Today was my day.

I wasn’t in a hurry to get on the grounds, so I watched a bit of live fair coverage on TV. Jerrod Scott did a segment on Minnesota makers and featured my two favorite Sara(h)’s! Tipsy Pies & the “proFAIRsional” hat from ~i like you~ were showcased! They also did a segment sharing the secret of the Midway Mens’ Club. Shhhhh, we don’t want this place to be ~too~ busy for us! Stephanie March, the food editor for MPLS St.Paul Magazine was there and she referred to the fair as “Brigadoon”! Only it’s every year instead of once in a hundred and lasts twelve days instead of only one…. I’m still gonna use that!

I knew a few people would be out & about, but had no plans to journey together. I arrived around 11:00am and there was no line at all.

There was so much I still had to do. Other than a few timely events, I had the day to wander.

I snuck in the side of Creative Activities and grabbed the recipe card for the day. This one is just for the blogs’ sake. I most likely won’t make it.

The streets were sparse again today, the weather gorgeous. Walking in the sun was hot, but shady spots were lovely. I typically walk down the middle of the street, but sidewalks were even sparse today. I passed the U of MN building and walked right up to claim a Fanny pack. I’d seem lines winding for a block earlier in the fair.

I’ve met so many wonderful people through my volunteering at the Alphabet Forest. Two of those people were making a very special appearance in Dan Patch Park today. It’s officially Kids Day, but Wednesday used to be Read & Ride Day and you’d get a ticket discount with your library card! Now it’s referred to as Library Day.

As I walked into Dan Patch Park, I was met with a story walk. “See the Dog” is all about a cat, and “See the Cat” is about a dog. Both books written and illustrated by David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka.

They were both here today signing bags, books, book marks, or anything you asked them to!

I was given a lovely ~canvas~ tote bag and I got to go vote for my best pet. I voted “dog”. Sorry Scrappy Cat.

There was a tent filled with fun activities hosted by MELSA. Librarian volunteers helping kids make personalized glitter bags, wheels to spin and on one side I got to make State Fair buttons! You were able to choose a spot from a map and punch it out and the librarians helped press it into a button. There was no crowd to speak of (sadly, I wish it was busier with kids) so I was able to make a couple buttons!

It was closing in on noon when I knew my friend Judy would be performing with the Klondike Kates at the Frontier Saloon.

I just had to walk back across the street and there she was!

I sat down for a bit and was joined by Kathy & Tom from church. We stayed for a couple numbers and then, having lots on our to do lists, we snuck out, chatted for a bit, and moved on. When we were together Kathy gave me the great idea to use a daily schedule and punch out Fairchild to make a button! I had to find an information booth at some point today!

They took their leave of me at the base of the Grandstand ramp. I slowly climbed the ramp in the hot sun, taking a little time to enjoy my view. This was looking down at the library tent. No crowds at all.

Once inside the Grandstand, it too was nearly empty. If there aren’t thousands of people it’s very cool up here. Adam Turman’s booth greets you first as usual.

I love his whimsy and artistic talent. These are all the large murals surrounding the booth.

He created two new images for this year, but decided the favorite was the butterhead.

He’d made a pontoon theme one, but they were on the clearance rack! I agree with his preference, especially for the fair!

I’d never noticed his renditions of a Minnesota classic!

I took my time wandering around the second floor. This year it seems to be full of mostly local makers. I spent quite a bit of time looking around the Holly House Boutique. So many things caught my eye, but nothing I needed to collect. Coasters, t-shirts, dishes, tea towels. If they had the lefse t-shirt on a coaster, I might have bought it.

I couldn’t resist the recycled sweater mittens, made in Alexandria. Functional and fancy! I found a pair to fit my XL hands. FYI, the whole shop is half off on Labor Day!

If you’re into Pickleball, Holly House has an entire booth just for you!

Walking around to the other side, I rounded the corner and saw this safety warning. I wonder how many people tripped and fell over that raised garage flooring the first day, before they found the tape and cone!

There is a new piece of outdoor equipment for sale this year. A cyclone seat. They look like they’d be pretty functional, but I’m concerned with how low they are and there’s nothing to hold onto to assist with getting up and down. I’ll have to think about it. It’s certainly compact and sort of lightweight. You can get an added tushy cushion!

I saw this dish towel shop “Bunnies & Bows” and while there were hundreds to choose from, these two gave me a chuckle.

Another shop full of fun things is called Root’d. It reminded me of the Bibelot.

Walking down the center stairwell, I stopped to take in the view of empty space!

On the bottom of the Grandstand are many old favorites and some new vendors. VitaMix and the Salsa guy are still at it!

And you can still get a computer generated personality profile. I don’t think they have hanging chads anymore though!

I found the NordicWare booth and got a coupon to use in store. Why carry around baking gear out here? The Doughmakers booth with non stick cookie sheets, I’ve used and loved for years are relegated to an interior aisle spot. The owner/manager told me it’s his last year out here. I wonder if Nordic Ware bumped him. Three XL sheets for $48. (Buy two get one free)

The Shamm-WOW guy is also relegated to a tiny corner behind the bathrooms. I asked and they are no longer in the Coliseum or Merchandise Mart! Does all of Minnesota already have enough chamois cloths? I got a sample square. They’re handy in the car! Better than Bounty!

It was nice to see Black Lives Matter had a spot. Small time operation, but it was a busy corner!

There is a huge booth selling Matryoshkas and jewelry in here. I wonder if it’s moved from the Bazaar, or just another one. They did have an item I thought benefited them people of Ukraine. Upon closer inspection, proceeds went to ~pets~ of Ukraine. Also a worthy cause, but I’ll support the people first!

I found the people selling honey, but they told me they didn’t have the kind I tried up in Eco yesterday. But while posting this photo, I actually see it in the lower right corner. There were so many kinds, it got lost in plain sight. Obviously even the workers don’t know their inventory!

There are lots of smelly scented things I try to avoid…

but this one I thought might smell great…. Turns out it was just a pot of water with a pump in it to look like the corn was boiling. A gimmick to sell spices. The company name appealed to me! “Here’s the Deal” 😂

I left the Grandstand, having purchased only mittens and sat on a bench in the shade of the building, watching people and enjoying the breeze. I hadn’t eaten anything yet and had not had enough water. I drained my water bottle thinking about lunch. I texted a friend for suggestions, but settled on a Giant Juicy Turkey sandwich and margarita slushie! As I was sitting to eat, a nice couple handed me an unused coupon book.

Since the Grandstand was so empty I thought the Coliseum might be too. It wasn’t bad and so I began my clockwise tour of the building. It’s strange to me where some vendors have landed this year. Does the fair decide this? Do vendors have a say in the matter? The Marionette booth that used to stand in the open air at Baldwin Park and distract all the children in the photo booth at the Alphabet Forest, is now relegated to this dark corner. Seems detrimental to business. I know it’s a slow day, but the guy has time and space to vacuum!

This is typically a great Minnesota shirt, but this year there’s nary a bug!

I saw a product (maybe not new) combining “Lego” bricks and a customizable photo puzzle. Not sure what I’d do with it once it’s complete though….

And is everyone excited to see the granny square look back in fashion? At least in the coliseum….

I found the vendor selling the Concha Burger. It’s a burger with pepper jack cheese, bacon, pickled jalapeños, raspberrry aioli on a sweet concha bun. The buns are different colors and I wanted to check on the red dye situation. They keep the buns hidden (or ‘fresh’ as he told me) but they have yellow, blue, green and pink ones. If I can get a willing partner I might try it. I won’t eat a whole one.

The coliseum is also where you find the deep fried ice cream. This isn’t something I’d ever eat.

I had to stop for a cow crossing, and not wanting to spend any extra time indoors with the hay, straw and dirt, I popped outside to find myself face to face with this beauty!

I finished up my time in the Coliseum back where I started…at the Simply Nuts booth. I bought my coupon worth of toffee peanuts and also got some cashews. It’s good to have a quick protein snack out here.

I left the Coliseum and went over to drop my coupon book lottery entries at the Minnesota lottery tent. I decided to try my luck with $20, but all I got was a lousy t-shirt. No millions.

I knew my friend Gayle was out here today. We haven’t run into each since day one at the crop art reveal. She was always at big fat bacon while I was getting pie! We connected, finally, at a table behind the lottery booth. I found Gayle & Michelle, relaxing in the semi-shade.

As we sat catching up on our fair adventures, Gayle’s cousin Peggy and her husband Bob stopped to say hi!

I gave my lottery t-shirt to Gayle. I’ll never wear a round neck shirt. I pulled my cashews and water out for a snack only to find the cashews were covered in sugar. Not what I thought I got, but I ate some anyway. The sun was moving across the sky as we chatted and our table was losing its semi-shade. We parted with a hug, not sure if we’d see each other again this fair!

Walking back through DNR park, I spied this butterfly.

I’m not sure it’s purpose other than an educational opportunity, but the basket of “butterfly wings” made me laugh.

I finally remembered to grab my daily schedule so I could make a mascot button. I moved quickly back to Dan Patch park, unsure of when they were closing down the operation. I made it in time!

I walked through the artists park and some of the new murals were well underway and I got to see the loon artist at work. Based on the sign in the corner, he must get lots of unsolicited comments.

I thought about getting pie, but I’m struggling with my eczema flaring up and I’m concerned it might be the cream in it. I decided to try a day without it and see if it made a difference. I cut through the mostly empty food building and I noticed that the Mouth Trap finally created a gap where the public can pass through the excessive cue ropes that unnecessarily create a barrier across the entire space. The lines are short today and even on a busy day, they could serpentine the cue taking up less space.

I’ve walked past Isabel Burke Taffy many times this fair. I have to decide if it’s worth losing a dental crown over. It might be.

I had one more building stop before I took a break today. I knew I’d spend money here! I stopped first at the Puzzle Twist booth. I can’t resist a good puzzle, or four. Now that our basement is remodeled, I have a space where I can do puzzles without cat destruction! I also can’t resist State Fair themes and Turman art! Look for these completed puzzles at my next ranch retreat!

I depend on two products that I purchase here every year. During COVID I had to find them online and pay shipping. I am glad I can get what I need here today! Avon bug spray. It’s the most effective one I’ve ever found. I also found my friend Kathy selling it to me!

And despite the fact that the Avon bug spray is the most effective I’ve tried… It’s not bug-proof! So my next stop is the Smooth Gator booth to get my itch sticks!

Heavy laden with purchases and swag from the day, I headed back to unload at my car. On the way out around 5:00pm I saw a group of people in red shirts, one of whom was holding a Yelp! State fair bucket list. I would normally investigate to get answers as to what they were doing, but I really don’t like the Yelp! app and I wanted to make the light across Snelling. My guess is a work team building outing. They could use some help with that “bucket list” if you ask me!

I walked down Midway Parkway and started realizing how dehydrated I was. TMI, but I hadn’t needed to find a good restroom all day! I had a buck so I was in luck! I bought water from my water guy. I got to my car and offloaded my purchases. I sat in the front seat and drank my newly purchased cold water along with the 48oz. of water I had in the car. I turned on the A/C and laid back in my seat and rested my body and eyes and before I knew it it was 6:30.

The llama costume show started at 6:00, and I knew I wouldn’t make it back in and down to the Coliseum again in time to see even the end of it. I finally felt like I needed to pee, so I walked back over and and soon after Mike & Kathleen met me. I had just filled up my water bottle again at Culligan. I knew it was critical I keep drinking water.

It was dinner time for us all and Kathleen got the “earth sliders” from the French Meadow Cafe. They are vegan “chicken” patties with yummy sauce & lettuce on a bun. They were surprisingly delicious for this carnivore!

I was feeling greasy, dirty and bedraggled and Kathleen was fresh as a daisy!

Mike & I hadn’t settled on dinner yet, but he got a beer at Mancini’s and I picked up my margaritas from Cafe Caribe. I asked the lead bartender there if I could buy a 20 ounce, but he said the only price point is the 16oz. So I got two. So much for water.

Kathleen wanted to hear a band they missed at the guitar festival last summer, Turn, Turn, Turn, who was playing at the Schell Stage. We found a table at the back of the small amphitheater, plenty close to see and hear. I waited in a relatively short line at Lulu’s and got some Bang Bang chicken & bull bites to share. The chicken was the same as before, but the bill bites were half the quantity I’d purchased previously on day two. Mike went to get another boat full!

The band was great, a little blue grassy, hippie 60’s and great original tunes. With 15k steps under my belt, two margarita slushies and a full tummy, the songs were lulling me to sleep. I left them there and walked up to the Bazaar to listen to a little of Bad Girlfriends, a bit livelier, rock ‘n’ roll crew.

It was only 9:30 and the fireworks started. This was the first night I’d been here late enough to see them. I also thought I remembered that Ian Leonard (fox 9 weather man) might be doing a corn dance tonight. They typically start dancing after fireworks. I walked back over to the corn booth and Mike & Kathleen were coming up to meet me.

There was a corn dance, but no Ian Leonard.

After the dance, Mike was still in search of food. Mike stopped at Mike’s for yet another mediocre, not quite hot, sorta cheap hamburger.

This time of night it seems we run into all our old childhood friends from the area! We met up with Kathy Weyandt and caught up with her for a bit and reminisced about old times at the fair!

Unsatisfied by the burger, we walked into the Ball Park to get Mike some Garlic fries and beer. We found another group of old friends and whiled away another hour reminiscing and catching up. Before long it was last call and we closed down the fair grounds.

It’s strange to have the grounds so empty at 11pm. There have no reports of shenanigans in the evenings yet, so maybe the new curfew is helping.

Seven days in and feeling the burn. I have my acupuncture appointment in the morning that will hopefully give me the boost I need for the duration! 18k steps and a new exercise record of 153 minutes today. I hope to sleep well.