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!