blog then finished laundry and stayed cool until I went over about 5:00 to have dinner and maybe see a show.

I had two extra tickets to sell. Often I have far too many, but I never did any volunteering this season, so I didn’t accumulate tickets. The crowds coming into the fair were very thin, and it’s harder to sell them as most people want to use credit. I typically could Venmo, Zelle or PayPal, but not with my current banking issues. I finally found a buyer just as Mike & Kathleen arrived at the gate.

The fair was so deserted for a Labor Day Weekend. It has to be the heat keeping people away, and cutting the day shorter. I don’t mind, as the lines are short and there’s more elbow room!

Food & beverages were top of the list. I stopped for a margarita and Kathleen decided on Juanita’s for dinner.

Then we made a pass through the renovated Grandstand to see all my usual suspects at the talent show finals. I did not see a single show this year. With no skin in the game, the heat and uncomfortable seats, I decided to just say hi, and move on.

The new party decks are nice addition, with very expensive standing room only tickets.

I found the Sell sisters!

Our friends and parking hosts, the Mackey’s

And way up too were David & Cindy. They went higher to get out of the sun and I didn’t realize it, but the seats up here don’t have arm rests, so my butt and hips might survive an evening sitting there!

This is not my first sighting of Fairborne, but it was the first time he was standing long enough for a photo! Not sure where Fairchild was, but I took a quick pic and forgot to wish him happy 40th birthday!

There are lots of open chair seats on the mezzanine and the floor tonight, but we decided to keep moving.

Keeping well hydrated is important, so I returned for my second serving of margaritas.

We strolled through carousel park on the way back to the west end and I saw there was new art this year. One artist who is from Tanzania and residing in Minneapolis was finishing up his piece in the setting sun.

There are three other new ones.

We returned to the west end and I wanted to check out a booth I missed. Feed My Starving Children have a spot out here with fair trade merch benefitting the organization. I found my annual star ornament.

I was hungry for something from Lulu’s, but when we got there, the booth was staffed for only the two front lines. They were long and I didn’t feel like waiting. We sat and listened to the Tom Petty tribute band “Petty Comes Alive”. We really enjoyed the set.

We walked the back way and checked out the old farmstead cabin. There’s a booth abutting the cabin now, so no window access or ability walk around it.

The History & Heritage Center is supposed to be air conditioned, but it either gave out, or just couldn’t keep up with the amount of people. The doors were all open and it was stifling. We didn’t stay.

Soul Asylum was playing at the bandshell, but I didn’t realize they’d be ending so early despite starting at 7:30. We did arrive in time to hear them play Rhinestone Cowboy. Something that would only happen at the fair!

No talent show and the heat allowed my friend Elysia & her family a third row view for the show.

Elysia & her brother Brian found us after at the back. It was towel wiping head hot!

Elysia hadn’t eaten, so we walked over to O’Gara’s to sit under the misters. E got a burger and some grilled cheese bites. They smelled great, but I was skeptical of the level of doneness. I opened one up and nope! Not cooked enough. It might have been soggy bread, but whatever it was, I couldn’t eat it.

I went to fill my water bottle and E came along as I convinced her to share a lemon sorbet from the lemonade stand. It was really small for $5, but tart and refreshing!

Kathleen & Brian connected and learned they had some common threads of people living in Detroit Lakes. Small world!

We listened to the fireworks, but didn’t move from our comfortable seats to see them. As we headed out it was strange to see the Poncho Dog booth closed up for the night. They’re usually open to the end. Must have been really small crowds today and too much heat to warrant staying open.

This is likely my last evening out here this year. I have a few items to finish tomorrow and then reality sets in.

Today there was lots to do around the house. Handyman was returning to install (the correct) garage door, there were piles of laundry and a sink full of dishes. Our handyman, Joe, is from Italy and he asked for tomatoes. They have been ripening on the vine and I’ve been able to ignore them until now.

Jack helped me pick a bucket for Joe and about four buckets for us. I also found jalapeños, green, yellow and red pepper, and a bunch of cherry tomatoes.

The only thing missing to make salsa, was onions and garlic. I ran to the farmers market and completed the list.

I spent the day saucing, canning, and washing and wasn’t sure if I had the energy to go to the fair in the heat.

I texted my friend Sally, who I neglected to check in with sooner during the fair, and she was willing to go over and hang out a bit.

It was hot, so we moved slowly and I didn’t really have an agenda, and Sally had a couple things she’d missed on her other visits. We had to take the SPAM picture. They returned after last years hiatus. I am not a fan of the stuff, but Sally loves it!

We made a stop at the cream puff booth. No dairy for me, so despite the incredible smell of fresh baked puffs wafting out of the building, I declined a sample.

The cream was gonna melt pretty fast, so we decided to see if there was a table at the Ball Park, enjoy a beverage and garlic fries and catch up. We’re chatters, us two! There was a quick detour for margaritas.

There was an opening at the end of a couple tables together and when I asked the couple sitting there, if we could sit at the end, I heard a voice say “No! We’re sitting there!” I turned a bit surprised to find my former boss Tina and her husband Craig. I wasn’t sure if he was serious, but he’d been kidding. They were done sitting and ready to move on!

I remembered to use my coupon this time and asked Colleen (owner) if they had any mayo. Turns out the burger line has some. I asked and a nice kid grabbed me a couple packets so I could make some KB Sauce (mustard mayo) to enhance the tasty garlic fries!

The sun was setting and thankfully there was a slight breeze. It got up to 90°, but the temp had dropped slightly.

We chatted and ate and relaxed for about an hour or so, and the chairs are nice for a bit, but not for long term lounging. I needed to move a bit. We wandered up to listen to the end of the Meat Loaf tribute band but Sally wanted to catch the end of the Twins Game. I’d been able to see the screens at the Ball Park, but she hadn’t. It was the bottom of the 10th and we were up by three runs. Just had to get out of the inning. We found a tv at the DISH booth and sat to see the Twins pull out a win.

We left the fair and after we made plans to go back to the fair together on Monday, I dropped Sally at home and turned the corner to see the moon. Not quite as super as it was, but still a thing to see!

The next two days are gonna be hot. I’m not sure how much time I can spend over there. I thought it smelled bad on day three, but with no rain and the heat, it’s deteriorated greatly! The fair was pretty empty tonight, but I’m curious how busy the day was. Attendance numbers have been good, but not record setting. They were saying it could fall into the top five highest attended fairs, but the heat this weekend will affect it I’m sure. I’ll post the attendance numbers at the end.

I was up at 5:30, and texted my friend Joan and asked if she wanted to go out for donuts. Her response “Amish Donut?” …yup!

I picked her up at 6:30 and we were third in line at the gate. As the gates opened, they informed us we had to move to a different gate. Only one security scanning system was working. Despite being farther back in a new line, we were the first people turning right and heading up Cosgrove.

Every day I’ve been on the north end, I’ve looked for the one bench I didn’t find on day one. Joan’s moms’ bench. Apparently I just needed Joan with me to spot it. The second green bench in front of 4H.

Even with the detour we were first in line for donuts.

The couple that were in front of us at the gate, who ended up behind us when the line moved, joined us in short order. They’d gotten the donuts on day one and were coming back for more. Not realizing it didn’t open until 9:00am, they didn’t have time to stay. We weren’t alone long, as people started lining up behind us.

Things we heard as we stood in line: “they’re donuts, it should be open earlier”, “I’m not gonna wait in line for something that’s not open yet”, (looking at watch reading 7:20am) “it’s not open until 9:00?!?” and my personal favorite “oh hell no!”. A kid came out and cleaned off the counters and set up the donut price sign at 8:00.

The gal (in pink) behind me asked him if they ever open a little early. He leaned in and told her they’d be open in ten minutes! The line now stretched all the way back to the Fine Art doors.

The windows opened and I got the first donut off the rack!

They’re small batch, hand cut and fried. The man himself Mr. Peachey making the donuts! I was so focused on the dough, I cut his head off. He pokes a hole and creates the ring by hand. No waste, no donut holes.

We took our coveted white bakery prize bags and sat on a nearby bench and devoured the first warm donut. My friend Trista saw us earlier and hopped in line and saw us eating and took our picture!

The line moved quickly and the got their prize too!

The main question everyone asks… “Are they worth it?” I guess I’d say yes. They’re different, and delicious.

Since we’d cut almost an hour off the wait, we had time to roam around a bit. This would be Joan’s only day out here. We checked out the Northwoods builders for housing ideas.

Then we walked down Underwood past the daily pop up and today it was my Kemps Cow! We grabbed the free ice cream sandwich and walked on.

If you need sunscreen in the coming days, Paddle North selling Sun Bum!

I saw a post that my favorite seasoning Livia’s was being offered at the Midway Men’s Club. The post indicated it was at the tables and on every burger. I looked and didn’t see it on tables, but the cooks provided proof of its use! No wonder they’re so tasty!

We swung through the Ball Park to be sure everybody was hanging in there on Day 9!

Next up, feeling lucky, we stopped at the lottery booth! Breaking even, but actually ahead with the hat bonus!

Thinking that this might be the only time there wouldn’t be a long line at Union Hmong Kitchen, we went into the Bazaar and we got lucky again! We got the Bao bun and the sausage that I never got last year. Both were good. The bun had an interesting texture, but the guts were amazing. We both liked the sausage best.

Joan was curious about the crop art chapstick, so we stopped to get a tube and made our way up the grandstand ramp to see Adam Turmans takeover of the upper level! Had to follow the selfie spot suggestion.

We love Adam Turman. So many cool new things, and maybe not new, but new to us. I loved the Loon. The lower part of the image is the Minneapolis skyline and the binary code creating the feathers is the year Minnesota became a state!

We were hoping to find the “geez Louise” sticker, but looking on the website they’re all sold out. Hoping they’ll restock at some point. I’m a fan of all these iconic sayings!

We wandered down to the West End and stopped to check out the stickers at i like you. I offered Sarah a donut, and she gladly accepted, but only needed a bite!

I usually wait til the last day to buy stuff when Randy has a scooter to carry all the things. Since we already had the family day, I decided to get my box’o’nuts today, knowing we were heading out shortly. Today was another perfect day to exclaim “we are nuts!” (For donuts)

It was only 10:30, we’d walked almost five miles and the day was heating up. Time to go! We walked blindly into the sun, up Dan Patch, through the accumulating crowd.

Almost to the gate, Joan reminded me she wanted to stop and see Pantsless Pierre! We wanted to see if you could see his butt, but the cake decorator gave him a bit longer tunic than the actual one! State Fair PG rating.

As crowds were pouring in, we were happy to be headed out. I hope to get back tonight to see the Meat Loaf tribute band.

Spent the afternoon catching up at home and blogging. Helped the family make tacos for dinner so I didn’t have to think about eating over at the fair. It was still pretty hot, but there was a lovely breeze.

Tonight, I picked Kathleen up and Mike was going to connect with us after work. We got an early start so we had time to wait in lines. She was determined to eat some pickle pizza.

First stop, a Guinness from O’Garas. If you’re smart, you avoid the long lines out front and sneak to the inside rail for food or if it’s just a beer you need, walk to the far back bar. No waiting! Even the bartender said, “I like working this bar, all my customers are smart. They know to come back here!“

The State Fair website crashed for a few hours today and cell coverage is spotty at best. A few message were exchanged to connect Kathleen and her sister as we headed towards the Ricks Pizza line. The south end was long and Kathleen took her place. I walked up to check the north side, but it seemed just as long and sunny. I rejoined Kathleen. We’d waited about 20 minutes and the line was moving, but slowly, so I decided to make a cocktail run. I told Kathleen to time me. I used to be able to get almost anywhere across the grounds in seven minutes. I said “I’ll be back in 15”. It’s all downhill to Cafe Caribe, but it was hot and I’d already clocked 5.2 miles today. I took the pass through and got there in six minutes. The lines were long and I scooted past the people waiting and sidled up to the end of the bar. The bartender looked at the long line and looked at me and I quickly said “I tip well”. She replied “what would you like?” I got as far as the grandstand park and took a quick drink time stamp photo and messaged Kathleen. I’d left her at 7:24 and it was now 7:35. I had four minutes to get back and it’s uphill all the way.

I made a tactical error and decided on less hills and cut through the Ball Park and Garden. So. Many. People. Two little kids and a big huge stuffed bear slowed me down as I tried to exit the building. I returned hot and sweaty with melting drinks, but I’d made it in 16 minutes. As Colleen & Kieran arrived, I had to explain to them why I was so flushed and dripping. They didn’t seem as impressed as I was. 😂

We were now just about ten minutes from the front of the line. We could smell it and see it.

I don’t like pickles, but everything else about that pizza seemed wonderful. The handmade crust, Alfredo sauce with dill and so much cheese. (All things I should not be eating). We got an extra slice for Michael, who was set to arrive soon.

Kathleen ate the main slice and gave me the last edge and crust to enjoy. Without the actual pickles, just the essence, it too was worth the wait.

Kieran was hungry so we cruised back to Afro deli. I’d eat those Sambusas every day. There was a line, but we waited in the hot steamy space. Today was just my day to wait in lines I guess.

I shared mine with Mike & Kathleen and they now understood why I liked them so much.

As we sat the Meat Loaf band started playing. I just kinda wanted to hear the greatest hits at the end, so we all walked together over to the Bazaar. As we walked, two lines of mounted police in full gear rode past headed down to the west end. Just the sight of them would make me behave!

High & Mighty we’re on the International stage. They’re a local group with some of the best horn players in the city.

I listened to the end and rejoined Mike & Kathleen. We got back to the bandshell, just as they started singing Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. Michael, impelled by the energy, led us right down front.

It was a great vantage point and fun spot to be. He finished with a Bat out of Hell, and we rocked our way out.

The Jonas Brothers were just ending at the Grandstand and we got to see the fireworks.

The weekend is forecast to be in the 100°’s. I’ll see how much time I can spend out there. I’ve really done all I want to do, but there’s a few musical performances I’d still like to see. Three days remaining.

Today I woke at 5:00am and put Mildred outside and thought about getting moving and going to the fair, instead I went back to bed. I had a dream that I was first in line for Amish donuts, with my thermos full of coffee. Would I get one? Or bring a couple home? The dream was quite involved and when I woke up it was 9:30. I think my body needed the rest.

I had an acupuncture appointment scheduled for 12:30. Tough time of day to get stuff done. I did some Facebook s rolling and was disappointed to see all that I’d missed last night when I’d decided to take my tired legs home. Ian Leonard did the corn dance and there was a kid in a corn costume!

I also missed the laser campy show at the DNR. At least I think I missed it. It was supposed to be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at dusk, but I’d heard no reports or comments about it. On the list for next year!

I did a couple days blogging and was icing my leg where something bit me at the fair. Something always bites me, but my ankle was really swollen, red and hot. It was going to be another perfect fair weather day, but due to the bite and my general exhaustion I decided I’d better not skip my appointment and go to the fair.

A new day shed more light onto the fallout of the garage break in. We had to find a handyman to fix all the things, buy a new door, there were many issues to resolve at the bank and missing items, repurchased.

Feeling healed, renewed and energized by my acupuncturist, I stopped at the bank and spent a couple hours setting up new accounts, stopped for a new phone battery charger (can’t have a dead phone at the fair!) and decided to go to the fair when Mike & Kathleen offered to pick me up and join them for dinner and a little music. We landed a little after 7:00. Kathleen took a look at my bug bite and thought it might look a little like a bullseye. I took this picture, (which looks way better than it did) in case I need to get checked for Lyme. Who know where the wood chips all over the grounds come from and what bugs are lurking inside!

I wanted to get my margarita and a side of Island Noodles. The booth has moved out of the Bazaar last year and is across from Coasters. The man working the wok almost steamed his face off as we waited for my order.

Kathleen & Mike shared some Maui-Sota ribs and we stood outside RC’s and ate. My noodles were less than satisfying, no real flavor other than salty. I ate the chicken and broccoli and dumped the rest. Still hungry we walked on thinking about the next stop.

It wasn’t crowded and it wasn’t hot so we decided to brave the Food Building. I stopped and said “hi” to Sara at Tipsy Pies. She worries if I don’t stop by. ❤️

I remembered that Afro Deli was a new vendor this year with a spot inside the building. We roamed all the way around to the other end and found it. If you want quick access from outside, enter the building at Nitro Ice Cream on the Cooper side. It’s just down a bit on your left. The Chicken Sambusas are worth every cent! $6/one $10/two. Feed a friend or eat them both! The chutney has a kick!

There was no music group that we were familiar with, drawing us in, so we sat and listened to Nikki Lane, known for outlaw country. We though she was amazing and Mike was smitten. As the concert was drawing to a close, Mike decided to wander over to the merch window and just see if there was anything if interest. He had perfect timing. The couple in front of the line were fans from Kansas and informed Mike on exactly what he needed. She had wax of one her earlier albums, Highway Queen. Nikki Lane was in the window selling her own merch until a State Fair employee and her guitarist came to assist. As the couple requested their album, she grabbed it, jumped out of the merch window and said, I’ve just got two of those! Mike was relieved as she instructed her guitarist where to find the last one! She was so gracious and friendly. Signed the album and posed for pictures. Mike was super stoked and a little bit in love.

We watched the super moon riding over the Admin building and then wandered around a bit more. We didn’t see any of the gang at the Ball Park, but grabbed a beer and found a bench to listen to Simon Le Bon belt out Reflex, sounding as good as he did in 1983!

I never was a big Duran Duran fan, but Kathleen thought they sounded great!

Not sure how many more songs they were going to play before they got to Hungry Like. A Wolf or Rio, we decided to head home.no fireworks tonight. I was ready for bed!

Earlier in the week Randy noted the forecast temps for Labor Day were going to be over 100°. He was hoping to get over to the fair just once, but not if it was that hot. Today was gonna be nice and cool so we decided to make it Family Day.

I dropped Jack & Randy off at the Snelling Gate and burned rubber around the corner to beat the traffic. I parked and tricked it back over. I grabbed my recipe card for the day while they secured the scooter.

Randy’s first thing was the traditional foot long hot dog.

Once that first bite was taken, we could snap a family photo.

While Randy enjoyed his hot dog, I ran through the merchandise mart to replace the stuff that the rat bastards stole from my car. I lost my itchy sticks and my favorite bug spray. (Both state fair necessities) I also picked up the much touted neck fan. I might need it in the days to come. This years tree ornaments here were not so unique.

I took a little too long looking at the puzzles so Randy & Jack came inside to find me. I didn’t get the new State Fair puzzle because it wasn’t a Turman and it didn’t look like one I’d enjoy.

We scooted out and onward to visit the guys at the Ball Park before it got too busy to say Hi.

Who should we find, buying breakfast beer, but Gayle and the entourage! (Michelle, Shaz and Joey)

We brought along the fiver year old souvenir refillable cup and Randy stopped at the Barrel, reminiscing about the days he used to work in one! They have upgraded a bit since the early 70’s!

Next up, I wanted to get a better picture of the butterheads. My last visit, I was preoccupied with the noteworthy spectators! We picked up some swag at the pork booth, recipes, seasoning and a thermometer!

I had Randy hold the swag for the pic and as I turned around the Princess Kaye Butterhead spun right into view!

As Jack was checking out the hearing protection devices, who should we run into but these dear friends! Scott & Sheryl are out here a few days each year, but we often miss each other!

After visiting the pork booth, I was in the mood to go see piglets. Or “bacon seeds”, as Elysia calls them! I heard tale of a newly designed Oink Booth this year so we headed down to the animals. I’d been admiring the iconic statues at the Minnesota Lottery booth since day one and Jack indulged me in a photo op!

Then I made a quick stop into the east end of the coliseum for my Simply Nuts toffee peanuts, knowing if I waited until a hot and humid day, I’d get home with one large nut cluster. I got a text that Jack was at the other end waiting on a Concha burger. His favorite bite from last year. Sadly for me…the bun was once again red. I can eat any color but that one. No burger bite for me!

We left Jack to his burger and went down to see the pigs. The new Oink Booth, is not improved. There’s a barn facade that funnels all the people into a messy line with the Largest boar and Piggie mama on one side, and the piggie ear hats on the other.

It’s cluttered chaos. You only have access to two sides of the pens, so good photos are unlikely. I took a bad one.

I couldn’t even get close to the sow and her litter, so I got right out of there as fast as I could. Bacon seeds would have to wait.

We usually spend a chunk of our day cruising the Midway, but Randy’s time was limited today so we just did a drive by.

RC BBQ (the guy from Famous Dave’s) has a new food item benefiting Maui after the devastating fires. We’d heard good things so we stopped to try them.

While they were delicious, I’m not one who enjoys eating meat off bones, so when the entire rib bone fractured in my mouth, I was unable to go on. Randy finished them off for me.

The Ferry family was out on the grounds and we connected at the Ball Park where we had our last snack of garlic fries and onion rings. (I totally forgot I had a coupon!)

We all dug in so fast, I never got a foodie picture. We chatted and caught up with each other enjoying a beautiful day on the patio. After a bit Randy’s body was giving out from sitting in bad chairs so we had to take our leave. This might be a record for the least amount of food consumed during family day at the fair. It’s probably a good thing!

We returned the scooter after only two hours, but it was two hours longer than we thought we’d be able to spend together at the fair ❤️

I got Jack & Randy back home to handle the handyman who was coming to install the new garage door and rested for an hour, restocked my bag and headed back to the fair.

Wednesday is typically my day to do all the buildings when they’re not crowded. I got back on the grounds planning to head straight for the Grandstand and I got Paraded on Cosgrove. Gayle coined the phrase, which means to end up in or have to navigate through the crowds of people watching the parade. I drank my entire water bottle on my way back to the fair so I stopped at Culligan to fill ‘er up. Last year apparently too many Minnesotans were bamboozled by the electronic water machines so Culligan actually had to revert to low tech spigots this year. I will say, at least there’s no lines!

I actually got paraded twice! Once again as I crossed Underwood. The grounds were busy. Not record setting, but busier than my normal Wednesday. When Jack & Raelyn were out here last week, Raelyn spied the grandstand sign that had the first few days and dates really messed up. Jack having once worked in the print shop found it humorous. Jack had noticed earlier that the sign was a different color so I stopped to check the accuracy. Much better!

I decided to take the elevator up to the top and work my way down. I’d put on 90K steps so far in six days, so my knees were grateful! Inside the elevator was a seating chart for the newly remodeled grandstand. I took a picture for reference. When Mike & Kathleen bought their tickets for the Black Keys, they based the purchase on an old seating chart. The seats were ok, but not what they expected.

The upstairs hasn’t changed too much on the East end, but once you pass the stairwell, it’s “Turman Land” ❤️. His space has really expanded and there’s tons more merchandise and a bit more space to move around. I got lucky and the artist was IN!

I just told him I was a big fan and that he’s in my blog a lot… cuz I’m a big fan. He wrote down my blog address, so maybe he’ll be reading this one day! I’m loving the new art this year. At least it’s all new to me!

I did notice one new vendor with a cute idea. They turn old books into journals. There are baskets and baskets.

There’s a booth called Fair Fun and these pictures captured my attention!

I walked down the central stairway and again, many of the vendors remain the same. You can still find your VitaMix, salsa machine and sewing machines, but the booth structure has changed somewhat. In the center you can pass through some of the vendors to the other side.

The sewing center space was decreased to make room for some brightly colored kid stuff!

I stopped by the NordicWare booth and the price are pretty deeply discounted out here. I want this pan for cooking bacon and it’s $7 cheaper out here than online.

One other interesting thing I saw is the new purse designs. Not one to walk around armed, this isn’t something I’d purchase. A little scary to think there’s a big market for this. A purse with a bible verse on the outside and you can carry your gun inside.

I left the Grandstand and walked back up the hill to finish my building checklist. I had Education, 4H, DNR and the HealthFair11 still on my list. I walked through the aisles of student art and a couple caught my eye. This piece by a kindergartener could be interpreted in different ways. Either a kid catching snowflakes in their mouth, or simply a Edvard Munch like commentary on last winter.

I just loved this little watercolor wolf by a six year old!

The booths that remain here in the Education building haven’t changed much, but so many have pulled out. There are no colleges represented any more and there’s more open space. I learned that you can put the Fun in Funeral.

The Dunwoody voting booth had the Sky Ride and Giant Slide running neck and neck.

I did find this muralist creating a community piece here at the fair. He uses cut ends from 3M vinyl materials. He’s done a lot of work painting murals with youth on Lake Street.

I walked up to 4H thinking I timed it right to see the Harkness show. Missed it by an hour and the next one was at 7:30. I toured the building learning so many things!

The Llama costume contest was beginning at 6:00 and it was just after 4:00 so I had a little time to rest somewhere. I started walking back towards animals by way of O’Garas and the Leinie Lodge. Meg and a friend spotted me as I walked by looking into the bright sun.

I sat down at the bandshell and listened to a member of Tonic Sol Fa who’s branched out with a big band group. It felt good to rest my body a bit, despite the hard rock benches. I saw this lady walk through a couple times and wished I got a better photo. I feel like I got a glimpse into my future at the fair. Cruising around with crazy gray hair tied up in a Bandana, big thick glasses, knee brace, hunched over a walking scooter with bags of state fair swag hanging off the handles. I love it.

Once my butt hurt too much to keep sitting, I moved on to find something to eat. I decided upon Lulu’s bill bites and a margarita. I got the bull bites first, stopping by i like you, getting to see Sarah for the first time this fair! My selfies need work.

I bypassed the long center line and walked up to the counter on the side and got a perfectly cooked, medium rare order of tender steak bites. I couldn’t resist eating as I walked towards Cafe Caribe.

Then, Margarita in hand I walked over to coliseum archway to see Llamas!

The contest was moved to the Coliseum last year due to its popularity. I can’t breathe well inside the arena so I prefer to hang outside and watch them parade in. On my way down, I also couldn’t help but check in on the baby animal action in the CHS Birth Barn. There was a huge cow about ready to go, but no telling if it would be soon.

I walked around to see all the other cute babies.

This little black kid kept climbing up on mom to get to the hay and she kept butting him off.

This guy was conked out in the arms of an FFA youth.

I checked back on the pregnant cow. She was up now, but still no signs of active labor. Elysia and Caleb found me and we headed over to see the Llamas.

Earlier I sat in the pig chair, drinking my margarita, waiting to connect with Elysia and her son. Since I couldn’t pull off a pig selfie, we did a reenactment.

It was a perfect weather night to watch the llama parade.

I caught sight of Ian Leonard as he was about to go on air with the llama broadcast. He was busy, but I told him “nice bad pants!” and he looked my way and gave me a thumbs up.

I took this proximal opportunity to see some of my favorite cows. The beautiful Brown Swiss.

With my asthma, I dared not venture further into the cattle barn. Elysia and her son has some major gastro-touring to accomplish so I took my leave and returned to finish all I had not seen in the Ag/Hort. There’s one stained glass crop art piece that lights up at night. The line was long, but I went in the back way anyway.

I got to see all the scarecrows.

And cruised through the veggie display to see the new stuff that was being judged.

Did you know the giant pumpkin seeds are the size of a large thumbnail?

These youth decorated pumpkins were tucked in back of other plants the first day, but now I got to see them better.

There wasn’t any music I wanted to hang out for tonight (they’d all be back tomorrow) but I thought I’d stop up in Baldwin Park and catch the end of the Country Talent Show and say “Hi” to David. (Talent Show MC) The show had already ended and David was off getting dinner. I looked across the street at the Amish donut line and decided to save it for another day.

The sun was setting and my brain knew there was a laser light show happening around dusk down near the DNR, but my feet had other ideas. I checked my watch and I’d logged 21K steps and still had to get back home.

I decided to take my sore feet home but when I got to Gate 5, it was on lockdown due to a planned Black Lives Matter protest marching past outside. It was all calm and peaceful, just a disruption. I sat on a bench near O’Garas and thought if I’d waited in the donut line, I wouldn’t have had such a long wait here here long here without a donut.

After about 25 minutes, the gates opened and the gathered crowd made its way out. I got home to see the huge Super Moon rising over the hot tub.

Something bit me out at the fair on Monday and it was burning and itching so I took two Benadryl and went to sleep. It was a really good, but really long day!

Woke at 5am to a text message alerting to fraud on a credit card. I didn’t panic at first, I just thought maybe I’d dropped it outside my car. The card was closed and I wasn’t worried. I put Mildred out, and then got a text from my neighbor that my garage door was open. It was then my stomach dropped. I went outside to find the pedestrian door of the garage had been kicked in and my car ransacked. I also saw the side gate was standing open. It was lucky Mildred didn’t bolt. Stolen items included my work bag and a duffle Randy had golf stuff in. Nothing large was taken, but in my work bag was the credit card & my checkbook. I had taken them out of my bag so I wouldn’t lose them at the fair. I was on the phone with financial people and Randy figured out what we’d need to do to replace the door. I had plans to meet friends at the fair and I wasn’t gonna let this dampen my morning.

I picked up my lifelong friends Sara and Nancy and we had a great morning!

I grabbed my recipe card for day 5/6. This time it’s all on one side!

We took in as much of Creative Activities as the heat would allow. The building is still hot and humid.

Award winners and things of interest.

So many cookies.

I love the decorated cakes. This years theme was “Roadside Minnesota Attractions”. I thought the north shore cake took the cake! The judges thought so too. It captured all of the memories from my recent trip!

I didn’t find any lefse entered this year. I’ll keep looking another time. But the syrup wall always catches the eye!

The decorated cookie theme is Shoes I think. I like the one that had Charlie Brown shoes.

We saw a familiar name amongst the children’s creations.

Then there’s always the quilt squares on a stick! “Dusk or Dawn”

We walked through the Annex, but other than the fact the peeler guy is still alive and kicking, nothing else stood out as new or interesting.

My coffee and oatmeal had gone cold this morning in all the hubbub, so I was in need of sustenance! I’ve never eaten at The Peg. Many people I know love it. We had coupons so we sat down at a lovely spot in partial shade and had time to catch up a little and fuel up. My friend Bree happened upon us too! It is unusual for us to go this many fair days without running into each other!

This was Nancy’s first and only state fair day, so it was her lead. Ag/Hort is a favorite, as she’s a very good gardener. There was much I hadn’t yet seen, so we wandered through. There are different types of flower shows every two days and this was the State Fair Flower Show. There were themes of “Grandmas Marathon”, “Hot Air Balloons”, “Parades” and others.

This one caught my eye. Could I really just cut off a chunk of my Ragouchi Clematis and stick it in a beer bottle and win a blue ribbon?

I mentioned the gyroscopes on an earlier day, and I tried to capture a video through my camera lens. The newer iPhone three lens camera creates too much backlighting. But the flowers are beautiful!

The line for the crop art was far too long. It was winding out the door around the center aisles of the hexagonal building. This would not do. While Nancy and Sara tried unsuccessfully to get in through the back way, I got the entire line to shift so that instead of clogging all the paths around, the line was headed down one aisle and towards the outer door. I wanted to check out the Pysanky eggs in the bee wing, so while they looked at big pumpkins, I found the eggs. There were no novice entries. This could have been my year if I’d gotten my act together! I feel like I could maybe compete.

We left At/Hort and decided to head to the north end for dogs! I decided we should take the Sky Glider. It might be my only chance. It was a perfect day for it. Hot, but breezy up there!

Lovely views!

And not so lovely.

We found a few dogs at the pet pavilion. But there are fewer this year.

There are however nice hand washing stations all over. After petting dogs and touching things, soap and water feels great!

I got to take a stroll around Can Can Wonderland mini golf, while these two rocked away!

The nine hole course features, a haunted house, gate 5, the giant slide, DNR ranger tower, a cow (including cow pie), a ring the bell with sledgehammer game, Ferris wheel, space tower and French fries booth.

Seeing the Space Tower, Sara recounted the events from yesterday while they were waiting for the shortest parade to come by- and the Space Tower quit running! They had to bring out an elevator repair company and the news later reported that it’s closed for the duration of the fair while they wait for a special part. I did some research and the ride started malfunctioning Sunday and they got everybody down and off and closed the ride for maintenance. Monday was when the elevator company arrived and there were no passengers on board at this time. Despite the efforts to get it running better than ever for next year, this type of thing just reinforces my steadfast refusal of going on claustrophobic rides.

I stopped by the Friends of the BWCA tent and got my camping spork utensil. Can come in handy out here when you want a bite of somebody else’s food!

Sara knows where to find the best spots to relax a bit! The By the Yard furniture space is great! We tried on all sorts of different seats and rested our feet!

We wandered down Cooper street, stopping for a Gizmo and a Sweet Martha’s bucket for Nancy to take home. We might have eaten a few as we sat and watched a dog practicing for the stunt dog show later.

I got to see the huge moose and loon as we did a cursory tour of the Eco Building. I don’t feel the need to collect things this year, so I’m not impelled to play bingo to win a buff. My friends indulged me on the selfie!

The line for Amish donuts was far too long to wait in, so we continued our meander down Cosgrove, popping in to show them my favorite fine art pieces and cutting through the Education Building as a shady respite where I could fill my water bottle. I voted twice, negating my vote for the photo op. You can go cast your vote at the Dunwoody robot too. The Giant Slide was winning.

I like to look at the art created by Minnesota school kids too. All ages and abilities.

Sara had to get home to walk the dog, and I wanted to get Nancy home before crosstown traffic got too busy, so we exited the fair pre-parade, around 1:30. I got everyone deposited safely at their respective homes and I decided to head to the bank and sort out some of the issues arising from the morning break-in. After all that, I was too tired and crabby to head back to the fair. Tomorrow is another day!

I’ve been looking forward to this day all weekend! I get to take my oldest child care kiddo “B” to the fair! We had a list of things we wanted to do. All kid centered and child led. B had sights set on the Little Hands Farm as our first stop so we got to the gates and headed up the hill!

B is just over four chickens tall. The attendant let them ride, but it’ll be the last mini tractor ride for this kid!

The big tractor is fun, but can’t make it go!

We had time to do all the activities inside the machine shed. No hurry, just fun!

PBS kids station is right across the street, so we had fun looking for favorite characters, playing games and building blocks!

I haven’t been to the Home Depot kids building area since Jack was little. It was so fun to relive those days!

A while ago, B was so afraid of dogs that they’d climb me like a tree whenever one passed. With lots of exposure therapy, we’ve been working through it. Today B was petting dogs twice their size!

The North End Event Center has a fun Candy Land experience. So many photo ops and interactive exhibits.

I cringed a little as the kiddo jumped in the ball pit. Wondering where we might find a full body sanitizing station… AKA a bath 🛁!

The attendant assured me the balls are cleaned every night… But are they really?

On the top of candy mountain, I spied one my favorite olde timey candies Necco wafers. I loved the black licorice ones best!

There’s a few more photo ops as you exit the exhibit. A passing couple took a picture for me!

Next on the list were Math on a stick and the Alphabet Forest. We spent lots of time with manipulatives and reading math stories as we discussed lunch options.

B didn’t want food, but shared a little trail mix I’d packed as a lady sat down with a foot long corn dog. I think the smell convinced B that was the thing for lunch!

We took a quick detour around the Kidway to get a corn dog and returned to play in the Alphabet Forest.

You get to ring the bell when you earn your blue ribbon!

I set parameters for expectations on the way into the fair. One ride, one treat, and one prize, but when you get to be honorary grandma for the day, those parameters go out the window. The ride tickets are now loaded onto cards. B didn’t know it, but I loaded enough tickets for five or six rides.

I made sure to reapply sunscreen and refill water bottles all day… for the kid.

After the Kidway we were headed to see Smokey the Bear. B asked me if the bear was in a cage and I replied, “no, he’s just a guy in a bear suit”. The kiddo said “oh, we can just skip it!” We were passing Sweet Martha’s and I asked if we should get a present for the rest of the family that didn’t get to come today and the little negotiator asked “if we get cookies, is that my treat?” In grandma mode I said no, they could have a cookie and still get something else!

I tried to explain what a butterhead was, but based on the kids expression, I think seeing was believing. We headed to the Dairy Building to check it out. It was SO crowded for a Monday. As we snuck up to the front so B could see, I looked over to the right and realized why it was so busy! Senator Amy Klobachar, Senator Tina Smith and the Secretary of Agriculture were in the house!

B was more impressed with butterheads and happy in the cow hat!

The only things left on our to do list, were to play at Rainbow Play Systems free climber and acquire the promised treat & prize! I can’t imagine how hot it was up inside the bubble! The temp must have been close to 90°.

The treat of choice was cotton candy!

The kid made quick work of that cone and I made a fast track to the bathroom, bypassing long lines so we could just get to a sink! SO STICKY!

A few times around the prize kiosk and the perfect pet was chosen!

The kiddo had no interest in staying for the parade, so we headed out the main gate, just as it began its approach.

It turned out to be the shortest parade yet, so we didn’t miss anything.

Jack had been out at the fair all morning with a fellow Ole, Kayla. We connected back at the car. On the way home, Jack asked B if they had a good day. B’s response? “It was the best day” ❤️

When I got home I looked up what the senator had been doing and lo and behold, her team had tweeted (X’ed?) a picture of the butterhead activity. We must have taken simultaneous photos! You can see my arms and bright green shirt behind the butter house.

I showered, put lotion all over my sunburn and rested a bit before returning to the fair around 6:30. I watched a little talent show and then connected with Mike, Kathleen and eventually Elysia. I was filling my water bottle and thought the machine wasn’t working. Turns out it was user error and the sensor was seeing through my bottle. Previous times I must have had the logo in the right spot without realizing. A lady waiting and watching me laughed with me when I realized what I was doing wrong.

After numerous slow texts trying to triangulate positions with Elysia. I’d say we were one place and by the time she got the text and arrived… we’d be gone. Elysia found us and had a special treat! The Donut Family blueberry compote lemon curd covered mini donuts.

I can’t eat the whipped cream on top, but I dove into the rest face first. I, of course, was wearing white, and carrying two beverages, so E offered to feed me as we walked! Miraculously, my shirt remained unsullied by blueberry stains!

The goal was to get to Bazaar to hear ABBAsolutelyFab, an ABBA tribute band. We found a stand up table at which to perch. I’m glad we didn’t have seats, because I preferred standing, dancing and singing loudly. They were ABBAfab!

I noticed Mike was wearing his talent show t-shirt so had to take a pic. It’s the 50th annual show!

The fireworks went off behind us as the band played on. What a great day!

I started the day sleeping in a bit. Then as I sat sipping coffee in my pajamas, I got a photo message from Karla.

My moms sister, my Aunt Marge and Uncle Glenn were with them at the fair.

I hopped out of my chair, and got ready to go and made it through traffic and onto the grounds in under an hour.

Karla messaged to say Glenn was parked at Leinie Lodge. As I approached I thought he should be easy to find!

He wasn’t! Glenn enjoys people watching and sitting around a bit. I found him relaxing in a the shade near the Space Tower.

It was fun to have some time to visit with him! The rest of the family was out foraging.

Marge returned shortly with cookies! This year there are no cones. You can get an actual cup for $10, a bucket will run you $19.

After a bit of cell communication the Rachac’s arrived with more bounty!

All I had to offer was dental floss!

We moved from the shady, filthy table over to Bailey House benches to await more family and the parade. We left Glenn & Karla to save 22’ of bench space, while I took Steve & Marge on a shortcut mission to get Fresh French Fries!

I left them in a long line for fries, while I cut straight across the backs & sides of buildings on my way to get Dimitri’s gyro. One of the buildings I sneak past is Sweet Martha’s. I had a plan to get cookies later before I left the grounds, for a family event.

But as I approached, there was no waiting along the path. I stopped and picked up a bucket. I might have the blue ribbon winning pot luck contribution!

I kept on a straight trajectory across hell street, which in actuality, wasn’t as hellish as I expected.

With my cookies ziplocked and lid locked for a road trip, I got to the gyro spot and asked if they could pack that to go too. I hurried back through my shortcuts, stopping at one of the new water bottle filling stations on the exterior wall of the food building and made it back to the parade route not long after the French fries did!

I opened up all the foil and found a hot sandwich and large cup of sauce! It wasn’t as messy and you get lots of tzatziki!

Karla chose a coupon book instead of the annual pin with her Friends of the Fair benefit package. She kinda wanted the pin and asked if I knew how to get one. I happened to have an unused book. (I was gifted a couple by people leaving the fair one day). I said she should see if they’d exchange it at the Bailey House tent (right behind us). Voila!

More cousins arrived and we filled the benches and watched the parade. With cooler temps (only 82°) today, there was a mix of band uniforms. I’m always impressed by the kids in full dress!

The only horses present were the Wells Fargo team again. Such beautiful animals.

Fairchild was on my side of the float today.

After the parade, I took a quick group photo and gathered up my belongings and headed home. It took almost an hour to get back down Lexington to home.

Randy, Jack, and I headed off to another cousins family gathering. There were quite a few Sweet Martha fans present! Tomorrow I’ll have an early start so I think I’m staying home tonight.

It’s a perfect fair day. I knew how crowded it would be, so decided to head to the fair after 5:00pm. My legs and feet were happy with the decision!

My new eyes are working out great! I was able to blog, put my glasses on and readjust for a bit, then have single vision and see pretty clearly! I know I’m effusive about it, but it’s really a big deal. My vision has been a real struggle for months.

Traffic was slow, but no back-ups, and I got to my spot to find a lovely sign. My hosts have been very busy with life, and they contract parking spots for a vendor and those are marked well, but mine was not, until now. It’s been an issue with the vendor people parking in undesignated spots, paying no attention to the signs. Kathleen has eyewitness airport accounts of how people lose their minds embarking on vacation and I think it happens at the fair too. They’re just so excited to get there, they notice nothing on the way in. It isn’t until they’re searching later for where they parked that it becomes clear they have no idea.

I grabbed my jacket, put on bug spray and walked over to the fair. I got on grounds a little after 5:00. I was hoping to connect with some friends, but I was a little late. They decided to head out. There were lots more people heading out, than in.

I knew I had to get my recipe card and meet up with Mike & Kathleen around 7:00, but otherwise I was a wanderer. I walked into the front door of Creative Activities and it was quite open, sans people. It only took a few minutes to realize why. The building was still retaining the previous days heat. I was dressed for a cool evening and starting to sweat, so I grabbed my recipe card and popped back out the side door.

I realize the recipe cards I have, all say OVER on the bottom. If anyone wants the entire recipe, just let me know! It could be “The Great State Fair Baking Challenge” where you only get part of the recipe.

I walked up Cosgrove and looking up the hill, noted the Rick’s pickle pizza line was all the way to the top of the street. Looking to my left, it was also all the way to the bottom. I tried to take a panoramic. It’s a little hard to capture the breadth and the scope of the determined people!

I hoped the Fine Art building didn’t have the same ventilation issue as Creative Activities, but I also really wanted to see the State Fair Commemorative art, which this year is Crop Art. You can see a replica of this hanging in Ag/Hort, but the frame makes this incredible picture really stunning. Liz Schreiber is an award winning crop artist from years past and was chosen to create a piece for 2023.

It wasn’t crowded and it was warm in the building, but not hot, so I turned left and looked for display #18 and began my backward foray, walking against the flow of people. I’m not one to follow in a line. Randy had shared an article about some of not to miss pieces this morning, so I was on the lookout for those. So much creativity and beauty in this space.

Texture & depth

Color.

This I thought was a pallet hanging on the wall. It’s not.

The beauty is often in the details.

Sculpture.

This was the resident artist today.

Movement.

Fun to look at.

From a distance, I saw a painted dune scape. It’s a single piece of stained wood.

Photography.

Power.

This is The Covenant. The stack of paper consists of land covenant documents, many still in deeds today that restrict selling or leasing property to people who are not “white or Caucasian race”.

A younger black man was looking at it near me and commented. “What’s that?, just a stack of paper? I explained what it was and he started looking at it seriously. I just said it was a powerful statement. A horribly powerful statement. He thanked me for showing him that it was more than what he first saw.

I always go through the numbered exhibit walls, counting backwards, so I don’t miss anything. I thought I missed the #2 wall, then upon retracing my steps and asking a volunteer docent, I realized the space occupied by the Studio Here artist is numbered two.

Stepping outside, I cooled immediately. But once I started walking in the crowds, I warmed up again. The Green Mill has a food truck up here on the edge of Baldwin Park, and they have a new food, Cheese curd stuffed pretzel pizza. Not for me, but apparently it’s popular. I tried to get another panoramic of this excruciatingly long line.

It was nearing the time I needed to meet my brother, but I didn’t want to have to divert them in pursuit of my adult beverages, so I stared walking southwest.

Uff it’s peopley out here… and a pikachu shall lead them all.

I wanted to get a picture of the MOA booth and found that was a one day deal. When people ask, what’s the point in going every day, this is why. Many things are single day events or pop ups.

The fairgrounds have a day twelve smell. Sweat, grease, livestock. We need rain for a good cleanse. Zero rain in the forecast, but I stopped by the Humana booth and picked up a rain poncho. Sadly, this might ensure it won’t ever rain!

Having brushed elbows (and many other body parts) with too many people, I decided to take the cut through. It smells bad and it’s not pretty but it’s EMPTY.

Stopped to fill my water bottle at the KARE barn and what a difference a day makes. There was a line out the door previously.

I waited in a long line at Cafe Caribe to get my beverages and as I walked back up eastward, I laughed to myself as I remembered what Bart said about my new vision acuity! “Seeing single and drinking double!”

Mike & Kathleen arrived at the meeting place, and also needed food and beverages. Kathleen, the healthiest eater of us steered us towards the French Meadow, where we had a short wait for Earth Wings. Yum, so good. Flash fried (not battered) cauliflower florets with organic sesame bbq sauce. They cooked them fresh for us and we just had to take in the aroma as we walked back towards food stop #2, the Midway Mens Club. I’m usually in front, leading the pack, serpentine style through the crowds, taking every shortcut I know, but tonight, possibly aided by the rapid intake of a frosty margarita, I made a wrong turn! Mike said, “you’re taking us through the corn crowd?” What have I done?

Down hill and then uphill, we snaked through all the people to get back up where we intended to be. I lead them all to the back side of the booth, where Mike got $6 Hamms and $4 double cheeseburgers for the crew, while Kathleen and I scored a table. There’s a bit of a slant back here, so I was feeling a bit short.

We were on the hunt for some music. The State Fair is the largest annual music festival with over 900 acts in 12 days. My 12 tickets cost $180. Much less than a Coachella Pass!

Walking up to the North end, we took in the many faces of the Giant Wheel.

Most of the shops up on the North End were closed up, except Homespun and Good Things. Homespun has a funny, not funny, t-shirt that I might have purchased in a magnet form.

Can Can Wonderland has a putt-putt golf course up here. All the holes have a state fair theme. It’ll be worth a stop back in daylight.

My traveling companions willing to pose for me.

We listened to a little music and headed back toward the south side. As we closed in on the International Bazaar, we saw a guy wearing an awesome serape! As we stared at the clothing, a women grabbed me in a big hug! Turns out, the serape wearer was the son of Mike & my lifelong friend Tracy! Best hug ever ❤️

We hung out at the bazaar listening to Free & Easy for a bit. Michael went in search of his favorite food and stuck his head inside the mostly closed up West Indies Soul booth. The ladies there seem to love him. He inquired about the hot beef (which was sold out) and one gal counting money said “many people have asked… one of them cried”. They did give him the last of the jerk wings though.

They closed up the gates of bazaar, pushing us all out, so we wandered aimlessly on an absolutely beautiful evening, ending up listening to the last set of Naturally 7 at the Leinie Bandshell.

It was a great way to end the evening!