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.