The morning broke with a clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight.

I had planned to share my State Fair day with Sara at Tipsy Pies. She was excited to see the fair through my eyes. Unfortunately for me and not quite as unfortunate for her, the pie business was booming from the record crowds and she and her crew were working overtime making more pies to keep people like me well supplied!

My day was now unscripted, so I was ready to go with the flow.

I stopped into the Creative Activities to get my recipe card. Today was beer bread. The award winning baker was there and brought the bread to taste! I’m glad I was there early as she just had one loaf to share. She even brought butter!

I had friends volunteering in the U of MN booth today, representing CLA. They had a fun photo booth set up. I never did log in later to find the pictures we took. But I have the process shots.

I asked Sarah K. if she had a fanny pack that I could use for the blog as photo evidence only, not to keep. I was granted permission to take a photo and promptly return it to the box behind the curtain

Rebecca was willing to tag along and keep me company for a bit. I had to get breakfast, so I treated her to her first blueberry tipsy pie! Sara was sad she had to work, but grateful for the successful state fair run.

I had heard reports of a couple different apples being featured at the fair this year. The U of MN was selling the new “First Kiss” that we tried on Day One. Thrn there were reports of the “Lemonade Apple” on the news. I thought they were the same thing. Then I heard The Lemonade Apple was available at the Produce Exchange. Apparently people were critical of the booth for selling an apple from New Zealand. When I stopped to get my fruit supply for the day, I inquired about the controversy. The owner informed me that he tried to order the “First Kiss” apple, but the U of MN would not let anyone else sell it but their booth in Ag/Hort, which is fine, but he needed something that stood out to remain competitive. Hence the New Zealand Lemonade. I will admit, the apple was delicious and lived up to its name! The First KISS was good, but this really did taste like lemonade. I wonder what kind of pie they would make?!?

I had yet to go for a ride in the Sky Glider, so Rebecca and I made our way across the grounds towards the Grandstand. I ran into John & Margaret who followed us in Glider.

I feel like shoe, flag, Wheel and roof pictures are obligatory on this ride. It might just be force of habit. Rebecca obliged.

Once on the ground on the north end, we started back tracking to the Eco Experience. On the way we passed by the noisy tractors. I’m quite sure this “electrified” plastic fence is an ineffective deterrent.

The sunflowers at the Little Hands Farm are stunning, towering overhead and reaching for the sun.

Rebecca & I got BINGO cards and completed the coverall! They had restocked the silverware, so I got another one for the camping box. I also convinced her to join me in the photo op sewer drain. She refused to pose with the dog poo though!

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency was giving away a kayak to one winner who would be willing to sign up and be a lake pollution monitor. I signed up for Como Lake, but I was never contacted. I’m guessing there were lots of volunteers for Como!

Just outside the Eco Building is a new traveling exhibit. It’s for RALLY Health, a new health goal incentive based app to increase preventive measures for wellness. The interactive exhibit looked like fun and there was no line. It was a mini golf course with games along the way and once you filled your stamp card, you got to play Plinko and win a fabulous prize! Rebecca is sporting her fancy orange sunglasses! I got a water bottle.

Rebecca wanted to see some of the Fine Art. I’m sure I didn’t see it all my first time through. Sure enough, I’m not sure how I missed the black rubber ?sculpture?, and the gilded toilet brush. Black & White, Yin & Yan?

I saw the car collage picture the first time through. The rainbow colors appealed to my senses. I did see on second glance, the little green frog car.

Rebecca joined me for the date stamp photo today. If you’re hanging with me and we’re near the Forest, be prepared to join me!

Rebecca has to get back to the U of MN booth to help out, so we made our way back, stopping to check the hot dog count in the Education Building

And I ran into Weef, who I haven’t seen in years, for the second time in a week! It is the Great Get-Together!

As we returned Rebecca to her post, Goldy Gopher was scheduled to make an appearance soon.

I found a seat and waited for the opportunity to get a picture with him.

When I posted the picture of my selfie with Smokey Bear, a friend suggested I get a picture with all the mascots I can. I took it as a challenge.

My first task was to figure out how many mascots there actually are! I had help from people sending me tips! Some of the mascot selfies took subterfuge and stalking. This one with Goldy checked one more off the list!

My goal for the day was to find TC Bear, Luna from PBC, the Minnesota United FC Loon, Nordy of The Wild, and any others I encounter. Turns out there is a Emerald Ash Borer. (I got a picture last year!) and Elmer the Elm Tree. I’m guessing the list is endless, but the gauntlet was thrown.

I got a message from my cousins visiting from New York. They wanted a guide to Grammie’s bench. Knowing it was right around the corner, I decided to just rest in the sun on my bench and let them come to me.

We connected and walked around the corner and captured a couple traditional photos.

I had a plan to hunt down as many mascots as I could in one spot. The parade queue outside the fairgrounds across Como. I got my hand stamped and headed across the street to the back corners of the parking lot.

I stalked the mascot vans and stayed close to their parade vehicles and was successful capturing TC Bear.

And Nordy hopped out of his refrigerated van a couple seconds before parade time, but he stopped for a few seconds so I could snap a pic.

I waited for the PBS car, but they told me Luna was waiting on the grounds by the haunted house. I trucked it back over just in time to pose with her before the the escort car arrived.

I was hot, sunburned and a little hungry so I went into the Bazaar and I’m not sure what possessed me, but I ordered the sweet and sour chicken with fried rice from Panda Palace. Years ago I worked in the Bazaar (Mexican Village then) and I ate it every day. It’s not quite as good as I recollected. I ate some, but tossed most of it.

I posted my mascot progress to Facebook. I’d compile a list of mascots remaining tomorrow.

I had mascots on the brain and went over to fan central where I hoped to find more in one place. I encountered the Roller Derby mascot, Minnie.

I went to look for MNUFC Loon, but he wasn’t scheduled to make an appearance until later.

I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see Crunch of the Timberwolves. His scheduled fair appearances were completed.

I walked over to the DFL to check on the “Bean Poll” and the tally for Warren was increasing!

I decided it was a good day to try the Hamline Dining Hall exclusive ice cream flavor, Dessa’s Night Drive. The ingredient list seemed like it might be too much going on, but the flavor combinations were delicious! There are very few foods I eat repeatedly…. like Blueberry pie and foot long hot dogs, but I might have to eat this again!

I wanted to check out another new food, the brisket grilled cheese at the former Famous Dave’s booth “RC BBQ”. I just looked, but decided it was too much for me to eat alone. As I exited the booth, I bumped into a friend from church, Ruth & friend.

I got word that Martha was on the grounds and we planned to meet at the Bazaar Globe. She arrived wearing my favorite t-shirt. 💜

My only plan was to go see some of the Llama Contest. I learned last year that you can catch many of them as they head out of the staging area. The lighting inside the arena is hard to take pictures. On our way to the barns, I ran into another friend from church, Ken!

Martha hasn’t seen any animals yet, so we quickly walked through the cattle & swine barns. I found my Brown Swiss!

It was pretty early for the Llamas, but we found some in the stalls getting ready.

I ran into a friend Jean from work coming to see the Llamas too!

Martha’s sister Liz has just arrived and she was in search of dinner. Instead of waiting for Llamas, we met Liz at the Blue Moon Cafe to try the new Turkish Pizza. I wish I had tried this sooner. It’s my new favorite this year. It’s fresh, healthy, delicious and best shared with others.

The three of us lingered on the patio and enjoyed dinner conversation on a beautiful evening.

These two had stuff to see and do, and were headed to Creative Activities. I tagged along, but took a detour when I heard from my from my old Girl Scout friend Jeannie that she was near the education building. I popped in to say Hi and grab a photo op.

I was sunburnt and tired, so I decided to skip the Queen tribute band at the bandshell and head home. I’d have another chance to see them tomorrow.

I checked my Fitbit step tally and it made sense why I was a bit worn out.

There are still five days to go. I need to rest up for the home stretch.