The last day is always family day. I wasn’t sure Randy was gonna make it out at all this year. With the generally low attendance, the beautiful cool weather and dreams of hot dogs, malts and cookies he decided to try.

First stop was breakfast!

The pie tally was woefully small this year. I had to have one today! Sara was there, happy, but ready to be done. She said that nothing was consistent this year, not even me!

Jack got a gyro and we found a table in Carousel Park. I don’t ever remember a year when I’ve spent so much time looking for the open, empty spaces at the fair.

We walked on through the other side of the park and just missed seeing these beautiful Hmong dancers perform for Hmong Minnesota Day. I loved their theme “Stronger Together”.

They were setting up a photo booth where you could take a picture with gymnastics gold medalist Sunisa Lee’s image. It would have been amazing to have her at the fair, but she’s rehearsing for Dancing with the Stars! It was getting warmer and more crowded, so we didn’t wait around for the photo op.

I wanted to see the completed murals at the Joyful World exhibit. They were all complete except one. If anyone stayed late and got a picture, please share it. The artists were all found through “Forecast Public Art”. I can check the website later to see if they’re posted there too. This was one of my favorite things to watch transpire this year!

This is as close as I got to the midway this year. I never ventured in. The only rides that capture your attention with any height this year are the Swing, way in back, and the Air Max. The Ferris wheels are all gone and apparently there was a new roller coaster.

There were a few creepy clown trash cans around this year too.

Randy wanted a chocolate malt, so we went to the Gopher Dairy Bar. The other favorite malt from Kiwanis was too far away today.

I went for a little ride when he was fetching his malt. Hee hee!

For 50 years, we’d always duck into the office behind this wall, or into the Horse Barn office to say Hi to the Peterson Family. This year there was no one there. The end of a dynasty!

Jack & Randy cruised through the Coliseum. I just wanted the butter toffee peanuts so I departed the building after that. It was too busy for my liking.

I sat outside staring at an ashtray. There are smoking sections at the fair, but I didn’t realize many people actually use them! it is however odd placement, right outside the door.

Next stop, Randy got a Turkey to go sandwich. I was rapidly getting overwhelmed by the people. I got my last two slushies!

Jack & Randy stopped to look at big fish. I was incorrect in every attempt to identify a species.

Lots of space to see the fish! Lots of sun too!

Jack was hankering for a sundae, so he ducked into the Dairy Building while we waited outside on a bench.

Jack got a great unimpeded photo of all the completed butterhead carvings too!

To ensure corroboration of his story that he actually attended the fair, Randy needed a witness. We stopped at the Ball Park to say Hi to hard working Nate. It was too busy for me to do in, but I looked for an exterior table. There were few to be had and Randy’s energy was waning too.

Mike & Kathleen messaged to see what we were up to. They were ready to come over to the fair. I started thinking about possibly returning to the fair later.

We had a couple more food stops to make. Jack wanted to stock the freezer with Sweet Martha’s (does he not know I can bake?!?), Randy wanted a Poncho Dog, while Jack and I enjoyed our last egg roll and wontons. I picked up an extra egg roll for a friend!

The people were coming in, we were headed out, and I got a stamp, just in case I decided to return.

We returned to our parking spot one last time, and turned it over for Michael to use. I thanked our gracious hosts for the safety, security and companionship. It was so much more than just a parking place.

We were like salmon swimming upstream as we left the neighborhood. I dropped off the family, went to deliver the postcards and egg roll, came home and sat down. I started to blog and promptly fell asleep in my chair for the next two hours.

When I woke up, we had some dinner and then went to bed! I checked in with Mike & Kathleen, who had just left the ground before reports of more shenanigans. Kids tried to storm the gate after closing and officers had to “deploy chemical deterrents”. Other than a few isolated incidents, it’s been a great fair. Considering we were all locked down for 18 months and forgot how to behave in public, the attendees at the fair were mostly OK. I expected things could be worse. There were a couple offensive political booths, but in general there was less vitriol than past years. I’m hopeful, but not optimistic that the Covid cases will not surge in a couple weeks. I know I took a physical health risk going to the fair every day, but ~not~ going would have taken a toll on my mental health. It’s a risk I needed to take.

I will take my rapid tests over the next two weeks, wear my mask and pray I did my part to keep all those I love healthy.

Here’s hoping 2022 will be a different experience!

Sunday was looking to be a repeat of Saturday, only hopefully less shenanigans! Some of the reports of a gun, shots fired, fights, state fair on lockdown and arrests were true. The situation we were witness to was simply a kid behind apprehended because someone said he had a gun, but he did not. No shots were fired, but there was a time that the gates were locked down for public safety as a brawl took place outside the Como gate. I’m telling ya, Saturday night is amateur night.

The sun was shining, temps in the 70’s and breezy made me happy and helped me forget how sore my feet were!

I walked up Cosgrove just at the right time! It’s good to know that clogging is alive and well in our great state! It used to be a staple act in the talent shows, but not any more.

I grabbed some lunch before my shift. I have to savor my last hotdog for another year!

We had an almost full slate of volunteers in the Forest today, so I did something I’ve never done. I asked for a sit down job! I got to hang out at the Author table and help kids write their own State Fair adventure books. It’s usually occupied by an author, but we had a few cancel due to Covid concerns. A universal state fair problem this year, when they chose to not mandate masks or vaccines.

I was able to rest my feet while still engaging with little readers and writers! It was especially wonderful to have extra time to really enjoy visits from my former teaching families!

I had one more special visit from a ~long time~ former family! It mean a lot when they make the trek up to this part of the fair, just to see me ❤️ Tori and Dylan have changed just a little since they were two!

It was a little bittersweet to say goodbye when I left the Alphabet Forest today. I’ve had such a great time meeting and working alongside some fun and inspiring people! I look forward to doing it again next year snd I hope to see some of the same faces!

My only tentative plan for the evening was the Amateur Talent Show Finals in the grandstand at 7:30. There were lots of factors involved in my go/no go decision; would the grandstand feel too crowded, would I get too tired, too much sun and mostly, would I be all alone? The usual suspects I hang out with at this event were also tentative with their plans. I knew Karla & Steve were on the grounds and they might come, so I’d see.

I had three hours to kill, so I went to check on the final recipe card status. The brochures said that it was TBD, and I hadn’t seen a new one on my way in this morning. All five of the previous recipes were on the table, but not a new one. There was no one in the office to inquire, so I’d have to check on Labor Day. As I turned to leave, I was distracted by shiny objects! The amazing glass artist had set up shop here at some point. He’s blowing the pieces down at the West End. Somehow I missed that.

My friend Helen requested some postcards, so I wandered down to the FairWear shop near the visitor plaza and found these guys! No line, so I jumped in for a selfie!

I fulfilled the postcard request and walked over to hear the UofMN alumni band play the rouser! I’m proud of myself and love the fact that I finally have an alma mater!

I was in possession of two tickets to the Sky Glider and there couldn’t be a prettier day to see the sights, so I decided I’d take a round trip flight. Great minds think alike and I found these guys waiting in the all too long line with me!

As we waited, this kid, who by day eleven was tired of telling people what was written on the signs ~all around us~ waved his arms in the air and loudly read the sign to us! “People, please….” He began as he dumped out one more persons water cup. I love his smile, despite his frustration!

As I hopped into my seat, I realized I had problematic footwear today! It was too late and too risky to remove them at this point, so I just prayed they’d stay put, and if not the whole ride, at least until the ride made it over the area that was inside that ~exterior~ fence line! Uff, my feet are so gross! Once my toe is healed, I’ll finally get that pedicure! These shoes will be thrown out after the fair. I have a new pair waiting!

The breeze was lovely and the tattered flags flew high!

Today, there were no empty glider chairs coming or going! As I rode and ruminated on my next move, I recollected those blueberry donuts and decided I would disembark to get some and then hop back on the glider to return, if passing over the Little Hands Farm roof didn’t ruin my appetite.

I noticed the long line to get back onto the glider, but my desire for donuts, and the need to get the blood moving back up from my feet again, impelled me off the ride.

The line for donuts was very short, thankfully. I grabbed my bag and found a shady bench. Karla & Steve had gone to watch the stunt rescue dog show and I messaged to see if they were still up on this end. I didn’t hear back, so I got back in the line for the return trip. Uff da! It was a 45 minute queue in the hot sun. Glad I was fortified with donuts and had found a spot to refill my water bottle. I would be sure to tuck it safely in my backpack, lest I break any glider rules with a beverage! Once on the ride, I realized, again too late I’d failed to remove my shoes! But I took a quick photo of the line, which had not dwindled in size.

I also realized too late, since I had my ticket in hand, that our dear friend Roxy was probably in that ticket booth and I failed to say hi!

I tried to get a selfie with the wheel, without losing my shoes or dropping my phone. It’s harder than you’d think, at least for me! I sort of look generally annoyed.

I made it to the other end with my phone and my shoes, thankfully.

I now desired shade and a drink! I got another slushy, but today, it was harder finding a seat in the shade. I first sat down at an old painted picnic table. I realized my cup had the fair logo on it! (Some did, some did not). I liked the aesthetic and palette of this photo.

I was in semi shade, but went further into the DNR woods to really feel cooler and distant from all the people. I walked past the Ranger Tower, and not that I was in any shape to climb it this year, it was still sad to see this sign.

All the reasonable seating was full, but I found an empty low log bench, hoping if I sat for a while, I’d be able to get up again!

My beverage was so tasty and cold!

I sat for a bit checking in on social media and saw that I was invited to join some friends for the talent show tonight. I’d sent a message earlier asking, since I knew they’d be there, and unsure if I’d have any other people.

It was drawing close to the time they open the grandstand gates, so I checked myself for all my belongings and was sure I had my extra beverage and walked over and up the Grandstand ramp. I have only entered the building to access the corner bathroom & water station on the ground floor, but no further. I wanted to be on the second level for the show, so this was a good opportunity to check it out. I thought most people would be outside! I was wrong. It was busy, but I was here, so I checked out the Turman art quickly. I think this mural was new, probably done to commemorate the 50 Years of The Giant Slide in 2019.

I made my way to the east end as fast as I could, trying not to collide with dilly~dalliers. I was expecting to see a kind of people formed waiting to get inside, but the gates were open! I was slightly concerned that I might be too late to find my favorite front row seat. I’m claustrophobic, so I need to be able to get out with ease. I did not need to worry at all. The place was almost empty. I walked all the way down the rows and my friends had arrived early too. There were lots of seats available to me.

It turns out I did not need to be worried about sitting alone. Karla & Steve arrived soon and my usual suspects all decided to come too. They found seats on the other end of the stands and I was chatting with them, who should come along but more family friends!

The mascots were running around tossing T-shirts and getting the crowd excited. It took me a minute to get my camera ready, so I missed them coming towards me. I did however capture this sunset image that I love.

We all got seated and I saw a great show with these dear old friends!

Typically, we rarely agree with the judges final decisions, but this year, we were slightly more in alignment. We were very happy about the big winners, Elite Family Dance. They were awesome and deserving of the win!

I got a message from my parking hosts, who were also in the stands. I made arrange to to walk home with them after the fireworks. We had a great vantage!

I was coming to the fair on Labor Day with the family, but I knew it would be a short day. This was a great last night for 2021!

Everyone who has waited, came to the fair today. I’m guessing tomorrow will be much the same. Traffic levels driving over, the number of people slowly cruising the neighborhood and very few people with parking signs out, told the story. Streets were full, yards were full, I surmised the fairgrounds was too.

For many years past, I avoided the fair on the weekends. I would volunteer, then catch a talent show with Mom and head out. I signed up to volunteer earlier than I usually do this weekend so I could see the talent show finals and connect with family.

Once in the Forest I was streetside, welcoming and giving out crowns again. The Forest is always busier at this time of day, but still pretty quiet for a Saturday. This was my view.

It was a beautiful fair day and I got to see the parade march past. This was the most units I’d seen marching to date. The Roller Girls, Winter Carnival Royalty, a few bands, art cars, Vulcan Krewe and Mr. Peanut & his peanut mobile again.

After my shift I decided to head home. I hadn’t seen any talent shows this year, so I wasn’t really invested in the outcome. Especially if I was watching the show alone. I heard from Michael that he & Kathleen would love to come over. With just my one parking space this year, we try to carpool when possible. I needed a little time off my feet and out of the sun, so I headed home and I’d pick them up at 5:00. It’s really nice to have this section of Midway Parkway closed to traffic so I can walk freely and far away from others. As you can tell, it’s such a nice day that very few people are actually leaving. It’s gonna get crazy tonight.

We got back to the fair in time for dinner. The place was crowded. Not record breaking, but felt like a typical busy fair weekday. I just knew it was more people than I wanted to rub elbows with. There a couple roads less traveled, discussed in the blog, that I used to get from East to West every day. Here is a picture of one. It’s not pretty, lined with dumpsters and storage sheds, but it’s also empty of people. Nothing to see here, but it saves walking down Judson, the Fresh French Fry street or Carnes (aka “food alley”) where you have to navigate between Dino’s, Sweet Martha’s, French Meadow and Mancini’s. At the end of this hill, there is cold water at the KareBarn!

We all have the fair foods we love to eat. Michael is no exception. This stand has brats. It’s all they do, and they do it well! Michael is a fan of the booths that are open snd you can see your food being prepared. He misses the days when Juanita’s Fajitas used to have that grill up front with all the sizzling meat, and when the onions got tossed on, there was an instant line, caused simply by olfactory overload! I’m sure that food can’t be prepared up front like that anymore for sanitary reasons, but here at the 4’ X 6’ bratwurst stand, you can see them just fine!

Looking back towards the Giant Slide, the street has filled in quite a bit more!

With food on board, it was time for beverages. Back to our beverage spot at Cafe Caribe. We coordinated via text to meet these two here also.

Sara & Mike Q are usually out here a few times, but this might only be the second trip. They came for the Doobies on Tuesday and food tonight!

There is one of the newer large bathroom buildings right here, but as I went to the back to use the facility, lo and behold, I find my first line of the fair. Kathleen followed shortly after me and the line had tripled.

Ready to wander, find some good music and less people, we decided to head north. I suggested taking the sky glider up, but that line was also long!

Instead, we climbed the grandstand knoll, and walked through the fencing to take this less trodden path under the sky glider. Again nothing to see here but dumpsters and sheds, but also no people. The aerial view as you emerge out onto the road is kinda spectacular though!

I told them how Northern Tool is only a tiny tent this year, without it’s usual bin after bin of gadgets we think we really need, but tend to just glitter drawers. I do miss the batteries and the ponchos though!

Michael had a “dad moment” as he talked generators with the bored sales guy out front. Not sure why he thinks he needs a generator, but as storms rage around the country, one can’t be caught unprepared!

I’d eaten real food for dinner when I left the grounds earlier, and as we hiked north I remembered there were blueberry mini donuts to be found up here! It’s part of a huge concession complex with every fair food you can imaging across from the Home Depot. Everyone working in the booth had some kind of accent. I guessed they might have been Australian, but didn’t ask. Mike suggested we ask for no added sugar, and he was right. They were sweet enough with the berries, and pretty delicious!

We also could watch them bake… um, er…fry.

We found an outdoor patio table at the Hangar, thinking we could stay for a while, but the music started up and it was reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live sketch with Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell playing the Culps. Dare I say “musicians” who are middle school music teachers doing operatic versions of pop songs. Nope. I couldn’t stay.

The next stop would be the County Fair Talent Show finals in Baldwin Park. We stayed to see a couple acts and were happy to see these friends in attendance. They too had not seen the shows leading up to tonight.

The sun was starting to set and yet again in search of good music and a place to rest our feet, we walked back down the hill. Taking the back roads again on our way to get beverages, we noticed the same guy that gave Mike the calendar was in the KAREBarn. We sent Kathleen in this time to see if she could get one autographed by Belinda! We peered around the corner, into the empty booth, as she was brought to the secret room too and scored the prize!

The last time, we asked for one, he replied with a question that I interrupted; “Did you want the wall calendar or…”. Or what? We’ll never know, as Kathleen was asked the same question, but also jumped in with “wall calendar”. Sadly, This one was not autographed at all.

We cut through the DNR park to the back side of Cafe Caribe to refill our beverages. I got two this time, not sure if we’d be back this way! It would be easier if I wasn’t allergic to beer. There are limited options out here.

As we left, Michael suggested we take a spin through the Midway. Kathleen and I looked aghast and at the same time said “No!” It’s amateur night at the fair, and we consider ourselves professionals. Plus there was a certain electricity and vibe emanating from that direction. We made a big circle around the area, passing under the grandstand bridge and over to see if we could find good music at the West End.

We found an open table, grabbed some bull bites & bang bang to nosh as we listened, but this music was not what we had in mind either.

We started to walk up Dan Patch to take the cut through over to the bazaar, when the running started. Too many kids running in the same direction, away from the Midway. I thought something was going down behind us. As we looked to the right, towards the Frontier & Andy’s, the whole street seemed to running together. I thought they were running from something, but Kathleen noted they all had phones out in front of them, running ~towards~ something.

Glad we decided to go around that area earlier, we now picked up the pace and veered left, back up Dan Patch.

O’Gara’s was our last hope! We found a table outside and the Michael Handler Project was playing inside. Decent music, and we were out of the fracas over on the other side of the grounds.

I searched social media for a clue as to what shenanigans were going on down the street, but found only one report of a gun, a melee and cops apprehending someone on Twitter. Unsure if any of it is true.

While we enjoyed the music and beautiful weather, we were “entertained” by a conga line, loud screeching youths at the next table over and a very intoxicated man who showed exemplary coordination! Mike is thrilled here by the dance line crushing through.

The coordination was witnessed when we watched in awe as this guy dropped his napkin and using Mikes empty seat, was able to somehow balance his full drink on the edge, get the napkin, wipe his hands (?yuk?) and pick the beverage up without spilling. As he walked away another guy set his beverage on the empty seat too… and looked at us both, laughing, and said “just kidding”. He’d seen us staring at his buddy and made an hysterical follow thorough!

We waited for the fireworks and most of the grandstand crowd to exit, then made our way home. We finished up our drinks before we got to the gate, but joked about pulling a “Carol Jo” and tucking our drinks in our jackets and walking out the gate with them. It’s the memories that only surface when we’re back at the fair that makes it so special!

I better sleep fast, no time to blog, as I’m due back at the Forest at 11:45!

The morning was spent at home again resting my sore feet, but more importantly it was a big day for Jack. We had a zoom hearing before a judge, hoping he would grant Jack’s petition for a legal name change. It’s been a long awaited day! All went according to plan, but not without anxiety, knowing that one person held your future in his hands. Judge Gilligan was kind, respectful and helpful and there were lots of tears as Jack’s best friend and I testified as to the reasons we thought it was right. When the judge spoke the words, I hearby grant your petition, we all breathed a sigh of relief through our tears! We left the zoom and cheered, hugs and tissues all around! Randy was there and recorded audio of some of it for posterity. I refrained from doing rabbit ears during the actual hearing.

I delayed my attendance again, planning to only stay for my scheduled shift. The day was not only rainy, but the temperature had dropped into the 60’s! I pulled out new gear, layers for wicking, warmth and water, including gloves!

I grabbed one of each of the recipe cards on the counter as I passed Creative Activities not sure if I’d missed any. The giveaway stock is plentiful this year, most vendors have run out of nothing.

And caught the end of the parade as I walked up the hill.

Just like my father, barefoot in Birkenstock’s until the snow falls, I’d prefer to never wear socks, so today, it was a no socks, glove day in the Forest.

Another all too quiet shift, manning my post as chief of crown distribution again. I didn’t see anyone I knew until Karla & Steve stopped by at the end with their son Kory. Kory is a photographer and has won ribbons here at the fair, but they were on a mission to find a friends work in Fine Art.

I made sure no kids were around (which wasn’t hard today) and made my 2021 noodle.

I received a text from my neighbors, requesting cookies, since they weren’t getting the kids to the fair this year. It was to be my only stop and then home!

I heard from behind me as I walked, “Fairborne, taking a right!” I’ll never pass up a chance to take a pic of the mascots, so I grabbed my phone and took a pic as he zoomed past.

I walked towards Sweet Martha’s hoping to find my friend Paula somewhere along the way! I got a text from her and walked a bit farther to get a hug and a picture! I am blessed with multiple 50 year friendships!

I actually had to wait in the cookie line, but mom always taught us to go to the left. The line I chose seemed to have a crowd, but they were one family unit, so I was next!

I took a bucket picture, since I’d have to bag them up to get them safely back to the waiting children!

I rounded the corner to the WCCO water fountains to wash my hands and bag the cookies, when I spied this young friend and her roommate! The only member of the Quinn family I’ve encountered this fair!

I sent pictures to the waiting kids, letting them know I was on my way with the treasure.

I got a photo reply….I think somebody was excited!

It was only 7:30, so there were people still coming, but not close to the usual crowds. The weather factored in today. I’m curious what the attendance totals are looking like. I’ve heard people talk if 40% lower than average. The service road, open when I walked over, was now blocked again. I’m sure to keep pedestrians safer in the dark.

I looked up the attendance stats when I got home and the low numbers are astounding, but not surprising.

Tomorrow I work the early afternoon shift in the Forest. I’ll spend the entire morning blogging and hit the road by 10:30.

The morning was rainy and my feet called for ice and elevation. I had trouble getting myself together, losing my phone, my keys and my mind and was late getting over to park. Most of the neighbors (some who I had not seen since in two years) were out parking. I stopped to chat, as I’m wont to do, and told them the serendipitous parking tale from last night. As we chatted Sara came out and added to the story. When Ben returned the previous night, before he could retell what I shared, she told him about this magical, spiritual encounter she had with the last woman she parked. She had only one spot left and a car full of kids pulled up. There is some discernment that occurs when you have people parking in your private back yard, with regard to safety, timeliness and noise level when they finally leave. She wasn’t sure how late the kids would stay, and when they wanted to pay via Venmo and not cash, she declined. The next car to come by was Kathleen. Angels, just sayin’. Sara couldn’t put her finger on it, but this person parking was just special somehow. Then Ben told her the story. I repeated Kathleen’s comment on how she just felt mom embodied Sara and the neighbors could all see it. Not a dry eye in the bunch on Simpson Street for a moment. I composed myself and thinking I could almost be late for my shift, walked as fast as my feet would allow, praying I wouldn’t be delayed by the metal detectors.

I got to my post in the nick of time. The volunteers this year are in short supply but the staff and crew I work with everyday are awesome. Fortunately the dearth of volunteers coincides with a dearth of visitors.

It was a quiet, rainy afternoon in the Forest. My post today was helping to make mini banner necklaces. It can be a sticky job, but with limited visitors, I passed the time organizing letters and washing glue sticks.

One very bright spot in a gloomy day was a visit from a former family. They came up specifically to see me, which warmed my heart and they had a great time playing in the Forest!

After my shift ended at 6:00 pm, I was planning to just head home and catch up on the blog. Instead, my dear friend Helen appeared!

It’s been far too long since we’ve seen each other! We stood in the Forest catching up for about a half an hour before we realized we could ~walk~ and ~talk~. We both have the gift of gab and you could get whiplash keeping up with our conversation! Helen had one more punch on her history walking tour, so we headed to the grandstand, non stop taking. She punched her card and had to collect her prize before 8:00. It was already 7:30, we’d stood there chatting for another hour! The prize collection site was no longer inside the grandstand this year, unbeknownst to Helen, so we had to get up to the Bailey House before they closed, or I would be personally responsible for claiming her prize at a later date!

I grabbed a gyro for my dinner along the way and I apologized for automatically taking her up the path less trodden with a view of only dumpsters and bathrooms. I also conveyed my sincere apologies for talking so much and hoped I wasn’t keeping her from seeing more of the fair. Thankfully, she was just as happy to be talking, walking, catching up and reminiscing as I was.

We made it to the Bailey House with minutes to spare. They had to unlock the house to get the prizes back out, but kindly obliged.

I told Helen about the egg rolls, and she was intrigued, so we stopped and bought some to take home. They offered to wrap them up in foil for us. The smell was delicious and Helen’s egg roll didn’t make it a block before she dug in. We got a block outside the gate and stood talking for almost another hour! We decided that a lunch date to continue the conversation was a must and parted ways. I hope she saw enough of the fair on her one day outing ~before~ she found me!

I took only three pictures today. A record.

A slow moving start to the day, allowed for a last minute phone call from Michael asking to join me at the fair. Kathleen was already out on the grounds with colleagues from work, so I picked him up and we parked a little after noon.

With absolutely no agenda for the day, we went in search of lunch. In the Bazaar, Mike found his favorite Jerk wings from West Indies Soul Food. I wasn’t sure what I wanted yet, so we just pursued the vendors. Not much has changed since past years, except maybe a few less. There is a new Scandinavian t-shirt shop called Midsommar near Midtown Global, but I didn’t stop to shop. We crossed the street into Ag/Hort so he could see the crop art and whatnot. I looked over the scarecrow entries! Some were pretty creative and topical.

I always love to see the Ukrainian eggs. I’m pretty sure that dad made almost all these designs at some point.

We meandered down food alley and stopped to say hi to Mom & Dad. We entered to win a kayak, convinced I’ll get calls for a vacation time share for the rest of my life. I folded and Mike crinkled the entry forms, just like Carol Jo taught us. She won lots of drawings, so her techniques must work sometimes!

We ambled through the DNR park, looked at fish and were (not really) surprised to find nary a soul hanging around consuming all you can drink milk with buckets of cookies.

We saw some cows and llamas

Walking by the horse barns, I saw the doors were open. This particular barn has been closed every time I’ve been by. We walked through and like everything else out here, it was devoid of enhancements. The Minnesota Zoo draft horses aren’t here this year, a staple on the corner for over 25 years. There were a few horses, but lots of llamas! Tonight is the 4H llama costume contest. We might try and get back to it.

Michael hadn’t seen the mural art yet, so another progress check was in order. So many people have walked right by it and didn’t know it was there. Maybe if they had a free paint brush or tote bag, the people would line up!

My friend Gayle eats a stick of Big Fat Bacon every day that she comes to the fair. we were walking by, and for $5, and with a buddy who might share, I was gonna try it. It’s not my favorite. As a matter of fact, between the two of us, we ate about half and threw the rest away. It has a maple flavor that I didn’t like, it was leather like and chewy, not crispy at all. I’m not sure that bacon sliced that thick can be crispy. I texted Gayle and said “to each their own”!

We rounded the corner to get Mike a beer and found an open sidewalk table at the Ball Park. From there, we made a couple food and beverage runs, put our feet up and sat back and waited for the parade to pass by.

Mike got a brat, we shared some fries, and relaxed, enjoying the primo people watching spot. As the sun moved across the sky, we too moved to the other side to find shade.

A few friends found us and stopped to visit, but after a couple hours, we decided we should be sure our legs still worked and moved on.

Mike & Kathleen are wall calendar people. Mom always had a collection to share every fall from realtors, the fair and other organizations. The Friends of the Fair issued one full of beautiful fair images for many years, but discontinued it a few years ago. Since that time, without mom to collect them, finding a wall calendar has been a challenge! They learned that Kare11 had a giveaway at the KareBarn in 2019, but ran out quickly every day, due to record crowds.

Today, the crowds were growing too, but knowing all the backroads and inroads, we could avoid all the people and went in search of a calendar. The KareBarn is empty, but there was a guy distributing Pella drawstring backpacks. Mike & I asked about the calendars and like a secret deal was about to go down, the guy motioned to follow him…quietly and sneaky-like, with his finger over his lips indicating this was a hush-hush operation, he opened a yellow backpack and slid a calendar inside. We took our prize and didn’t dare open it until our next stop!

We swung through Cafe Caribe to get the good beverages, a margarita slushie for me and a Modelo Especial for Mike then arrived at the West End Schell’s stage to listen to an artist that Mike & Kathleen have seen perform and met through common friends, the Molly Maher Band. We scored a bench at back, shared with strangers. Mike opened up his prize to find not only was it a calendar, chalk full of weather information, but it was autographed by meteorologist, Laura Betker. (If Belinda had signed it, he might have died right there!). While waiting for the show to start, we regaled our new friends (bench buddies) with some of our stare fair tales.

The music was great, the sun was slowly sinking in the sky and it was so nice to just sit and enjoy it. Until the fair, I didn’t realize just how much I’ve missed live music!

Unsure how long I’d be at the fair today and my stamina, I’d made no concrete plans. But it turns out if you spend half your day resting and relaxing, you can last for hours! The concert ended and I was ready to go see some llamas. The competition was moved from the Compeer Arena (formerly AgStar) to the Coliseum this year to accommodate the increasing number of fans! I’m not spending any time inside the building this year, so I was planning to hang outside the entrance gates. My friend E messaged that she was inside waiting for the show to start. As we walked down Liggett Street, there were mounted police everywhere.

They were the llama (and handlers) security detail and as we watched we heard, “please make way for the llamas” and out they poured from the horse barn doors! There were a few themes I couldn’t decipher, like the bears riding all over the orange suit, but there was Bob Ross, a pop star, Nemo and his anemone, Elsa and Olaf, a llama in a cow suit pulling a covered wagon, and a piñata, which took first place in this class.

We thought we’d wait nearby to watch the other classes come out, and found a Coaster Car to sit in. Took a quick pic and surveyed our surroundings only to realize just how dirty, sticky not to mention sunny, our vantage was and promptly took leave.

We went to the original plan to see them under the coliseum entrance. Us along with crowds of people. Masked and stuck close to the fence, I waited around to get pictures while Mike scoped the interior. My friend E, inside, watching from the stands and from her reports of people crowding her seat, I assumed it was packed inside.

The undressed llama competition had just ended and these beauties were on the way out.

And I got a few closer shots of the kids heading in. I was sure Beauty & the Beast would be a contender!

I knew there were a couple more classes and so we went back to the barns to see behind the scenes where they get ready. We learned all about the different fibers and fleece and how to tell the difference between alpacas and llamas and that they have alpaca agility/obstacle course competition!

We were encouraged to pet these guys by a young 4H competitor. They had just arrived and would be competing in the obstacles tomorrow. These are alpacas.

As we spent time learning about and petting alpacas, we missed the middle age group class heading to the coliseum, but found the senior class lined up and ready to go.

I made the assumption based on reports that the coliseum was full and shared that tidbit with the group lined up. Some of the kids looked a bit panicked by that news. Michael corrected me. It was not packed with people when he went in and wanted to be sure the kids knew that, so I reversed my statement, and saw some relief.

That was enough llamas and alpacas so we headed back up to the other end to get some dinner and maybe see another show.

I remembered the OofDa Nachos that Mike ate the other night, so stopped and got a bucket full.

We sat at the back of the Leinie bandshell just as the talent show winners were being announced. I have yet to sit down and watch a full talent show. I’m not sure I will, despite the lack of completion for good seating!

The Legendary Wailers (minus Bob Marley) were set to perform tonight. We walked around the other side of the bandshell and Mike was so excited to find Leinie Reclinies available everywhere! I warned him repeatedly that they were super uncomfortable for any length of time and I chose a bench. He did not heed my warning. Dad always said there’s no such thing as vicarious learning.

We waited for the show to start and got a message from Kathleen asking if we thought she should come back over. Of course! After her work fair day, she had left to check on her mom, but there was still lots of fair left in this beautiful night.

She arrived a short time later, kinda shaky with a beer clutched in hand and said she had a story. I asked if she was OK, concerned she was in an accident, and after reassuring me she was, started to tell the tale. She decided to drive over instead of Uber, and get as close into the neighborhood as she could and just pay to lawn park. Tim McGraw was performing at the grandstand so attendance was greater tonight. She cruised the neighborhood for a bit and the ~only~ person out parking cars was the new owner of mom & dads house. She took a deep breath and pulled in. At this point the tears started and she described how she was welcomed into the yard, given instructions on how to park, and good advice as to how to remember where she was. She said it was like mom was right there. She couldn’t tell Sara (the new owner) who she was or she would have broken down completely. As the gracious encounter continued and Sara shared her excitement of the first fair for them living here, the moment to tell Sara who she was had passed and now it would be too awkward. Kathleen got to the fair, made a beeline for a drink and found us. She finished the story and we all dried our tears and just knew that Mom had a hand in that encounter.

We didn’t stay for more than one song. Mike learned just how uncomfortable the chairs really were.

These two cuties, waking ahead, with his prized calendar tucked in his Pella backpack.

I promised I’d get pie for Mary, our next door neighbor on Simpson. So I stopped to get one for me and one to go!

Kathleen was hungry, so we headed for her favorite all beef big dog corn dog booth. Elysia surprised me by saying she’d never seen the butterheads. It was always too crowded. I go see them every year, but once you’ve seen one, you’ve kinda seen them all.

Tonight there would be no crowds. In fact, you could take a complete photo without anyone in the way.

You could also grab a dairy goodness treat in a jiffy if you were so inclined!

Elysia enjoyed pursuing the prize winning meats and cheeses too!

My feet were telling me it was time to go, so we all made our way to the gate. No fireworks tonight, it could be a late concert.

As we walked across Snelling, there was a line for the shuttle busses, so I offered to take E to her car again. As we walked down the service drive of Midway Parkway, I noticed no traffic. One of the vendors said the cops closed the road because someone had been hurt earlier and to prevent the people who apparently pull up to shop the vendors along the street from blocking the through traffic. I think it’s a great idea. I always dodge cars and walk in the street to avoid navigating the narrow, uneven, tree covered sidewalk full of tired people stopping and starting as they try to remember where they parked and convince the kids they don’t need more donuts on the drive home.

Retuning to the neighborhood, I delivered the pie and watched Mike & Kathleen head into our former back yard. It was strange, but somehow OK.

I arrived at my car, two doors down, to find the neighbors enjoying wine night. Sara’s husband Ben was there and I retold the parking tale. We all agreed there were angels and magic involved.

Driving E to her park & ride, she was sad that it might be her last time at the fair this year. There’s only five days left. I’m hoping my feet will hold up!