It’s a perfect fair day. I knew how crowded it would be, so decided to head to the fair after 5:00pm. My legs and feet were happy with the decision!

My new eyes are working out great! I was able to blog, put my glasses on and readjust for a bit, then have single vision and see pretty clearly! I know I’m effusive about it, but it’s really a big deal. My vision has been a real struggle for months.

Traffic was slow, but no back-ups, and I got to my spot to find a lovely sign. My hosts have been very busy with life, and they contract parking spots for a vendor and those are marked well, but mine was not, until now. It’s been an issue with the vendor people parking in undesignated spots, paying no attention to the signs. Kathleen has eyewitness airport accounts of how people lose their minds embarking on vacation and I think it happens at the fair too. They’re just so excited to get there, they notice nothing on the way in. It isn’t until they’re searching later for where they parked that it becomes clear they have no idea.

I grabbed my jacket, put on bug spray and walked over to the fair. I got on grounds a little after 5:00. I was hoping to connect with some friends, but I was a little late. They decided to head out. There were lots more people heading out, than in.

I knew I had to get my recipe card and meet up with Mike & Kathleen around 7:00, but otherwise I was a wanderer. I walked into the front door of Creative Activities and it was quite open, sans people. It only took a few minutes to realize why. The building was still retaining the previous days heat. I was dressed for a cool evening and starting to sweat, so I grabbed my recipe card and popped back out the side door.

I realize the recipe cards I have, all say OVER on the bottom. If anyone wants the entire recipe, just let me know! It could be “The Great State Fair Baking Challenge” where you only get part of the recipe.

I walked up Cosgrove and looking up the hill, noted the Rick’s pickle pizza line was all the way to the top of the street. Looking to my left, it was also all the way to the bottom. I tried to take a panoramic. It’s a little hard to capture the breadth and the scope of the determined people!

I hoped the Fine Art building didn’t have the same ventilation issue as Creative Activities, but I also really wanted to see the State Fair Commemorative art, which this year is Crop Art. You can see a replica of this hanging in Ag/Hort, but the frame makes this incredible picture really stunning. Liz Schreiber is an award winning crop artist from years past and was chosen to create a piece for 2023.

It wasn’t crowded and it was warm in the building, but not hot, so I turned left and looked for display #18 and began my backward foray, walking against the flow of people. I’m not one to follow in a line. Randy had shared an article about some of not to miss pieces this morning, so I was on the lookout for those. So much creativity and beauty in this space.

Texture & depth

Color.

This I thought was a pallet hanging on the wall. It’s not.

The beauty is often in the details.

Sculpture.

This was the resident artist today.

Movement.

Fun to look at.

From a distance, I saw a painted dune scape. It’s a single piece of stained wood.

Photography.

Power.

This is The Covenant. The stack of paper consists of land covenant documents, many still in deeds today that restrict selling or leasing property to people who are not “white or Caucasian race”.

A younger black man was looking at it near me and commented. “What’s that?, just a stack of paper? I explained what it was and he started looking at it seriously. I just said it was a powerful statement. A horribly powerful statement. He thanked me for showing him that it was more than what he first saw.

I always go through the numbered exhibit walls, counting backwards, so I don’t miss anything. I thought I missed the #2 wall, then upon retracing my steps and asking a volunteer docent, I realized the space occupied by the Studio Here artist is numbered two.

Stepping outside, I cooled immediately. But once I started walking in the crowds, I warmed up again. The Green Mill has a food truck up here on the edge of Baldwin Park, and they have a new food, Cheese curd stuffed pretzel pizza. Not for me, but apparently it’s popular. I tried to get another panoramic of this excruciatingly long line.

It was nearing the time I needed to meet my brother, but I didn’t want to have to divert them in pursuit of my adult beverages, so I stared walking southwest.

Uff it’s peopley out here… and a pikachu shall lead them all.

I wanted to get a picture of the MOA booth and found that was a one day deal. When people ask, what’s the point in going every day, this is why. Many things are single day events or pop ups.

The fairgrounds have a day twelve smell. Sweat, grease, livestock. We need rain for a good cleanse. Zero rain in the forecast, but I stopped by the Humana booth and picked up a rain poncho. Sadly, this might ensure it won’t ever rain!

Having brushed elbows (and many other body parts) with too many people, I decided to take the cut through. It smells bad and it’s not pretty but it’s EMPTY.

Stopped to fill my water bottle at the KARE barn and what a difference a day makes. There was a line out the door previously.

I waited in a long line at Cafe Caribe to get my beverages and as I walked back up eastward, I laughed to myself as I remembered what Bart said about my new vision acuity! “Seeing single and drinking double!”

Mike & Kathleen arrived at the meeting place, and also needed food and beverages. Kathleen, the healthiest eater of us steered us towards the French Meadow, where we had a short wait for Earth Wings. Yum, so good. Flash fried (not battered) cauliflower florets with organic sesame bbq sauce. They cooked them fresh for us and we just had to take in the aroma as we walked back towards food stop #2, the Midway Mens Club. I’m usually in front, leading the pack, serpentine style through the crowds, taking every shortcut I know, but tonight, possibly aided by the rapid intake of a frosty margarita, I made a wrong turn! Mike said, “you’re taking us through the corn crowd?” What have I done?

Down hill and then uphill, we snaked through all the people to get back up where we intended to be. I lead them all to the back side of the booth, where Mike got $6 Hamms and $4 double cheeseburgers for the crew, while Kathleen and I scored a table. There’s a bit of a slant back here, so I was feeling a bit short.

We were on the hunt for some music. The State Fair is the largest annual music festival with over 900 acts in 12 days. My 12 tickets cost $180. Much less than a Coachella Pass!

Walking up to the North end, we took in the many faces of the Giant Wheel.

Most of the shops up on the North End were closed up, except Homespun and Good Things. Homespun has a funny, not funny, t-shirt that I might have purchased in a magnet form.

Can Can Wonderland has a putt-putt golf course up here. All the holes have a state fair theme. It’ll be worth a stop back in daylight.

My traveling companions willing to pose for me.

We listened to a little music and headed back toward the south side. As we closed in on the International Bazaar, we saw a guy wearing an awesome serape! As we stared at the clothing, a women grabbed me in a big hug! Turns out, the serape wearer was the son of Mike & my lifelong friend Tracy! Best hug ever ❤️

We hung out at the bazaar listening to Free & Easy for a bit. Michael went in search of his favorite food and stuck his head inside the mostly closed up West Indies Soul booth. The ladies there seem to love him. He inquired about the hot beef (which was sold out) and one gal counting money said “many people have asked… one of them cried”. They did give him the last of the jerk wings though.

They closed up the gates of bazaar, pushing us all out, so we wandered aimlessly on an absolutely beautiful evening, ending up listening to the last set of Naturally 7 at the Leinie Bandshell.

It was a great way to end the evening!

It’s Governors Fire Prevention Day, and I love to pick up all my fire swag; sun screen packs, hot pads, thermometers, etc. Today was not going to be that day!

I got to the grounds around 8:30am and the air was oppressively hot and had a day 12 smell to it.

I really wanted to see the Crop Art first, because invariably I miss things and have to go again. I headed for Ag/Hort and as I waited outside the doors, with an ominously growing number of people, I noticed this map hanging on the exterior wall. In all my years visiting this building, I’m never oriented once I get inside. This map is new to me and will be quite helpful!

The doors opened and I was the first one through. There were crowds of people, however that actually follow directions and went in the correct way, so I was already in back of the people, like a salmon swimming upstream. I still got lots of pictures that I can revisit later using my zoom!

So much love & positivity!

I also ran into my friend and crop artist Gayle & her husband Mark. The works pictured here are her entries this year! Despite the limited high accolades, I think her work is amazingly precise with great theme and color choices.

As we chatted and shared our “day one” stories, caught up after a year of not seeing each other, with sweat dripping down our backs, we parted ways, sure to see each other again!

I explored three of the hexagonal hallways and it’s worth a slow walk through the florist vignettes this year. Don’t forget to peek around the corners to find some surprises! I think my favorite was The Ugly Duckling, filled with positive self imagery!

The center display is a huge tree with pink blossoms and if you look up, you’ll see Tinkerbell. (Not from this angle though!)

There are floral gyroscopes again this year, I’ll check them out another day.

I wanted to be sure and see vegetables before they succumb to the heat, and surprisingly there wasn’t a crowd. It could have been the stifling air keeping people away. (It didn’t deter people from the crop art lines though). As I walked around the display, an employee opened up the outer doors for some ventilation! I put my hands strategically in photos for perspective. My hands are not small.

Too many people were checking out the scarecrows, so that shall remain on the to-do list. CFANS (the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Science) has a virtual reality experience exploring the path of pea proteins… if you’re into that sort of thing!

On a sweltering day, a cool spot always seems to be found lingering among the Christmas trees!

I voted for my favorite and got my picture taken inside the wreath. My attempt at positive visualization of colder things!

There is a giant, spinning, wheel but no one was there to explain more. Very interesting categories here. Some kids just walked up to spin it and walked on! Those are my people.

Walking back out into the heat, I spied Grammie’s empty bench! It was perfectly shaded and a comfortable oasis to sit, hydrate and ponder my next move. She would be thrilled that it’s near the parade route, close to a nice biffy, and next to a garden.

My plan was to head to the Kare11 barn, fill up my empty water bottle and smash a penny, but I was sidetracked by the buzzing activity around the MPR booth. I took an empty seat and little did I know, that’s where I’d remain for the next hour and a half!

TV cameras, tech crews and local celebrities surrounded me!

I realized I was watching the rehearsal for a taping of Almanac “Live from the Fair” to be aired on tpt at 7pm, but would be broadcast on MPR news, live at 11:00am.

Sheletta Brundage, was standing right next to me for most of the rehearsal and we chatted about various things. The possibility of her eating the crispy lutefisk steam bun, that some of the audience members were going to tasting live. “Oh honey! No” she told me! Becky & Bill gave the lutefisk a thumbs down yesterday saying it was definitely not crispy! I asked her if she remembered my friend, and her colleague; former, regular Almanac political science contributor, Stacey Hunter Hecht (who died too young) and she once again respond with an “Oh honey! Yes!” She took a pic with me and told me to share it with Stacy’s daughter Rosie ❤️

During the rehearsal, Kaomi Lee, introducing the musical act and got the dates wrong for his upcoming performance at the Schells stage. She said “Monday & Tuesday, August 21st and 22nd”. Me, being me, couldn’t let it go, so I caught a passing producer and let him know. He thanked me and said they’d get it changed.

Just as the show was about to start my cousin Jesse from NYC and her family stopped by. I got an all too quick hug and hello and they moved on and I took my seat for the actual recording. In hindsight, I could have removed myself, and had more time with Jesse & family, but I was sort of invested in the show now! Would Sheletta eat the lutefisk? Would the taste testers, who rehearsed their answers, actually tell the truth? Would Kaomi get the dates correct? What would we name the baby lamb who was brought on stage by the FFA youth? (You can watch the show for all the answers!).

I was engrossed in the outcome and planning to stay, then Sheletta said “hold my phone!”

Now I couldn’t leave if I wanted to! I messaged the family that I’d be on Almanac tonight, and if they’d please record it. Who knew I’d be all over Almanac! The goofiest part is when they were focused in on Sheletta and Taren at the end of the broadcast, Sheletta nudged my leg and her phone fell to the ground. I couldn’t just let it go… No, I could not. So all you see is me, detracting from the show, bending over to get her phone!

It’s worth watching the show to hear Kevin Kling’s Ode to the State Fair. If it’ll load, you can watch it here.

Once the show was done and I returned Sheletta’s phone, I got in line to spin the MPR member wheel. The booth theme this year is “Camp MPR”. I won a little bar of soap that I added to my little washcloth in my bag! I also picked up more stickers.

As a member you get 25% off merch at the booth, and for a one time added donation you get a cute canvas tote bag. It’s lightweight and has nice long shoulder straps! I also got a fun lightweight hoodie that I hope and pray I’ll need out here, one night soon!

I walked on, two hours later, down the street and around the corner to the KARE11 Barn. I inquired about weather calendars signed by Belinda (on behalf of my brother Michael) but learned there are no boxes of signed calendars this year. Mike will have to get his blank one and hope he gets to a news taping and have her sign it. Don’t forget your sharpie pen!

I had been without water for a few hours and feeling ever so parched, I asked when the water bottle giveaway was happening. The time had passed, but if I signed up to win a home improvement prize, I could get one now. I’ll now be on the Window Vonceots call list forever, but I wanted lots of extra water!

Once I rehydrated myself, I looked at the time. I had scheduled a consult with an eye surgeon this afternoon at 2:30. There wouldn’t be time to make it up to the north end for all my fire swag. I thought about taking the sky glider, but the risk of getting stuck up there in this heat, knowing I only had a couple hours before I had to leave, was too great. I thought I might find someone I knew at the Ball park, so I took the shortcut that drops me out at the Minnesota Farm Bureau. I played the game and earned a purple spatula!

I could hardly get into the Ball Park, let alone find anyone I might know. The misters were on full blast and the place was wall to wall people.

Recently a promising young hockey standout was killed in a car accident. Jori Jones had worked at the Ball Park and in tribute they have a hockey stick on the “wall of fame”.

I bumped into my friend and owner Dave, wished him a good fair, but otherwise exited the area quickly.

I remembered Senator Amy Klobauchar’s suggestion and went across the street to visit the beautiful fire fighters at the AFL-CIO booth. It was all the fire swag I would get today, but I’m OK with that!

I realized I just happened to be next to the Foot Long Hot dog stand, and I was hungry…

I was amazed at how crowded the fair was, despite the heat and blazing sun. I was ready to get going as it was nearing 1:00pm.

On my way out, crowds were pouring in and I found my water guy! Gave him a big hug and heard him say “if you have a thirst, see me first!”, as I walked away.

I spent the rest of the afternoon at the eye surgeon and after extensive testing, got positive news that I’m a good candidate for successful strabismus corrective surgery (you can google that one!)

They also fitted my glasses with a very strong fresnel lens overlay, which allowed me to have single vision for the first time in months. I wasn’t sure how the new lens would affect my night driving as it’s highly reflective, so Mike & Kathleen agreed to pick me up and return to the fair.

I entered the fair looking at everything with new eyes! I didn’t realize how much I really relied on memory to navigate the fair. My friend Elysia was saving seats for us, so we went as fast as we could to grab beverages and a bite to eat and returned to save Elysia from the accusatory glares from those searching for seats.

I sat down with my Giant Juicy sandwich and frozen margarita and settled in to enjoy the Bacon Brothers concert.

There were other friends in attendance, more than I was even aware of! I took a minute to stop and say hi to the Lietzke/Quinn clan

We thoroughly enjoyed the concert and I was especially excited to see only two Bacon Brothers where I previously would have seen four!

I though my Facebook post was pretty funny!

After the show, we wandered down to the Grandstand and listened to The Chicks play “Goodbye Earl” from a distance and watched the fireworks.

I was also thrilled to be able to actually see the fireworks and not have to take a picture and zoom in in on my phone.

Riding home in the passenger seat, I also realized that I’d be able to drive at night again with this new lens. The only challenge is that I have to take my glasses off to use my phone, and when I put them on again there is an adjustment period. But all in all, great news. I can blog, then give my eyes time to adjust and head back to the fair!

The temperature dropped, breeze picked up and humidity dissipated at around 9pm. Tomorrow is gonna be a crazy one!

Last week, Jack informed me that I never finished the blog last year. Those last three days might forever remain a mystery.

This year I have had a hard time getting excited for the fair. I wasn’t even sure I’d get to attend, as Randy had major surgery tentatively scheduled for next Monday. Thankfully for me, not so thankfully for him, it’s now in September.

My eyes are failing me and I’m beleaguered with my continuing big toenail struggles, so I too have upcoming surgeries, but my concerns about navigating the fair “Heather-style” may have contributed to my fair ambivalence.

The forecast of a record breaking day of heat, my sore toe and double vision didn’t stop us, however!

Jack is grateful the fair opens an hour later these days, so we were up @6, ate a solid breakfast and without too much traffic, made it to our reserved parking spot on Simpson Street. It’s not Mom & Dad’s house, but, despite being a couple doors down, it still feels like home.

All around the neighborhood are these signs. I just hope people read and heed them!

The plan was to meet up with Andrea, our annual first day walking tour buddy, and when we found her she’d already found my cousins Karla & Steve! A little too much time was spent catching up and chatting on the corner and Karla said “C’mon! Let’s go!”

This is an annual tradition for these two too.

We had a short wait in a long line before the gates opened and I got a chance to chat with the Governor. He knows my dog Mildred better than me, as our dogs go to the same day care!

The gates opened early and as we passed through security. Jack set off the sensors and stepping aside, he had to open ~all~ the pockets of his backpack, then as I told one security agent that he had steel toe boots, she proceeded to use Jack as a test subject and instructed all the new security agents on how to do a complete pat down and wand scan. Glad they’re all well trained now!

As I waited, I apparently made the “local” news…. A friend in South Dakota was watching KELO-tv and took this screen shot!

Once we all landed safely and securely, we headed for the History Walking tour brochure rack. Stop #6 on the map.

There are still 12 stops, but they’ve changed the signs and locations of some. Karla & Steve wanted to get their heart rates up, so they started off at a clip. We were a slow moving bunch, especially in the building heat and oppressive humidity.

We always head north and along the way I saw the DOT exhibit and our representative snowplow is “Plow Bunyan”.

Just a little further up the hill in Baldwin Park, I convinced Jack to pose as my “plow Bunyan”

Ambling, chatting and punching brochures as we went, I was looking at all the benches while they were still mostly empty! Andrea and Jack took opportunities to sit and rest while I circled the blocks looking for familiar names. I came across this bench and as I was taking a closer look, a couple walked up behind me and said “hey, do we know you?”

I said “I don’t think so, but I’m a Kelsey and I had to read the plaque and see if this was family”. They replied “Well, we are the Kelsey’s and this is our bench“. This family is originally from Montana. No relation. Funny, though, that we happened upon the bench at the same time. I found a few benches and texted the owners to see if they needed a clue. “Pie & Pie” could be my bench!

The only big change we noted up on the north end is the new Pickle Building. We did see later, the original Pickle booth is still down near the West End entrance. My friend Bart told me later, there is a plan to create a more welcoming area as you come under the arch at the West End, so this may be phase one of moving some of those established vendors.

I circled one block and saw a street tent on Wright at Underwood with a long line forming. It’s the Mall of America with a spinning wheel for a chance at a $500 gift card. I found out later, there’s a free bag too.

Karla offered me their extra bag later, but all I wanted was a picture of it!

We made it down to the West end, and some shops were just opening. Andrea likes to have a Nordic waffle for breakfast, so she waited in a very long line, but it was worth it. There’s lots of phone time, checking out other friends’ social media to be sure we’re not missing out on anything. My friends Becky & Bill were out here too, and they have a one day gastronomical adventure. They commented on Facebook that the Nordic waffle wasn’t up to par this year with unmelted cheese, and told me later that they were having some major hardware challenges with many waffles ending up in the trash, raw on one side and burnt on the other. Hopefully they’ll get the kinks out quickly!

An awesome local business is out here for the second year. I never stopped last year, but couldn’t resist the photo op this year, or the free samples.

They have a State Fair limited edition, small batch run that was fantastic and breaking my rule of not buying stuff on day one, I bought a jar. I’ll come back and get a four pack sampler on my “buy all the stuff” day.

The farthest walking tour punch is at the “Compeer Arena”. A building that has changed names along with sponsorship almost every year. It’s the newest of the large animal buildings closest to the Midway. Where many judging events take place and the llama contest. We hiked all the way down, to discover there’s no punch here. We took a quick selfie to prove we were there.

We took the Steichens alley short cut, to get back on the path to the next punch. This place is another institution here at the fair. It’s an on site mini-mart for various sundries!

It was almost time for the Star Tribune building to open and I was still looking for Mom & Dads bench. I’m always a bit unsettled until I find it and have a moment to check in with Don & Carol. Andrea & Jack took a seat while I made my way quickly through carousel park, checking out the various booths set up for STEM Day and searching the benches lined up along all the walls, under the tunnels and arches and partway up the grandstand ramp. No luck. I did come around the backside to get in a relatively short line and was rewarded with “crop art” chapstick. Wild rice flavored.

My friend Gayle did some recon later and learned there are no set giveaway times, you can walk up anytime and get one. I’m sure the Pronto Pup guy up the street is grateful. The chapstick lines and his customer lines intersected in years past creating line chaos; something that is hard for Minnesotans to navigate.

The STEM day activities were plentiful and super hands on. Building robots, batteries, lots of experimentation opportunities. I didn’t pick up any swag, other than a bag, because inside the bag was a fan!

We punched our cards at the DNR building and were nearing what I call “hell alley” (the street between Mancini’s and Sweet Martha’s). Always crowded with intersecting lines. There were lots of back to back blue benches and I was drawn to the inside track. The first bench I see is “the one”. Such relief. I was able to sit for a bit and relax for the first time all morning. As I sat I looked up to perfect view.

Mom & Dad are still ~there~ and all is right with the world.

Despite the oppressive heat, I felt relaxed and refreshed. We had only two punches remaining and I suggested we cut through Ag/Hort to see Crop Art, but there were very long lines so it would have wait. We did have one time constraint and that was Jack’s tele-health appointment at 10:30. He wanted to get back to the car in time for that. We did happily happen upon my friend E. With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana, E was headed to the Dirt stage to learn about new opportunities they offer so you can grow your own!

Andrea spied this T-shirt and the woman gave me permission to take a picture of her. I want that.

There was no air circulation whatsoever in the building, so I popped out the back side and saw, in the distance, Grammies’ bench. I knew where it was, as I saw it when I came to help with Alphabet forest prep earlier last week. I went to take an official picture, but the man resting there possibly needed to sit, much more than I needed a photo op. I just snapped a quick pic and knew I’d return.

We got our final punches and were awarded with a winner pennant. A slow trek this year, but we finished the task! Karla & Steve were the first ones done this year!

Mom & Dad have one of the original bricks here at the Bailey House. It’s almost impossible to read. “Honoring Many State Fair Memories Donald and Carol Jo Kelsey.” The people in charge told me there’s really no way to restore it. I’m thinking about coming one day, off season, with some black lacquer and hand painting it!

We went into the tent to pick up our “Friends of the Fair” benefits, and Jack headed off to grab a bite to eat and get back to Simpson street for his appointment and Andrea connected with her friend Shannon. I was left to my own devices for a bit.

It was time for pie!

They have a new food this year, savory “Italian Duo Dunkers”, which I learned later in the day had outsold the long-standing #1 seller in my heart and Tipsy Pie history, the boozy blueberry lemon.

I’m quite sure my body does not like dairy, so I’m slowly decreasing my dairy intake. Sadly…. This pie has dairy. Trying to avoid a huge eczema flare, I’m going to have to limit my pie intake this year.

While making my way ~to~ the Tipsy Pie booth, I had to navigate around the Mouth Trap Cheese curd rope lines. They encompass the entire open length of the food building, without a pass through and leaving about ten feet in front of Peter’s Hot Dogs, for customers and a traffic lane. Not acceptable. Sara took me on a short walkabout trying to find the guy in charge so I could tell him to FIX IT. We didn’t find him, so I’m going to check later to see if the situation gets rectified, or I’ll write a note on the complaint line.

Pie in hand, I rounded the corner to say Hi to my favorite fair bartender at the Ball Park. His line was long, so I just got a quick pic. Can’t keep people from their mini donut breakfast beer!

A friend told me that the University of Minnesota was departing from the central building this year. While they are present in many different locations around the fair (CFANS, Ag/Hort, the Driven to Discover spot, etc), it’s strange to not see the stage out front and stand in line for whatever popular giveaway they usually have. Inside the athletic department is still represented, there’s gear for sale, but the other half of the building is filled with tables and chairs. They might come in handy one day later in fair.

I connected with my favorite family and headed up to meet them in the Alphabet Forest. One of my personal favorite authors, David LaRochelle, was featured as Blue Ribbon author for the day.

Kids got to fill out an application and adopt a dragon!

I had to read “Moo!”, one my favorite books. ❤️

It was highly suggested I check out the vendor down the street. I walked a few feet over to the Human Touch tent and spent 10 minutes in a $10,000.00 massage chair, with cooling fans blowing on me. It was amazing and free, but I’m not sure I’d recommend after two very hot, sweaty days at the fair. I got a fresh one!

As I continued on my way down Cosgrove, I popped into the Creative Activities to get my recipe card. The rest of the building will wait for a cooler day.

Jack texted to tell me that on his way to get food and head back to the car he realized he’d forgotten his wallet. I was hot, without an agenda until parade time, and Mildred needed to get outside, so I headed back to the car for a quick stop home midday. Upon exiting I asked for a return stamp “up high” so I could wash myself without losing it. The gate attendant offered me a paper one. I like it!

I sat down at home. Big mistake!

It took some effort to regroup and head back out in the heat of the day. Jack had eaten nothing since breakfast, and all I’d had was pie, so we stopped for a giant egg roll on the way to meet family for the parade. Hot, crispy, delicious and $11 bucks this year!

Thankfully, Steve & Karla had staked out a shady bench from which to watch the parade. We got to meet Jack’s second cousin, once removed, Sweet baby James for the first time! This was his first fair! Last year, his mom Keira went into labor while leaving the fair on day one. To add to the story, Keira was also born 26 years ago today, after her mom, Karla, walked the state fair all day. Happy Birthday Keira! James turns one on Saturday!

Before the parade started, I needed to wash my hands and get more water. I popped into Ag/Hort where they have new water bottle filling stations and I decided an apple cider freeze was also in order. There were crazy long lines, but I snuck through and followed the Carol Jo line motto “always go to the left” stepped right up and got my frozen treat.

It was a beautiful day for a parade!

It’s Fairborne’s 40th birthday! Legend has it, Fairchild went back to his hometown Gopherville in 1982, looking for a sidekick and in 1983, returned with his nephew Fairborne! (Historical lore from my friend Gayle)

James is all about wheels! It’s always more fun watching a kid watch a parade!

The parade units were small, but all the marching bands were there, all dressed in summer casual uniform. I was really happy to see the Minnesota Zoo Wells Fargo Wagon was back. It looks like a new team, with lots of extra handlers. I might need to try to catch a ride one day!

Groovy Art cars, mascots, stilt walkers and the big bull were all present, but it was a short parade today.

After the parade, the Rachac family made their way in one direction, Jack connected with his bestie Raelyn, and I was once again left to my own devices.

Lucky for me, my friends Becky and Bill checked in. Although they were quite spent from their gastro-tour and adult beverage consumption, they extended their visit to share time and stories with me. I took them to visit Carol & Don, who hold a special place in their lives as Godparents to Becky. They had a moment at the bench too.

We found a table that was in partial shade for a while and reminisced. I did most of the storytelling, as I encouraged them to drink more water!

As we sat, Jack & Raelyn happened upon us. The sun had overtaken our oasis, and I was finally in need of an adult beverage, so we walked over to Cafe caribe. Becky thoroughly enjoyed her first State Fair frozen Margarita slushie!

Becky & Bill soon took their leave, and I had plans to meet Jack here at Cafe Caribe at 5. We connected and made our way up to the bandshell to get seats for the talent show. We had grand plans to stay until the end tonight, but we were beat by the heat. Waiting for the talent show, we were entertained by C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band. After listening for half an hour, Jack decided he hated Zydeco music.

We made it through three acts, and in case you’re wondering… the host remains the same for this years 50th Talent Show!

Mike & Kathleen we’re heading over for The Black Keys at the Grandstand tonight. Discretion was the better part of valor as Jack & I made the decision to head home before sunset. We just missed Mike as they entered security at the same moment we exited Gate 5. My eyes and feet were sore, but it was a great first day. Over twelve hours and 20K steps. I showered and was sound asleep by 8:30!

I didn’t make it to the fair on Thursday! I went to see my acupuncturist early in the morning. She felt my pulse and told me I was exhausted! She needled a spot called “leg 3 miles”, it’s a place that farmers would knock to be able to plow three more miles! Her intention was to get me rejuvenated for another day. I knew I was really dehydrated the day before and the past week has been awesome, but kicked my butt! My Apple Watch asked me if I wanted to track my “run”. No Siri, that’s just me walking up hill.

When I got home from acupuncture, I was a zombie and fell asleep for a couple hours. I decided to listen to my body and take a day to rest and get caught up on the blog. It was the best decision I could have made. Today I woke up ready to hit it again. My legs and feet were feeling great.

The family I do childcare for was heading to the fair today. I have the honorary title of “St. Paul Grandma.” So spending the day with my honorary grandkids was a bonus! They aren’t on social media, so respectfully there won’t be photos of the kids, but I can still take you along on our adventures!

We met up at the Little Hands Farm where I have not actually played since I had a little kid! The sun flowers here are 10’ tall!

The family tried some of Baba’s hummus bowls, they all loved the Hummus Bi Lahme, with shawarma & pine nuts.

I bring state fair map knowledge to the group and know where all the best bathrooms are, which is important when traveling with a three & five year old!

After potty stop #1, I got to spend time in the Alphabet Forest with the girls while mom & dad got to have a little, kid free, eating and exploring time.

The girls & I made name noodles, played in the duck pond, tossed beans bags, spun the word wheel, and settled in to make name necklaces. A friendly, familiar face appeared! My former coworker Kim and her beautiful girls that used to be my toddlers once upon a time!

My dear volunteer friend Tom was welcoming everyone to the Forest, and he was glad to see a familiar face!

I know how much he loves to sing a rousing round of the ABC Song, so we gathered the kids (and lots of parents) and had a big alphabet singalong!

Mom & Dad didn’t have to wait too long to get pickle pizza for brunch! The kids liked it too!

The Kidway is simply a block I usually walk around. Today we entered and the girls got to choose one ride. The height requirements limited the options, thankfully. I was in slight sticker shock when I learned that each ride costs about $7. If you have to ride along, like on the Carousel, adults must pay too.

The Rainbow Play systems still have a big, free, play structure so we stopped there for a bit. I remember spending hours here with Jack. We had a very limited budget when he was little and I took advantage of ~all~ the free fun!

We’d read “A Fabulous Fair Alphabet” up in the Forest and in that book “C” is for Cotton Candy. I may have planted a seed in a little head!

With happy kids and sticky fingers we headed to see the baby animals at CHS. This was my first visit here this year!

Sadly the duck water slide isn’t here, but it’s still full of sweet little babies.

This little lamb was born just minutes before we arrived. These might be the only animals I see if my breathing is affected at all today.

The morning was coming to an end since Dad had to be home for a meeting at 1:00 and the girls were tiring out too. I led them to the rock dig area I found on day one behind the DNR. Dad got all you can drink milk and they all finished the regular milk so dad could fill it up with chocolate milk! The fair is a day full of rapid transitions for kids ~and~ adults. When you’re able to break up a day with free play opportunities with kids, it’s more fun for the whole family!

I said goodbye to the girls, promising I’d see them next Tuesday!

I hadn’t eaten anything yet, nor had I had enough water. I found a shady bench and drained my water bottle contemplating lunch and connecting with Jack and his friend Benni. The message on the bench was perfect!

I was close to the Dairy Building and I remembered to get back inside to pick up my replacement thermometer! They also had cutting mats!

We decided to meet in the air conditioned blue flame building. The heat and humidity were increasing and any time spent in the sun was feeling like a sauna.

Its MPR day and I wanted to run through Dan Patch to pick up my MPR member gift and then head their way.

I was underwhelmed by the “gift”. Simply a refrigerator magnet in the shape of Minnesota with radio call letters around the state. I liked the lip balm from the Minnesota Orchestra better!

The blue flame building ~was~ air conditioned, but today with doors open and all the people, it wasn’t as refreshing as I hoped. We filled our water bottles and knowing I needed more water, I drank it all and filled it again. Jack picked up a gyro for lunch and we sat behind the booth in the shade to eat. I was telling the youth about the Culligan water situation and a man sitting nearby started laughing. He told me that he was one of the people who couldn’t figure it out! He said he was ready to take the darn dispenser apart! There was also a reference to old dogs, new tricks.

I stopped to get pie. Despite the reality that I may be intolerant to it, I’m gonna eat it for these 12 days. I told Sara about my pie related eczema and she said on my behalf “I’d like a different answer please!” She offered to try to make a dairy free version, but I don’t think I’ll love it quite the same.

The two youths had been wandering almost as long as me and were ready to rest until parade time. Jack nabbed a bench right across the street from Creative Activities, mostly in shade. While they rested, I had a few things to check off my still too long list. I ran into the Education Building to finish all the vendors. The art will have to wait for another day. I voted for “fair-ly salty “ at the Dunwoody booth.

I also stopped by the Shakopee Mdewuketon Sioux booth and got the beautiful, educational calendar they’re giving out.

I had to use the potty but the line inside the education annex was long. Outside the building, there was no line so I snuck in backwards. There is the sweetest, most efficient sanitation worker here! Her name is Janee and she was a little embarrassed when I thanked her and said she was the nicest person I’d encountered in eight days! We have no idea how hard sanitation work is at the fair!

Jack and his friend Benni have some mobility challenges so it takes more time to get places. There was about 45 minutes to parade time and Benni had hoped to try Giggles walleye cakes and Jack wanted a Kiwanis malt. Still feeling energized and renewed from yesterday I offered to make the run. Lines weren’t long and despite the heat, I made it there and back with both items in 15 minutes. Their payment was a taste of each. The walleye cakes are delicious, but just not crispy enough for me and the malt… well, we all know I shouldn’t be eating it, but I already ate the pie, how much more harm could it do!

The parade came by and I hate to keep harping about it, but without the horses, the parade holds little joy for me! There is also a tractor pulling a large passenger wagon, whose passengers are different, yet unidentified almost every day!

If Michael wanted to ride in a parade, today would have been the day! The Captain Ken’s Bean Fire Truck was empty!

You do have to love the “fighting calculators” and their mascot though!

I guess there is still ~some~ joy without horses.

After the parade we went into the cool(er) Creative Activities building and I got to see more of the textiles, glass and sculpture. As we walked in, Benni commented on the scary Lion up top. I don’t know that I’ve ever noticed it before! It looks like paper mache similar to the giant moose!

Jack sought out needlepoint to see what he’s up against if he enters his COVID Borderlands (yet unfinished) project. Some are just stunning.

Benni works with glass and so we sought out some of these pieces and I’m always drawn to owls!

When looking through the entries using more unusual art medium, I found this and maybe someone can explain the significance?

There were also some incredible things created with polymer clay.

This was a diamond painting!

More stained glass

And lots of incredible rose malling!

As we were looking closely in each display window, I approached the end and waited for the youth to compete the circuit. I stepped back and noticed the entire wall created a rainbow! 🌈

I still want to come back and look through all the hanging quilts. Five times through this building and I haven’t seen all of it yet! I may run out of days.

We headed home around 4:00 as the temps were climbing into the 90°’s with oppressive humidity. Storms were forecast that never materialized, but I was OK spending the evening at home getting this blog caught up.

The crowds were light today for a Friday, and with temps forecast in the 70°’s this weekend, it could be a doozy of a Labor Day weekend at the Fair!

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.

My long time friend Joan and I haven’t been to the fair together in too many years! Today I got up a little late but raced and made it over to pick her up right on time. We pulled into my parking spot and a car pulled in and parked right behind me and my cousin got out! I haven’t seen Carolyn in ages! The irony or serendipity of the encounter is that when Joan and Scott (almost) moved to Ely, I was going to connect them. Carolyn also lives in Ely part of the year and is an amazing artist! She & Joan’s mother share the same name!

We walked over and there were no lines to get on the grounds. None. I love Tuesday. I still set the alarms off, but at this point I’m OK with it.

The grounds were practically empty compared to the previous days. We could spread our arms and turn circles as we walked. In fact Joan did just that!

We both had breakfast on the brain. I got pie (of course) and Joan had her heart and stomach set on a French Meadow scone. Sadly when we got there, they no longer offer the simple cinnamon & sugar scone. Joan had to pivot.

Around the corner is the new(ish) cheese curd booth with Ellsworth cheese! Joan recommends any of the flavored curds, but got the plain ones for breakfast! I examined the curds closely and they looked well cooked and separate. I ~might~ try one another day. I don’t eat anything that’s battered and fried out here, but not because I’m eating clean and healthy. It’s simply because I can’t risk eating anything that might not be cooked inside. Food trauma issues involving rides and an undercooked Monte Cristo. They actually have a deep fried Monte Cristo on a stick out here, but that’s a big NOPE for me!

We both are our fair breakfast as we sat with Carol & Don 💙

Joan hadn’t been to the fair for a while to just wander around. And her state fair experiences growing up were very different from mine. There was much to do and see!

Since we found ourselves on the south west end of the fairgrounds, I wanted to answer my burning question around the dearth of horses in the parade. I thought we could head to the horse barns, but they weren’t open yet. The Horse Department office was open. I popped in and asked the staff inside and the answer was somewhat vague. “That is usually handled by the entertainment department” and I think she said the Minnesota Zoo horses aren’t here this year. I felt that asking more questions would not resolve my curiosity, and I know somebody in the “entertainment department” so we left. I had more research to do, but now I know who to ask! With my new asthma diagnosis I’m reluctant to spend much time inside animal barns until later in the fair. I need to keep my stamina up. I’ll check on the Zoo Horse status later.

It’s Military appreciation day and I told Josh we should stay sky aware in case there was a ceremonial flyover.

We didn’t participate in the military swag gathering, instead we stopped at the Lottery. I’m not a lottery player, and neither is Joan. However, post COVID and at this point in her life she’s doing all sorts of things she’s never done before! She got a ticket and a backpack prize with purchase and we proceeded to a shady spot with the scratcher tools…and had no idea what to do! Luckily a neighboring scratcher helped us out! We couldn’t stop laughing, but despite the hilarity of the experience, she won $20!

We cashed in and kept walking! She was hoping to win $200,000, but instead was happy enough to have just doubled her food & beverage budget! There’s a new vendor on Judson, The Pickle Barrel. They were offering up free samples of beef. Umm, yes please!

We decided this was worth a return trip later. Friends from yesterday had also given it a good review.

We stopped at MPR and I applied my free sunscreen, grabbed a prize for being a member and we headed back towards Gate 5. It was a day for an in depth tour of Creative Activities.

We walked through the DFL to get our photo op with the current administration. I learned if you take your picture, you also get a bean with which to vote. No need to sign up for the text messages.

As we walked I told Joan all about the Culligan Water snafu. We stopped to fill our bottles and found no lines. I’m not sure if it was the low number of fairgoers or the fact that there were instructions now posted on the top of the machines! I’m not sure the instructions are all that clear, but it’s something!

It was a great day to see the handiwork of Minnesotans. The building was sparsely occupied. We checked out the sweepstakes textiles and this cow quilt captured my attention.

I noticed this beautiful jingle dress each time I picked up a recipe card, and I thought it was beautiful. Upon close inspection, I realized that what I thought was intricate head work on the fabric, was in fact just printed. It’s ~still~ a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, just not as labor intensive as I imagined.

We both stopped to try and figure out this blue ribbon winning shadow box. It wasn’t until later in the day, my second time through here, with Michael, that he explained it was filled with all things found while running.

I always like to see the brightly colored theme cakes, cookies and cupcakes. these are skills I don’t have, so I’m impressed.

Joan & I are both bakers. She a bit more advanced in terms of breads, but we both have high standards. We had our super judgey hats on and we’re convinced we could do so much better in the general categories. I told Joan we needed to get together and encourage each other to actually enter next year! As we discussed this, a clerk for the Creative Activities was standing near us and interjected, “Yes! Do it! Enter!” I asked where the Scandinavian entries were displayed and she told me there were only four lefse entries and I asked if anyone entered a Kranskake and the answer was no.

The prize winning cookies underwhelmed us. Except for this! Lovely to look at, unique and well executed. Where did she get those tiny pretzels?!?

The bread judging was a bit confusing, the winners seemed vastly different from the runner ups in the same category. Maybe that’s what made them a winner.

As we were discussing the various categories we could enter I mentioned that to increase your chances of winning, you want to enter a small category. Unlike chocolate chip cookies. The clerk said there were 161 entries this year. I’m sure they were all better than Sweet Martha’s. (I’ll eat them if you put a warm one in front of me, but in general, I’m not a fan)

Joan overheard a conversation detailing how they knew the fancy techniques used in creating this sky ride design, from watching the Great British Baking show…. She laughed and said, it’s just the technique used to make pancake designs, then wrapped on the cake. I wonder if people overhear my judgmental comments and blog about that.

One entry I noticed and thought might be delicious was this cake! I think it has root beer barrels on it! I wish there was more information posted with the entries. At least with the winners. Maybe this will be featured in a recipe card round up next year!

I watched a story on the news last night about a man who had entered his salsa for over 20 years and this year he finally won a blue ribbon…. But he ~died~ a week before the fair. Many people have state fair grief experiences I guess. We stopped to pay our respects.

The daughter of our parking hosts is employed here in Creative Activities before the fair. This year her job involved creating the jams and jellies display case! I love her flair, color coordination and curvy designs!

I also like to see the Quilt on Stick entries. The theme this year is “The Loon, Minnesota’s Bird of Fashion”.

Fancy meeting Bree here?!? She’s part of the Crocheters Guild and a prize winning entrant herself! Is there anywhere you’re not? ❤️

Instead of turning around to see the rest of the building we turned left into the Annex between Education & Creative Activities. This space has changed a lot. The syrup and soup sellers are still here, but many are not. Jacobs lefse, the cheese & meat samples, wine slushie people and the colorful spatula people are gone. If feels quite open, but also empty.

This guy might be here longer than me!

We walked through only half of the Education Building, grabbing swag along the way. Got some clarification about forms of ID in Minnesota, and spun some wheels. Joan was laughing (in a good way) at my ability to engage in conversation with anybody at any booth about anything! Since the crowds were small, the timed giveaways hadn’t run out of stock, so we scored the 9:00am Bemidgi plaid tote bag at 10:15!

I told Joan about the history show and she was game to see it. So we exited the Education Building without seeing it all. Looking across the street I noticed that today at 10:30 was a good time to get your pickle pizza!

I’d heard good things about the Pork Schnitzel sandwich at the Farmers Union and Joan was willing to test it to be sure the breading was fully cooked! (It’s not battered). We both liked it, but it was reminiscent of a school lunch chicken party sans the zesty Cole slaw topping!

Walking towards the west end we bumped into this cute couple! It was back during Joan & my early days at Sweeney’s that I first met this guy!

We got to the Schells stage and I decided to risk my allergies and try a blueberry beer. It wasn’t as tasty as I recalled, and it was a bit of a bee magnet, so I only had a little bit before tossing it.

If you haven’t gotten enough of the Schtick, here’s another silly song.

I like to get a hot waffle, simply for nostalgia’s sake. So I paid $7 and watched them make my waffle. I commented on how they’re round this year )I can’t remember if they were last year too) but I jokingly said “ what, are you guys using Eggo’s now? “. The kid said YES! I think he thought it was a good thing! When this was new, they made their own Belgian waffle for the sandwich. This was a partially toasted soggy EGGO. I tossed much of this too. Not before forgetting about the powdered sugar bomb with your first bite…

I wanted to show Joan the wares at i like you and despite looking terrible in hats, I tried one on. Sara said, and Joan agreed, you just gotta be you, no matter the option of others! If I were to wear any hat, it might be this one… only at the fair. Hats do serve a purpose!

I love this t-shirt. We were married in 1991, during the playoffs.

We had more to do and decided to head back up to the north end to find Joan’s moms bench. Along the way we found a pop up with licorice giveaways and a cute craft gif kids. They touted that they used all natural ingredients, but could not provide levels to prove it, so I snagged a few samples and I’d research later before eating any. It turns out it was good I didn’t. It’s full of red dye which, if consumed, can ruin my day.

The Giant Wheel was stunning against the blue sky. It’s hard to find a photo op without advertising flags in the way.

Joan is not a fan of heights so this ride (and the sky glider) will have to wait!

Green mill has a new food this year, deep dish pizza bites. We decided to stop for a snack and enjoyed a rest in the shady patio at the back of the booth. The bites were well baked but the filling was scant and you had to eat it all in one bite or if you broke it in half, all the guts stayed on the one half. You get two pizza bites for $10

We did something I’ve never done and waited in a line (shorter than usual) for fresh popped kettle corn. I’ve never eaten it like this. I’ve had it from a pre packaged bag, but this was really amazing!

Joan was super happy! She shared with me, because we had to eat enough to close the bag, it’s filled to the top!

I knew where the bench was from day one. So I guided us just up the street to find it. We stood eating popcorn watching the couple currently sitting on it for cues as to when they might leave. I’m pretty good at judging fair behavior. They’d finished the food they had, almost finished their beer, but were chatting a bit longer than I anticipated. It was a bench in the shade after all. After an appropriate amount of time, and they hadn’t left, I approached and did the “can we just take a picture of her moms bench, then you can sit right back down” move. People normally jump right up, say they were just leaving anyway, and offer to take the picture for you. This girl was funny, as she stretched her arms across the bench and said, do you want me in the picture? I should have taken the pic! After that one funny moment, they acted exactly as others always do!

As we got up to leave, we noticed I dropped a quarter on the bench. She said her mom loved to look for dropped money at the fair. We decided to leave it and pay it forward! The bench happens to be right at the trolley stop, but we could easily walk to our next destination.

I had to stop and say hi to another Uber volunteer at the Little Hands Farm. Always a treat to see Kathleen & Rhonda

The sunflowers outside the farm are in their glory today!

I wanted Joan to see the Giant Moose, so we went to Eco. Joan liked the purple buff, so we played BINGO!

We were told on day one that Peace coffee wasn’t there this year. The volunteer today said the same thing, but we begged to differ! I got my afternoon caffeine jolt with a shot of refreshing cold press!

We also got to taste some local honey. I mentioned I had some tree allergies , so I declined tasting the tree pollen variety. I learned later, that’s actually the one that might be most beneficial for me! They were not selling it here but said I could find it in the Grandstand .

I took some pictures of how you play Sweet potato Sweep, but didn’t play today!

We stepped outside just as the parade was coming up the street. We weren’t sure that we were ready to spend a lot of time perusing fine art (it’s a commitment!) and Michael was heading our way. This is the first time both mascots were on the same side! I’m not sure I’ll get to the plaza for a photo op with the two.

I requested Joan & I make a name noodle at the Alphabet Forest. My first this year!

The parade was in full swing and since I knew there were no horses, I wasn’t inclined to stay and watch. We wanted to move, but also avoid the parade traffic so we walked down Cooper. I hoped the lines for Crop Art would be shorter today. All the other lines were. While it wasn’t really any shorter, we were able to go in the back way and walk upstream. I decided to just photograph the whole wall and zoom in later. I couldn’t get close to see the stuff on the table, but I’ll try another time. Here is the whole wall, except the premium winners in the center frame. I don’t know how I missed those!

These are a few highlights. This one created a seed QR code and it takes you to and abortion rights funding organization!

You can still sit down and make your own art. Kids of all ages are welcome!

This is line we bypassed backwards.

It was still a lovely day, but heating up in the sun. I found an accidental “mister” and stood around enjoying the cool spray for a minute!

Michael is a ~huge~ fan of Belinda Jensen. I believe this has been discussed before. This year Michael is out at the fair with me every day! There are more opportunities than ever for him to get a photo op. He is very concerned with coming across as some kind of stalker, but I keep telling him, she’s just a person who is a local celebrity and I’m sure she is used to it! He still did not want me to interfere and create an encounter. It needed to be organic to be meaningful to him. If we hang out enough at the Kare11 barn, organic things can be engineered! We did see KARE 11 Rena Sarigianopoulos and Fox9 Courtney Godfrey chatting and they posed for a pic! It is the Great Minnesota Get Together!

Now was as good a time as any to try the Pickle Barrel beef tip boat! We got the regular size and had enough to share between the three of us! I watched him making the the stuff and no wonder it’s so tasty, look at the pile of butter!

The KARE barn was empty and we decided to rest and hydrate (water bottle filling faucets are still here) and wait for the four o’clock live broadcast. Belinda was working just outside with some staffers and I kept offering to help engineer an organic encounter. Mike insisted I not involve myself!

Soon the broadcast was to begin. They passed out sunglasses, and taught us all how and when to clap. I told Mike to try and not “Forest Gump” this one!

We texted everybody at home so they could watch us. We were on quite often due to our seating position.

During the broadcast we were treated to Tacos al pastor and pineapple delivered by Manny himself!

Also during the broadcast, a rep from the sleep center discussed tips on sleeping well and they passed out sleep masks and phone bags. Kathleen (watching at home) messaged that she wanted us to get her a mask. I’d given mine to Joan, but I knew where to go to get more.

After the show ended we were making our way out. Michael saw Belinda chatting with people and he had an opportunity to get her attention and I asked if I could take a photo of them. Mike had already handed me his phone to get the job done so I have no proof of the encounter, you’ll have to take my word for it.

Joan was going to head home earlier and maybe come back later with her husband Scott. We were having too much fun so instead, Joan told him to come over and find us! We met up near the Ball Park and chatted for a bit, then split up.

Michael & I needed to get that eye mask for Kathleen, so we walked over the Kare11 health fair building. We found the rep who was just on air and told her the situation, but it wasn’t as easy as walking up and getting one. We had to play “Bed Pong”.

Michael scored in a cup on his last shot!

Earlier during the fair, I’d stopped to pick up a recipe card and asked an employee if they had any more. I looked at the employee and she looked at me and we both knew we knew each other but we couldn’t place from where. It wasn’t until I got home that night that I remembered I had met her at wine night at Bart and Sonja’s house (my current parking hosts!). I found her husband working the next day and told him where I knew them from but I still wanted to see her again.

Mike accompanied me back into Creative Activities but she wasn’t in the office. I wandered to the back one more time to see if I could find the lefse entries. No wonder I missed them, they don’t look like lefse anymore. And they’re on the floor of the display case. I think the one that’s the least moldy is probably made from potato buds.

I’m going to enter my lefse next year.

We ran into our cousin Carolyn and her husband again! Her husband Pasha was buying a ~gallon~ of maple syrup. I had to believe that they were close to going home. We visited for a bit and I learned more about how honey works! Carolyn’s family has a small local orchard, Orchard Hill, and they keep bees.

With no ~must hear~ music tonight, we headed to the bandshell for the talent show. We ran into David Cambronne, a long time friend and emcee for the County Talent Show at Baldwin park for 25 years now! We met his trusted stage manager Spencer for the first time! We must have chatted for a good 20 minutes. Hopefully that crate wasn’t heavy and we didn’t make them late for the show!

We watched some of the talent and I decided that tonight would be the night to bring cookies home to the (not so patient) man waiting at home. I left Mike on a bench and walked through the food court plaza and was able to walk right up to a window and buy cookies. I dumped them into my ziplock bags and walked back to find Mike. He had popped next door to O’Garas to get a beer, and had returned right before I did. I’m telling you. Cookies are a mid week purchase.

We listened to most of the talent show but it had been a huge day, so I was ready to get home. It’s day six and there is so much yet to do. Thankfully there’s six more!

What a difference a day makes! Today, no humidity, blazing blue sky and temps in the 70’s. Arrived at the fair around 9:30 and the security lines were not much shorter today. I think the beautiful weather will boost attendance. Once again I set the alarms off. I just move to the right for bag search and second screening automatically now.

I headed for my breakfast pie and walked through the Ball Park and finally spied my good friend Nate! I’d missed him every time I’d passed this way so far. Our fair schedules are out of sync!

I popped around the corner and picked up my pie, but didn’t stay to chat as I was on a mission.

I was headed to Dan Patch Park (formerly Carousel Park). It’s been called many different things, but it’s the big area next to the KSTP radio tower. Today is Mental Health awareness day, lots of good swag to be had.

On the way I noticed that there was no line for cookies and they didn’t even have the rope cue in place (which doesn’t do anything but block the sidewalk). Apparently 10:00am Monday is a good time to buy Sweet Martha’s.

FYI the WCCO radio water station, that was found just to the left in this photo, is not operational this year. I kind of miss it. It was centrally located.

I passed the Star Tribune building at the end of the Grandstand Ramp and even though it was an hour past distribution time, I was able to walk up and snag this years chapstick (they will correct you and say “lip balm” ah trademarks!)

Still had not eaten the pie, it was hot when I got it, but I was moving fast.

I turned into the park and right away found my friend Trista volunteering at the Ellie booth.

I didn’t stop long because I was already a little late for the one thing on my schedule today….dog yoga!

There was a group on stage, many (all?) of whom do therapy work and this one was my favorite. Not only did the dogs do yoga moves with the handlers, the handlers demonstrated ways to massage, stretch, and limber up your dog! The downside to that stage is it’s always in full sun. I sat long enough to learn some stuff and eat my pie, then I was on my way down to the West End. Sara Q and family were going to the History on a Schtick show, so I planned to meet them there.

Along the way I ran into my neighbors!

I wandered through more of the shops and kiosks and found nothing I can’t live without. I happened upon an active glassblowing demonstration. I’m a fan.

I love looking at all the wares in the glass booth. This year there are lots of pumpkins, and orbs, but what really caught my eye were the stemless wineglasses. I enquired about the artist and it turns out it’s the person doing the demo! I was directed to their info and took pics for reference.

I might have to buy a pig too. It’s too adorable!

I saw this sign at the cashier desk and I love the education and use of inclusive language here!

As I was leaving I noticed this cookie bucket! One cookie here is a little more than a whole bucket! These are probably better for you!

I sat and watched the history show….~again! Mike & Sara and family were right behind me. We were discussing blueberries and we decided to try the Double Berry Biscuit at Lulu’s. The biscuit was very thick and hard on the outside and the compote was not visually appealing, but tasted ok. Not enough balsamic drizzle for my tastes.

They were meeting up with some cousins from Wisconsin,so I tagged along to meet them. They encouraged me to stay with the group and find new and fun things to see and do. Surprisingly they’d been to the fair often, but had never seen crop art or butterheads! We had much to teach them!

The first question they asked was how do find parking for less than $50! I was shocked they paid that much on a Monday. I think they got bilked by some opportunists just as the lots filled up.

Food was first on the agenda and I asked if they were “deep fried goodness” or more clean eating. Due to some health concerns, we settled on the healthier options! I suggested Blue Moon Turkish pizza, and Mike got the Korean BBQ tacos. The Blue Moon is a movie house theme, snd the guys order pick up names were Marge Gunderson and The Dude!

The question I failed to ask was regarding spice levels! The Turkish pizza was a bit too much for them, so I enjoyed a quarter of it! It wasn’t my intention to scam them into giving me free pizza! I paid my fair share. Mike offered me a bite of the tacos too. A bit of a kick but delicious!

I sent them off to get a salty, yet mild turkey sandwich. Much more to their liking! It was 12:30, and getting hot. After the spicy food, a margarita was in order! If I could drink beer and domestic wines without allergic reactions I’d have so many more beverage options out here, but as it is, I’m ~stuck~ drinking these refreshing things all the time!

We slowly made our way through the ~Monday?!?~ crowds up to see the butterheads.

Sadly, the new butter carver was not presently at work sculpting a Princess, so our guests missed seeing them geared up for winter to be able to pass time in a 40° booth with fans circulating the cold air! It looks like black marker on the glass (in photo) but it’s a carving tool resting in the butter! The former butter carver Linda Christensen retired last year and her apprentice Gerry Kulzer took over. Sara joked that “his noses all look the same”. We’ll check back once they’re all are carved!

We skirted around the edge of the interior building and I lagged behind to see what the pork producers had to give away. Got a small meat thermometer! I caught up to the group and the cousin was going to go back into the crowd to get one, but I offered her mine. I can always go back!

The next stop was Ag/Hort to see the crop art. We entered through the FOOD wing and every day they pose a question and fairgoers answer it with chalk on plates. I answered todays question up high in blue!

The other day, the question was “what’s your favorite vegetable?! Mike wanted to write Scott Jensen 😂

The line for crop art was very long. Too long for our large group to go through backwards, inconspicuously. We opted for huge veggies instead, which they enjoyed seeing. We did get lucky though, CFANS (College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Sciences) from the UofMN is doing a collaborative piece of crop art throughout the fair. Anyone can sit and contribute to the project!

They at least got a taste of what seed art is. And of course I had a hundred pictures of it on my phone to share!

I have yet to get close to all the spooky garden displays, but I caught a glimpse of the ghostbuster kaleidoscope!

I suggested either apple cider freeze pops or honey ice cream for a uniquely Minnesota cookie treat and they voted unanimously for ice cream.

Sara went to meet Dave inside, while the rest of us walked the perimeter and by the time we reconnected, the two had already secured a bench for the parade. It was full on sun, so with help we moved it to a shady spot.

The other half of the family arrived, carrying food from the Union Hmong Kitchen. It’s one of the highly sought after new foods and the lines are very long. Even this Monday.

Despite being from Wisconsin, the cousins are Friends of the Fair. I went with him to fetch his member swag and I enquired about mom & dads faded brick. Turns out, they have no space for more bricks, but for a $250 donation, they’ll replace it. There’s something about keeping the one they bought. I’m not ready to let it go. I did find Mike & Kathleen’s brick on the way!

We watched the parade pass with lots of bands, art cars, robots and stilt walkers, but again, where are the horses? We were seated right across from where animals enter the parade, and other than the mounted police color guard, no animals appeared.

Jack was on a camping trip and our high anxiety dog Mildred won’t go outside for Randy. I had to head home for a bit. I think even without Mildred, I may have decided to take a break. The crowd density weather theory was packing the people in. I got to thinking that, maybe, in this post-pandemic, flex WFH (work from home) business model, many people were actually WFF…Working From Fair!

While it wasn’t a weekend attendance level, it felt super busy for a Monday. I said to somebody, it feels like a 120K day. I wasn’t wrong.

I went home and planned to get some blogging done, but I was behind on cleaning chores, so I caught up a little. I planned to eat something at home so I wouldn’t need food once I got back, but I put a piece of pizza in the microwave and get a message from Mike, that he was on his way over, and I promptly forgot about it.

We got back over and just walked for a bit. Mike had fresh legs, mine were a bit rubber. He had to slow his pace a bit for me to keep up on the hills. In search of something to eat, we just wandered. I often say when you’re at the fair a lot, there’s “food, food everywhere, but not a bite to eat”. We stopped at Taco King…. $7 for a little flavorless flour taco. Sorta like Taco Bell, only less flavor.

We kept wandering and headed to the Bazaar. The lines for Union Hmong Kitchen were almost to the gates. Mike opted for his favorite Jerk Chicken wings from West Indues Soul. I realized he was wearing one of the Chevy shirts we’d acquired!

We went to the talent show and slowly moved our way into decent seats for the DSL Dire Straits Legacy band, playing at 8:30. Once more people joined us to help save seats, Sara & I went for food. She got Tipsy Pies and I stopped for my second Giant Egg Roll. Even better than the first one I had! I think it was one of the owners who served me. I mentioned that their new place eM Que Viet was very close to my house, but somehow the egg rolls are a little better on a stick.

Mike & I stuck around for about half the show. I was tired and Millie was waiting to be fed and go out.

Tomorrow is Tuesday. My favorite fair day!

Saturday and Sunday I signed up to volunteer the afternoon shifts at the Alphabet Forest. I spent Saturday morning helping Jack get ready for a camping trip and resting my tired self before heading back in. Arriving at the gate around 1:30 to find more long security and ticket lines. I timed my entry and learned that it’s only about a ten minute wait to get from Snelling through the gates.

It was very humid and raining on and off. Not enough rain to deter the crowds though. So far attendance records have been close to pre-pandemic numbers, but no records set yet. The weekend weather predictions might keep the numbers down a little.

I’d eaten a good lunch before leaving home, but there’s always room for pie!

I walked through the AFL-CIO carts and there’s lots of giveaways. Pencils, pens, can coozies, chip clips, key rings….but the only thing I grabbed was a fly swatter. The Steel worker distributing the goods told me it could be helpful for swatting things other than flies! Today I might need it to get through all the people!

I’m always looking for sunscreen, although I might not need it today, and the last cart had individual packets. Nice to have and lightweight to carry!

I had a little more time so I went to see what the DFL was up to this year. You can get your picture with the President & V.P. cut outs, there’s lots of new buttons and t-shirts and if you scan a QR code and get on a text list, you can get a bean to vote on why you’re voting. These are all the voting choices, and they’re all very good reasons to vote, but I put my bean in “protecting voting rights”. I figure without voting rights we can’t do anything about all the other things!

I got a new button too 💙🤍💖🏳️‍⚧️

I made my way up the hill, donned my first red apron and took my post greeting people and welcoming them into the Alphabet Forest. When I was teaching full time, many of my families would come and find me here. I’m grateful for the ones who still come back and say hi and get hugs! Thanks Sloan Family💙

The kids had fun and earned their blue ribbons!

I finished my shift and was just heading out when another incoming volunteer said “aren’t you a friend of Carole’s?” Sure enough, it was Karen. We’d met ages ago, but it sure is a small world reconnecting here of all places!

I walked out to the street to see this loaded truck. My first thought was the Grinch and his sled! I wondered, with all the staffing shortages predicted and realized this year, how the sanitation situation would be out here. So far, there are a lot of hard working people keeping our fair as clean as they can! I’m grateful and I say “Thank you” every chance I get.

In search of food and good music and needing a refill on my water, I walked down Cosgrove to the Culligan booth. I sat for a bit on a bench and watched the people. Some earlier rain showers may have sent a few people home, it was crowded, but not insane. People were still struggling with the water dispenser sensors. I had to help one guy. “Don’t touch it, just hover over it….don’t touch it….don’t touch it…” as he kept tapping the button making it go on and off not understanding that it wasn’t ~touching~ the sensor that made the water flow, it was his act of ~releasing~ his touch….🤦🏼‍♀️ I reached over and placed my hand an inch from the sensor and his cup filled right up. He didn’t thank me, just stared at me like I was magic. Maybe I shouldn’t have stepped in, but I couldn’t watch it anymore.

Elysia found me on the bench, after walking halfway to where she though I’d be, and back again. Mike & Kathleen messaged to say they were on the west end, so we connected in the middle at Demitri’s! Gyro for dinner.

You can see the gray skies in this photo. We knew ~weather~ was moving in, but hoped the storms would hold off until after the two concerts we wanted to see tonight. We got great seats in the Bazaar to hear the Belfast Cowboys. We were there early enough that everyone got a turn to grab beverages or a bite to eat. Mike got the new jerk chicken pizza from West Indies Soul and gave it two thumbs up! Kathleen hiked over to French Meadow, and while it’s not far, she had to navigate through the insane Sweet Martha cookie lines, that stretch across the street. She returned holding a vegan ginger apple cake with a plant based caramel glaze. I’m not sure how they do it, but it was delicious! We settled in as the concert began.

We listened to the band full of great entertainers but kept one eye on the sky. We were checking radar regularly and getting messages from home, but when the state fair blue shirts came to close up the sound booth that was our cue to get moving. Elysia had already left since she didn’t want to be waiting for a park & ride bus if everyone was evacuating.

Mike wanted to catch a little bit of Caitlin Smith, performing at the Leinie stage so we stood at the back and listened to a song. Kathleen was keeping a close eye on the storm timing and encouraged us to move quickly. Just as we headed towards the gate we heard Caitlin say that due to the weather the concert was ending early. I guess she played one more song, but we were already halfway back to our cars when the rain started.

Instead of staying put and waiting it out, we decided to drive home. The deluge started a few blocks into the drive. Lexington Ave was quickly overwhelmed with wind and water and made for a slow, wet windy drive. Kathleen was messaging to say there were tornadoes being reported so no stops on the way home.

Once safely home, I was getting reports and videos from friends who were still at the fair. Everyone was sheltered safely and no one was injured.

The next morning I got up early to watch the news and see the damage reports. Kathleen was correct and tornadoes did touch down on a path just a few miles south of the fair. Other than flooding, lots of puddles and a few branches, it sounds like the fair fared ok. All the concerts, including the Grandstand Show were canceled though.

I spent Sunday morning catching up on the blog and laundry, heading over just before my shift at the Alphabet Forest. My parking host, Sonja, was headed in too, so we walked over together. We discussed our storm stories on the way.

I have not yet made it through security without setting off the sensors. Today was no exception. I guess I’m glad they’re sensitive, but I can’t figure out what is setting it off. I have removed a back up phone battery, EPI pens, and sunscreen with zinc. No definitive answers yet.

We both walked up Cosgrove, with time to sit and watch the parade. Today a new parade unit is the Aurora Mascot. I’ve never seen it before!

The roller girls were present for the first time this year

A cousins cousin’s kid was marching in the Crookston band. I think he’s in there!

I’m still wondering where all the horses are….

As I suited up in the cabin there was discussion about the storms and a crazy thing I learned was that there were lots of reports of screaming when the storm started. Some of the screaming came from the people stuck on the Giant Wheel! It takes around 45 minutes to unload a wheel full of people. Apparently nobody made the decision to close it down, which I would think should happen at the first sign of lightening!

Today is oppressive, with more storms in the forecast, and 90% humidity. You can see I’m already drooping. My volunteer buddy and State Fair Co-junkie Bree, was volunteering at the crown box station and I was her replacement.

I donned my red apron, stashed my stuff and just as I was taking over, two of my favorite kids arrived!

I grabbed one of the favorite books we used to read together when they were my toddlers. Now they can read along with me!

The girls had lots of fun in the Forest and made a side trip to the Glamping spot next door and returned with these beautifully decorated faces!

My heart was full with the big hug I got before they continued on their fair adventures.

Mike & Kathleen had been out all day and stopped up to say hi after they waited in long lines for the pickle pizza. They really liked it! Mike said you could tell the crust was made with a little love! As they were getting close to the purchase point, a lady walked up and offered to pay for their pizza if they bought a slice for her. She was at the end of her day and heading out with her kids and couldn’t wait in the line. Mike figured it was a win-win and totally helped her out.

Since Day One, Randy has been hoping for sweet treats to appear when I return home. The crowds, lines, timing and weather all but made it impossible.

After my shift today, I was hot, sweaty, tired and smelled bad. I thought it was best for everyone if I went home! Despite the weather, it’s still a weekend day and the fair was busy, but I decided I would attempt a treat run anyway. Elysia was on the grounds with friends and texted me the north end Sweet Martha report…”it’s busy”.

Trying to fulfill Randy’s cookie dreams I decided to attempt navigating Sweet Martha Alley AKA Carnes between Underwood & Nelson.

Tipsy Pies was on the path so I stopped for my daily pie! Sara has a new one this year. It’s called Minty Magic Tart and it’s like a grasshopper in a pie shell with cream and Andes mints on top. If ever I was to forgo my usual blueberry and try one, today was the day. It was a yummy, cold, refreshing treat before walking into hell for cookies.

Sara took this picture of my haggard self with the pie!

As I ate my pie, I learned about the confusion in the food building the previous night. The storm hit just as the building is supposed to be closing. Staff people were closing the big garage doors, as fairgoers were trying to seek shelter inside. I know the announcements at the Leinie Lodge instruct people to go the Food building or Ag/Hort. It’s lucky this storm wasn’t worse! Might be time to revisit the plan!

Feeling a bit cooled and fortified, I walked down the hill and didn’t get far before I took a quick picture and retreated. Getting cookies today was a big NOPE!

I turned and saw the lines for donuts were much smaller so Randy would have to settle for a bucket of minis.

Randy was happy enough with the donuts, and I promised to bring cookies home on a less crowded weekday.

I don’t usually blog anecdotes that I didn’t participate in, but a story from Mike and Kathleen’s fair day was too funny not to share!

They told me that earlier they chanced upon the WCCO live broadcast of Esme Murphy interviewing Governor Walz. They sat on a bench right behind the stage to listen. Mike had half a cup of cold coffee that he decided to dispose of. He walked to the closest trash barrel and knowing (from experience) that liquid in trash bags just makes them heavy and leaky, he poured the contents on the ground, (most of it pouring down the side of the white barrel) before tossing the cup. The entire time Kathleen is watching Mike do all this, ~live~ on the huge TV monitors, oblivious of the circumstance. Mike sent me the video clip of the interview and told me to fast forward to see his Forrest Gump impersonation! I took a screenshot of the incident, laughing the entire time. Kathleen is sitting on the blue bench, hidden behind Esme. I’m sure her palm is planted firmly on her face!

I spent some time blogging and headed to bed late as the next round of storms fired up, hopefully bringing with them the promised cool front for the coming days.

Woke up Friday grateful that my feet still worked. I decided to wear socks and the Hokas to give them all the support they need for day two!

Getting a later start than usual, I found myself in more traffic than I expected. To complicate matters, a coach bus couldn’t make the clearance of the stone railroad arch on Lexington. I didn’t stay to see the resolution, but maybe the approaching school bus helped out with stop arm & lights.

Once parked and headed over, I ran into some old (former!) neighbors wearing attention grabbing t-shirts and I stopped to get the scoop. They have coordinated with neighbors, local police and safety officers to created a neighborhood patrol group to keep the area safer during the fair.

Crossing Snelling Ave, the lines were long again. There is no delineation between the ticket sales and security entry. Confusing, frustrating and even ire raising when people cut into the lines you’ve been trained your while life to wait on!

My friend E was coming in right behind me, so once inside the grounds, I quickly ran through Creative Activities to get my recipe card. There were many things on the “I’ll come back to do that later” list from Thursday, that I never got done! This is on the list and today was the one I really wanted.

The building was already getting crowded, but I glanced at a few exhibits I’ll revisit later next week. The tinker toy fair is always pretty amazing!

Then the sweepstakes winners are always a must see.

I connected with Elysia and we made for pie! It was fun to see these two together. My co-workers during my short Tipsy Pie Baker stint!

My plan was to get to the west end to see History on a Schtick at the Schell’s stage by 11:00am. Along the way we saw the San Felipe Taco booth that took over the spot where I liked to get the “World’s Greatest” fries.

And as we walked past Big Fat Bacon, Elysia commented that it smelled like ~The Ranch~! (Our home away from home retreat in Amery). The bacon is not on my food favorite list, but it is for others I know!

The first Friday is always Governor’s Fire Prevention Day out here. We walked through Carousel park, but only the Explorers are doing demos here. The rest of the action is up by the pet pavilion.

This is the new KSTP mural, had to get a pic! Asked an explorer for the photo assist!

We scooted through the KSTP booth, and the line to spin the giant wheel was all the way down the street. I can say, “never have I ever” spun that wheel.

We got to the west end and found Sarah working hard at “i like you”. Her hat! I’ve often referred to myself as a “state fair professional”, but this is much better. if you’re looking for great Tshirt deals, Minnesota swag and hotdish related things, stop by!

We had time to grab some food & beverages before the show started. E got her breakfast beer, Grain Belt Blu and despite my allergies to beer, I had to try a sip. It’s yummy! It’s blueberry 💙 I picked up bull bites & bang bangs to share for a protein punch after breakfast pie!

The History on a Schtick show is not to miss! As a friend Laura described it…”Dudley Riggs meets History Center”. Every day 10 & 11am at the Schell Stage. My favorite number “It’s all about Paul” a lament from Paul Bunyan’s sweetheart Lucette Kensack.

After the show we connected with Michael. The three of us have become a little state fair posse! Michael showed up sporting his Talent Show Tshirt. All he needs is a pair of Birkenstocks and he’s the spitting image of Dad ❤️. Michael says “I’m a cooler version of Don”!

They grabbed a couple Nordic waffles, and we started walking east, with the final destination of fire trucks in my head!

Along the way I caught a glimpse of this awesome double scooter bike contraption! I can see Randy & I getting around the fair like this…one day soon?!?

We stopped by Northern Tool and it was too busy to actually go into the tent. It’s a much smaller operation than in pre-COVID times. Out front they have a stand with cute tool sticker sheets for kids.

As we walked up Underwood I found more food concession changes. The Gyro (coupon) place that was near the Giant Wheel has moved and they have a nice dining tent setup behind. My favorite Gyro is still Demitri’s, but if you’re up on the north end, this is pretty good too.

Michael likes to get a t shirt from Chevy and we were able to walk right up, register with all our one digit off information (to avoid mailing lists and phone solicitation) and since we both did it, he got both kinds of shirts. I forgot to get a picture, but Mike captured me scoring a goal playing Chevy truck bed bags!

The next stop was Fire Trucks! I have picked up hot pads here for many years and this year they are much thinner than before. I asked the fire fighters distributing the swag if I could feel confident in these inferior hot pads protecting my hands…. One responded “double up” as he tossed me another! That did not boost my confidence. I realized that I just became that person at the fair complaining about a free giveaway….

I continued my search for a the good fire swag while Mike and Elysia moved on to explore all the new Hemp vendor exhibits behind the Hangar. I scored sunscreen, CPR barrier mask in cure little carriers and a hot water sensor Duck, which Michael said “makes bath time lots of fun”

There is a new exhibit inside the North End Event Center called “Survival”. I convinced Mike & Elysia to check it out with me. There was a bit of a line, but the compelling feature was A/C. It felt good to get out of the sun for a bit. The exhibit is interesting, ten (or so) different vignettes with survival suggestions, tools and tips for various outdoor scenarios.

We had a bit of fun with the bears and E did her best Wilma Flintstone.

The last exhibit was “urban survival” and there was a sofa and chair. I’m not sure if we were allowed to sit or not, but we relaxed in the A/C practicing our survival skills. Too bad food & beverages are not allowed.

The last vignette is a campfire scene. Elysia and I settled (not so easily) onto short stumps and pretended to “go on a bear hunt”.

We moved through pretty quickly. It’s a ~lot~ of reading and not much interactive stuff. There are knots to tie, building a shelter, climbing in some things, and some blocks, but I think kids under six might not be entertained. it was cool and shady and the couch was pretty comfortable!

Once back out into the sunshine we chanced upon one of the Arts~A~Fair presenters and took a minute to enjoy the Ragamala Dancers.

Always thinking about the next food or beverage opportunity, we decided to head to Giggles. The food lines were long out front so we scooted around to the bar only line and grabbed some refreshment. Elysia decided on the new Olive lager, served like a beer-tini!

Tim was happy to be supervising his busy staff!

The Eco building wasn’t crowded so we wandered inside to check out the giant paper mache moose and the floating loon they brought down from Silver Lake in Virginia MN. Both are pretty awesome to see!

There still is Eco-Bingo this year with a purple cooling buff (neck gaiter) as the prize. To find the BINGO stations just look for the big orange balls in the air. We decided not to play.

But we did find some really “Gouda” cheese samples being offered which led us to Sweet Potato Sweep!

I chose my sweet potato wisely and was able to defeat Elysia down the racetrack!

We walked out of the Eco Building and my internal state fair clock was ticking right along and brought us to a perfect parade perch just 20 minutes before it started.

We all had time to take turns getting a bite to eat and I decided on my first foot long of the season.

A huge wasp landed on my wrist as I was taking the picture and I swooped my arm downward forcing it off with wind currents, thankfully successful as my EPI pen was back on the perfect bench a block away!

Our parade vantage really was perfect.

So far, the mounted flag bearing officers are the only horses in the parade this year. I’ll have to investigate and find out more.

The mascots were nice and close. I want to get a picture of both of them at some point.

It was sports mascots galore!

Five marching bands, art cars, bouncing gymnasts, stilt walkers & unicycles, but no horses.

Today was too beautiful and a little too busy to spend time inside buildings, so we walked past Fine Art, 4H and chanced upon the new Pickle Pizza stand. Long, long lines and so far reviews have been good.

We snuck around behind and took a gander at the MN Dot display and checked out Betty Whiteout!

Michael wanted to peek inside the can you check out all the bells and whistles, but I made him take a seat!

Michael decided to head home for a short fair break before returning later with Kathleen. Elysia and I kept wandering. We wanted to quickly fill our water bottles at Culligan, but found lines almost out into the street!

My mom, Carol Jo, always said, if there’s a line, go to the left. We also knew on the left side of the building are ten water coolers as opposed to the four out front. Today boasted big crowds and it was hot and sunny, but until it was our turn to fill our bottles, we couldn’t understand the lines. It turns out the water coolers are all touchless technology. This bamboozled 90% of the people attempting to fill cups and bottles.

Just a tip, don’t touch the sensor! Keep your hand about an inch away and it all works just fine! Hopefully people will figure it out more quickly, or maybe Culligan will put up instructional posters. They probably don’t care and see it as a prolonged advertising opportunity.

Hydrated and ready to get out of the sun for a bit we walked down the shady side of Cooper checking out the exhibits as we went.

We joked about getting this water bike for E’s cabin. There’s no way we’d have the strength to pedal it after getting it down the stairs to the lake! Plus they’re $1K down to order and $1K on delivery.

Next stop was the Sherriff Jail booth. We picked up a couple Deterra drug disposal packs free and decided instead of a pedal water bike, we just need an air boat!

Next stop, Ag/Hort. We checked out the scarecrows and quite a few caught my eye!

The rotating floral exhibits are hosting a variety of flora today. Hostas, coleus, roses, succulents, begonias, caladium and I stopped to talk irises for quite a while with the lovely couple from the Iris Society of Minnesota.

Elysia is a mushroom expert. While I won’t ever eat one, and identification will never be of interest to me, I was amazed that all the mushrooms on this display were picked three days ago in Minnesota.

So much to see in the building yet, but I wanted to see the first round of veggies before they start to rot. As a new vegetable gardener, I understand there is a standard to attain, represented here at the fair! I don’t think I grew any prize winning beets or eggplants, but they were delicious!

The giant pumpkins this year are astounding! The largest weighing in over #1600!

I did grow a beautiful crop of onions. I realize I need to learn this technique for drying and preserving them!

Leaving Ag/Hort I knew we were close to Grammie’s bench, but we got totally distracted by BINGO which was going to start in 10 minutes and there was no line! we paid $10 (donation to the foundation) for our cards and I made Elysia pose in front of the giant blue ribbon.

We settled in for 30 minutes of fun with an entertaining, very rapid caller. It was cool and got us out of the sun a bit longer but we won bupkus. The prizes are state fair tickets and some other foundation swag.

Elysia and I found my Grammies bench as she went to join some classmates in town for a reunion and I headed back up to the bandshell to meet Michael and Kathleen and sit for a bit and watch the talent show.

By the time I got to the meeting spot, they were on the way down to Cafe Caribe to say a quick hello to friends. I found the energy to follow them, knowing that my favorite state fair beverages awaited me there!

With drinks in hand, I walked back up to the bandshell. I sat waiting for the talent show to begin and checked my Apple Watch.

Today I was pacing myself much better. Day one I’d logged 10K by 10:00am!

My seat wasn’t the greatest as the sun was setting directly in my eyes, but I settled in for the show.

Mike & Kathleen arrived, mid-way through the show.

They had one more Tshirt score to show me!

One talent show complete, we walked up the hill to Baldwin Park for the county show. Benches were full and we had had enough sitting so we decided to head back down to the main drag to find some dinner for Kathleen. Taking the less trodden path along the picnic grounds, we stopped to enquirer about the quality of the two person hammock on sale for $25 with a coupon deal at Paddle North. Not sure enough to make a purchase, we kept on the path down to the grandstand. It was decided that Juanita’s would be our dinner. Kathleen is determined to eat only clean foods out here, which doesn’t seem like a bad idea! She got a chicken fajita and I shared a bowl’o’beans & chicken with Mike. I realized I hadn’t eaten since my foot long at the parade.

Needing a beverage we thought about trying the new Lift Bridge root beer, but unfortunately that’s not possible.

We kept moving on a trajectory taking us to the Bazaar to hear The Good, The Bad & The Funky play. I just tried to keep up with these two.

Elysia rejoined us and the bazaar was packed, but we found a bench right outside which was loud enough and plenty entertaining with a lovely view.

We hung out for most of the concert, but were ready to head home before the grandstand fireworks. It had been a really fun day!