Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at dawn, sailors take warn. It might rain today so I packed a poncho!

I got to the house at 6:00am to meet Thane & family. Today , August 25th, is his birthday, and they have to move a kid into college later this afternoon, so they got a ~really~ early start! It’s also Mom & Dad’s wedding anniversary. It would have been 57 years.

I stopped by to say good morning to Bart and have a stoop chat. We enjoyed some curbside entertainment as this car tried to get into that four foot parking space.

It was still very early, but I headed over and enjoyed the peace and quiet of practically empty streets & spaces.

There were no lines for coffee, but I’d already filled up for the day.

I headed down to the bench to take a moment and reflect on all the love & memories that flooded my heart & head on this particular date.

As I sat & remembered, and made a list of all the things I need to see & do, an old state fair friend honked his horn and said hello!

I sat on the bench for a while longer, remembering the love and having a moment.

My memories & recollections are assisted by my Facebook posts from last year!

I had no plans to meet up with anyone, my to do list was long, so I contemplated my next move to check off a few things. Just as I was getting ready to leave, Thane & family arrived to pay their respects and honor the memories.

Pie for breakfast seemed like a great idea. I started walking slowly up towards the food building. It wouldn’t be open for another 20 minutes. I came upon the fruit juice pods in their closed state. I had no idea that they had lids with hydraulic lifts that rise slowly and become the roof!

After being mesmerized by the rising pods for a while, I saw the doors go up on the food building and I cruised in for my Tipsy Pie!

Seeing all animals that are showcased at the fair requires some planning and timing. Some species & breeds only spend 2-3 days in any given barn. It’s a good idea to check the daily schedules, to see what animals are where, when. The Poultry/Sheep Barn has the largest amount of animal movement. It houses bunnies, ducks, geese, chickens, goats, sheep and the 4H assorted competitors.

It’s also a good idea to see the pigs early on during the fair, as the heat, crowds and swine traffic do nothing to improve the smell over time.

The draft horses will be moving out tomorrow, so on my way to the swine & cattle barns, I stopped to admire them.

On the way down Judson there are always Alpaca! These two were pretty cute!

The cattle barn roof collapsed last spring due to the excess weight of all the snow. I wanted to see repairs. You can’t tell from the inside as far as I could tell and it’s too shadowed to get a picture. I walked through rather quickly, looking for Brown Swiss. It’s the 4H competition right now, so they are not separated by farm or breed, but by county. The cows are all mixed up! I found a few sweet faces.

I also ran into these two! My boss Tina and her husband Craig. Craig is sporting a ~vintage~ Fair day t-shirt, when we worked for Guidant before Boston Scientific took over in 2006!

We chatted for a bit, they were headed in to see the cows and I was headed for the pigs!

I saw the Largest Boar and Sow, but I’m not sure why I didn’t take any pictures! It might have been crowded already. It’s quite the attraction! I did wander through the whole Swine barn, with its newly remodeled stalls and found it was half filled with goats.

Goats are always amusing, and quite loud.

Having seen all the pigs & goats I cared to, I made my way over to see if there were more draft horses getting ready for the competition. I lucked out. They are such beautiful animals.

After seeing all the animals. I needed a thorough, hot water, hand washing, so I stopped into the largest bathroom facility on the grounds across from the Judging Arena. There’s never a line here. There was however a strange note of caution on the sink. I’m not sure I avoid “using” the mirror. Whoops. I used it.

I decided to take a swing through the CHS Miracle of Birth center, just to check the calf situation and check out the tote board.

I grabbed some sunscreen and took a picture of the Coliseum schedule for future reference. Since I never blogged this day, the reference was moot. Free, quality sunscreen is always a bonus!

No calves yet today and the cow in the pen wasn’t progressing. I cruised through to see some of the adorable babies.

Hands down, the best thing to see in here this year is the duck slide! I could have watched them for hours! I had to move to let little kids see it, forgetting that I’m an adult!

Having seen enough live animals, I decided to go see some stuffed dead ones. DNR, here I come.

I seem to get a photo of the moose every year. I’m not sure why, it’s not like he ~ever~ changes.

There was so much going on in the DNR Park this year. I still miss the river trash sculpture. I hope they find funding to create one again in the future…. or better yet, if there isn’t enough trash to be found in our lakes & rivers to create anything!

There were lots of interactive exhibits for kids and adults. The Wolf Center, The Minnesota Bird Club, The Conservation Corps, and more.

There was a new (to me) exhibit to bring awareness to poaching. It was the “wall of shame”. Lots of stuffed animals that should still be flying, swimming and foraging….

In the corner there was an owl on a branch and I stared for quite some time before I realized it was ~not~ stuffed!

I wandered inside the building and the light was just right to get a photo of the fish in the tanks.

There are still lots of fish outside!

I went kayaking for the first time this summer at a friends cabin. I want this beautiful blue one! it’s just here for a photo op. I won’t lie, I wanted to get in, but I had no one to take my picture. And frankly I wasn’t sure how and if I could get out again gracefully!

In the back room of the DNR there was a display focusing on getting more people connected with nature. There is a canoe photo booth and you can dress up and paddle. There is also a Pom Pom voting area to poll people as to the top five efforts that legacy dollars should be spent on. I planned to return here later in the Fair to see how the vote was stacking up. I also got some free camping silverware, a backpack and a bobber carabiner.

I really want to get a picture with Smokey Bear and wish him a happy 75th birthday! I checked the schedule and he wasn’t going to arrive until around 11:00am. I could always get a photo op with his stand in.

I figured I had enough time to get through the bottom level of the Grandstand and back in time to see Smokey.

We had plans in the works for a new patio. (It ended up not getting done last fall, but this spring instead) Last year I first saw this Yard Bird furniture and loved it. This year it’s on clearance! I sent a picture to Randy and got the name and number of a sales guy. I asked him if I had time to place an order, and he suggested that I not wait too long. I called the next day and ordered a set. They ended up running out of the sand color that I purchased in three days. In the coming days, I made all my Fair companions sit on “my new furniture”.

I cruised through part of the lower level, and thought about Mom as I passed by Nellie’s booth. She always picked up laundry soap and new dryer balls every couple years. I was tempted to get the sheep balls, but they were a freebie with soap purchase. I’m a Norwex user and laundry soap is heavy!

There were many of the usual vendors, so I moved through quickly. I stopped to check out a few of the new ones. This artist has great stuff. I’m not sure where I’d put it, but I love the sentiments.

I walked into the Heim-made booth. One day I hope I’ll be small enough to fit in one of these lumberjack jackets!

Last year, Thai rolled ice cream was a new food. This year I had a vantage point to record the process. The flat chilled boards make it all possible.

As I stood photo journaling this process, who should I run into but my former co-teacher Megan and her husband Jordan.

They had lots to do (eat & see) on this beautiful day, so we chatted for a few and went off in separate directions.

I turned the corner and found the booth where I bought the commemorative ornaments for mom every year. I knew all the past year baubles were upstairs in moms house, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy the one for this year. I should have, because when I went back later, they were sold out.

No sign of rain and another glorious day brought more and more people.

My stomach was rumbling and conveniently the foot long hot dogs were on the path back to the DNR.

Smokey had yet to make an appearance, so I thought about climbing the ranger tower. There was a long line and as I looked up, I realized the Birds of Prey show was in progress!

I watched from the periphery for a bit when I saw Smokey make his way across the plaza. Lots of kids flocked to him and I had to awkwardly wait my turn to snap a selfie! I wished him Happy Birthday and posted the pic to Facebook

I was ready to move on so I walked up Carnes and popped into the Medica tent. The line was super long to spin the giant wheel, but all I really wanted was some chapstick so I bypassed the line and they gave me a bag too!

I took a chance at finding a spot to sit at the ball park and captured my hard working friend Nate, busy doing what he loves, taking to people about beer!

I luckily found a table, and encountered Megan & Jordan again! They sat for a bit and I was able to give his dead phone a jump start with my back up battery pack. We discussed food decisions and I’m not sure if they already ate one, or were on the way to find one, but I pulled up the review and location of the deep-fried dilly dog for them. It dawned on me that long, long lines I saw at the Swine & Spuds booth in the coliseum was not for the pork belly… it was for the Dilly Dog!

It was only noon and I’d seen much, but I didn’t want to waste any more time. We parted ways again and I headed over to the U of MN booth to see if they were still giving away fanny packs. The pack line was gone, and the booth was not crowded so I took a gander at the trophy case. Somehow I feel a little more connection to the U, now that I am a legit graduate!

I stopped at the Hamline Dining Hall to see if Elaine Christiansen was working. I missed her today, but I’d check back. I read about the new ice cream flavor this year and one day I will try it! It sounds like a lot, but also delicious….they had me at cardamom.

I still really had no agenda. Gray (now Jack in 2020) was working at the MNHS booth in the Education Building and would be done around 2pm. I walked up to the north end to see what I could see.

I said “hey” to the big duck. I no longer need a bathroom remodel, so no need to stop for information.

The Kemps booth was giving away the Neapolitan “itty bitz”. Got my portion cup and realized it was made with red dye #40. I’m allergic, so I took a picture and dumped the dots.

I got my tattoo to try my chance at an inflatable cow. I looked in the pen, and they seem to have shrunk this year!

I did stop into the photo booth and got photobombed by a cow! “moo!”

They replaced one of the last old restroom buildings this summer with a beautiful new facility. On the path to the new biffy, I came upon the Giant Sing-Along. I stopped to sing a chorus of “Be our guest” from Beauty and the Beast. I happened to arrive during the Show Tunes Sing Along set. There was a poster with images of all the past years buttons and buckets full of them to choose from. I decided I didn’t need any more buttons.

Traveling the back roads up here, I found the Stihl Chainsaw carver tent. He’s usually at work on something. He’s using a blowtorch to burn the color into his latest bear cub.

Elysia might need one of these at the cabin!

Walking up farther north, I wandered into the pet tent and they have a cat expo right inside the door. This was the most interesting cat I’ve ever seen. Such a face! He’s a Selkirk Rex.

You can find cat pur-niture, dog grooming tools, K-9 paraphernalia, dog treats, leashes and clothing inside this tent. There was nothing here I needed today.

Behind the Hangar they have created a new marketplace, similar to the West End set you, just smaller. There are some fun booths up here. Friends of the Boundary Waters & REI have a cute camp set up (that you can sign up to win!)

You can also get photobombed by a moose.

There’s a cool custom bike shop that has really neat bikes, but no trikes.

And the shop “Good Things” that bought out the Bibelot, has a booth set up with lots of fun unusual gifts and state fair kitsch.

I took some time to watch the LED corn sculpture and captured the image where it actually looks like corn!

Gray’s stint at the MNHS booth was ending soon, so I headed straight for the Education Building. I captured the history nerd in his natural habitat!

The youth still had some time on the clock, so I spun the wheel and won steel straws! I also had fun at the dramatic play campfire!

While the kid finished his shift, I zigzagged up and down the aisles. I signed my initials on a snow plow blade.

I wanted to sit on a couple million dollars, but had no one to take my picture.

I decided I needed to come back and play Minnesota Plinko one day.

And take some pictures in front of the Fair Forest.

I walked back through the Annex and got to see the Swiss peeler man do his demo. I’m pretty sure he’s been here every year I have.

There is also a little booth selling these cute scrubby sponges that are dishwasher safe. I just love the bright colors. I’ll have to stop back to buy some later. (I never did. I forgot.)

I went to fetch Gray and made him take some pics with me. First stop the Fair Forest.

Then there was the opportunity to stick our heads in stuff. Can’t pass that up. The kid was actually (briefly) willing to indulge me. All the years we walked by this booth, those dollars helped fund a four year college education for the Ole Grad!

Can you believe it’s only 2pm. The parade was about to march by, so we found a spot by a tree and Gray connected with a couple college buddies.

There was a Ghostbuster car driving by and there was a marching group of former flag girls, (they were closer to my age than high school!) doing their thing!

I asked the youth if they would join me in the Alphabet Forest for my Day Four picture. They obliged.

The kid left with his pals and I adventured a little further. I stopped at the DFL booth and did the survey to get my soybean and dropped it into my pick for 2020.

Gray wasn’t gone long and hunger brought him back to me, so we grabbed a cheeseburger at the Midway Men’s Club. As I waited there for the youth to join me, I chatted with my buddy who honked at me 8 hours ago!

I planned to see Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits at the bandshell later tonight, but the kid was tired and wanted to head home. We walked back to Moms for a break.

The rain that threatened that morning was now a higher probability. The temperatures were dropping and I knew I needed another layer to make it through the concert. I scrounged one moms closet and found her Winter Carnival purple fleece. I was shocked that I fit in her XL jacket and I felt wrapped up in her spirit. I convinced Gray, after a short rest, to come back to the fair with me. We grabbed umbrellas and headed over the bandshell. I stopped for some of the Irish Whisky chicken drummies from O’Gara’s accompanied by a glass of wine and settled in for the concert.

Gray actually enjoyed the oldies and recognized some of the songs and sang along. The Guinness helped.

Peter Noone could still entertain!

We thought about watching the laser show up by Eco Hall, but it wasn’t starting until 9:00 and we were both tired. Randy always appreciates finding a bag of mini donuts when he wakes up, so we stopped for a bag. This year they sell them ~by the bucket~. Information Randy does not need to know! I promised the kid whatever he wanted if he cane to the concert with me. He decided that a cup of cookies would be good. We trekked back down to Sweet Marthas and bought a small cone and made our way towards home.

In front of the U of MN building there are some really cool vegetable gardens. They utilize strawbale techniques and I want to check it out during the daylight hours. At night though it was a fun experience.

We walked back to moms around 10:30. The house is too dark and too quiet, but yet comforting in a way. It had been over 16 hours since I pulled in this morning. I was ready for bed. No time to blog.

My blog retrospective begins today. Last year I stopped blogging after the second day. There was too much to do, and I spent every moment I could enjoying the fair. This year, 2020, there is no fair due to COVID 19. I’m going to live vicariously through myself and try to remember all my adventures from last year as I go through my photo journal.

I started blogging day three, but didn’t get far. What follows is mostly recollection.

It was Saturday August 24th, 2019. Another beautiful day dawned and I got my tired self moving and over to the Fair by about 9am. So as not to worry anyone, I showed up for my pie right away!

I was on my own this morning, but hoping to connect with some of my work family & friends. Boston Scientific offers T-shirts & tickets and requests people attend this first Saturday to create a presence. This years shirts are bright orange and make are highly visible! I (unintentionally) didn’t remember mine.

I knew I wanted to see the Gladiola show in Ag/Hort so I walked over to get an estimated time that judging would be completed. I was told after noon, so I went to check out some other areas. On day one I took some pictures from outside before the building opened. Today, the door/windows were closed, offering no ventilation and many of the stately vegetables had wilted! This is the pic of the Kohlrabi, before it wilted.

Some of the non leafy vegetables held up OK, I’ll come back another day when I have more time to check it all out.

My friend Dan & his friend entered large frame honey comb and they both got ribbons

And I love to see the Pysanky eggs. I found all Dad’s egg tools at the house and I am excited to try my hand at it again this winter.

Maybe one day I’ll enter my own!

The giant pumpkins seem to be the same year after year. what’s with a yellow one?

I wanted to pick up the recipe card for the day, so I walked to Creative Activities. I passed the cookie dough on a stick booth and they had a line @ 9:30 am. Now, I can’t judge dough eaters (I eat my own) but this is something I wouldn’t consume at the fair. I wonder what’s (synthetic?) in it to make it food safe & stable to serve here? Plus I don’t think I’d feel very good after eating it. I’m in it for the marathon, not a sprint!

The lines for coffee at the Farmers Union were surprisingly short today (not the case Thursday & Friday they were across the street!)They have a new blueberry key lime pie. I’m undecided. If someone buys one I’d love a taste. The texture might be an issue for me.

As I popped into the side door of the Creative Activities, I ran into my coworker and her husband! They tried to get parked on the grounds, but ended up in a yard spot! She remembered to wear her Boston Scientific shirt!

The recipe today is for Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing. The author and inventor told me she decided to play the whole part of 1950’s Home Ec!

I loved the esthetic!

The building was not hot or crowded at all…yet. I decided to try and see all I could!

I love to see all the colorful quilts, this year was awash with bright colors.I loved the beautiful Minnesota themed decorated cookies. I always look for entries by friends.

This entrant is related to the Knoblauch’s and Sarah said I must check it out!

The main center display is glass this year. I love the colors and shapes of blown glass.

This Harry Potter crocheted blanket was striking

Then there are always things that make me go… hmmm?!? This was just…nope.It got a blue ribbon!

I always seek out the annual themed quilt squares on a stick. This year was all about dancing cows.

In the large center display its often hard to see what all is in there, but these band diaramas were pretty amazing.

I found a historical display case depicting a rice pudding recipe and it’s habitat.

I love finding the family history and treasures similar to my own.

The decorated cakes are always delightful. I wish the cases that displayed them would get a little upgrade. I’ve discussed already the fact that the Creative Activities needs some funding for improvements. It’s like a sad old department store.

Possibly refrigeration in the cases might prevent seeing mold on display!

The prize winning pies and cakes fared a little better. The pies get the limited refrigeration.

Many things recycled, reused and repurposed create amusement and wonder.

The bottom left is art created with fruit & vegetable product stickers.

All the new fair foods in sculpy clay, a yarn bombed “under the sea” sit upon, and flying pigs!

It was a cloudy day so I could capture the iron cowboy sculpture in the center front display case.

Circular creations appeal to my sense of order and balance, sometimes despite the asymmetry.

I found so many wonders and delights including a family of children I used to care for! They all remembered to wear the orange shirts too!

After what felt like ages (and was only an hour) I headed out of Creative Activities and down Dan Patch. I passed the U of MN booth and this year they are giving away a Fanny pack instead of backpack.

It was just after 11:00 and the line formed all the way down the street. I wasn’t going to wait today.

This is where the recollection begins. I didn’t save all my paper programs so I don’t have specifics on events and times. Fortunately I take thousands on pictures and they’re all time stamped.

I wandered through Carousel Park to see what was going on and I got a thumbs up from a bored mascot!

I didn’t see my friends at Juanita’s, this is the view from the backside!

I don’t remember what special events were going on in Carousel Park today. Every day is something different. I got distracted by a text from a coworker Kim, that they were in the Kidway, heading to the Alphabet Forest. I’m not signed up to volunteer at all this year, but it is still a familiar meeting place.

The political community temperature-taking, grass roots , and soy bean polling efforts are in full force. At the DFL Booth you have to take a poll to get a chance to get a bean, so I took a gander at the tallies thus far and decided to return to cast my vote another day. I passed by Pete’s booth and dropped in a bean representing important issues.

On my way through the Kidway, looking for Kim, I happened upon one my of my other work families. Thanks to the blaze orange shirts, they’re easily spotted!

I found Kim & family getting off the Ladybug ride. A pint size Super Himalaya!

We walked together to the Alphabet Forest, where I love to see the kids explore and have fun with letters & words! Her daughter (A) is just like me, with a driving need to check off lists and finish a task. Kim knew it would take (A) hours in the Forest to complete her game card, so they worked on it at dinner for weeks leading up to the fair! She just needed to fill in a couple blanks to earn her blue ribbon!

Little H didn’t need a ribbon, she just had fun exploring!

I found more of my former all grown up kids playing here too!

When I’m not at my volunteering post, I have more time to chat and visit with people passing through, and lo and behold a childhood friend stopped in just to see if I might be there. This chance encounter led to a reunion gathering of bible camp friends later in the fall. I love the Great Minnesota Get Together.

Every year I miss the gladiolus show and I was determined to get back to see the flowers now that I did the earlier recon and knew judging would be done by now. However, I once again got distracted by Sara Q messaging me to meet up for the parade.

It was a little early, but with the crowds today I knew searing would be at a premium, so I found a bench in our usual spot near the base of the Space Tower. Sara & family used to meet on the south lawn of Ag/Hort across from the International Bazaar, until I informed them that they miss all the horses & livestock that don’t join the parade until it reaches the corner by the Bailey House.

I sat, saved the bench and soaked up the sun, deliberating on what I should have for lunch once more bench sitters arrived so I could run for food.

Sara & Carrie arrived and we all took turns running for food.

I decided on Island Noodles! A veggie filled stir fry noodle bowl found inside the Bazaar. The lines were long but moved quickly.

The parade starts every day at 2:00, and I take pictures of every float. I scroll through all the pictures and realize they’re often the same images every day. I think though as I look back, this is a new guy carrying the flag today. I swear, for years, it was the same guy.

The mascots and princesses have a new ride through the parade.

It seems everything has a mascot these days. Even the trees.

The little garbage can animals that Gray used to ride in hot an upgrade this year too! I wonder if adults can ride without kids!

I want to ride in the Alphabet Forest one wearing my crown & apron next year! (2021)

After the parade ended, I was determined to see the gladiolas. They did not disappoint!

After taking in the vast array of color, I made my way back out, noticing that the dangling Prince symbol had disappeared from the center purple rain display. I wonder if it was for structural safety reasons, or if someone saw an opportunity.

I figured out it was 4H Day at the fair when I saw the kids march through in the parade. I always seem to run out of time to see the Harkness Players Arts-In show in the 4H building (that mom ~never~ missed) It wasn’t until planning her funeral that I realized what a huge part 4H played in her life. I need to pay more attention.

I headed up north to catch the 4pm show and looking ~northward~ it struck me how crowded it really is. This is usually the view looking down Judson towards the animal barns, or looking down Dan Patch, not looking ~up~ Cooper.

It is amazing what a group of kids from all over the state can put together in a red short days of rehearsal as a troupe.

As the show was ending, Gray texted he was done at work and wondering if I was leaving the fair. It was a Saturday, and unless I’m volunteering, I rarely spend this many hours here on the weekend. I decided that it would be good to get home and rest up. There are nine more days to go!

Mildred missed me too.

I got a hand stamp… just in case. I got a little blogging done but apparently went right to bed and rested up for another full day at the fair.

With the help of a friend, I was able to procure a coveted ticket to the Drive Thru State Fair Food Parade for 10:00am today. We read all the rules and tips. We decided it would be best if Randy did the driving, as I’m quite easily distracted and need to take a thousand pictures.

We packed the new truck with a cooler, plates, ziplock bags, condiments, washcloths, filled my purse with the ticket, pens, money (cash and credit) and the the last thing I grabbed was a 9×13 pan, just in case we needed a food holder. We were ready for a different kind of State Fair adventure.

They had a well planned and executed car queuing system and we arrived a little early to stop by the Friends of the Fair Foundation booth to pick up our swag. I thought it was a car flag, but we had a choice today to get the commemorative pin set. I wanted the flag, but Jack (formerly Gray) convinced me that if Carol Jo were with us, she’d get the pins.

I got the pins. When affixed to the cardstock pattern, they collectively form the state of Minnesota. (Some assembly required) I’m not sure where else they might be available!

We headed to the check in station and picked up our swag bag. We were told there would be a commemorative lunch box. I imagined it bigger, but it is, in fact, a lunch box. I didn’t have time to unload the whole bag, as there were maps to go over, menus to fill out and bingo cards and pens to distribute and then our line of cars started moving ~before~ 10:00.

We filled out our menu, over estimating our gastronomical abilities, and stretching the budget, but after all this is our one day to get the goods.

We downloaded the iheart radio app, and connected to the State Fair radio station. You get great music, instructional messages and welcome and greetings from Jerry Hammer general manager of the fair.

The parallel lines of cars moved in unison toward the Midway gate entrance.

Where we had some time to get our trays, beverages, money and selves all situated.

There was a Jumbotron showing a State Fair memories slide show. We weren’t close enough to see much, because the line stared moving and I was busy offering up our food shelf donation at the first turn down Liggett St.

Once we rounded the corner, Adam Turman’s Minnesota icon sculptures were lined up down the street. He created this “Hang in there Minnesota” art when the fair announced it would be canceled for 2020.

The coliseum arch will not welcome all the livestock this season.

Jack & I were busy taking pictures so we had to scramble to get ready for our first food stop. Turkey to Go! It didn’t go so smoothly, as the first sandwich tipped out of the food boat and crash landed down the inside of the truck. The kid was super apologetic and ran to get another one as we cleaned up as best we could with limited time and not being allowed to get out of the vehicle. We shared one Giant Juicy and it was delicious!

All too quickly we were at the donut stand and luckily we had already come to an agreement on how many bags were required so there was no silly~dally~ing as we ordered… three bags. One for now, one for later and one for a little later than that.

We had a couple blocks to eat the turkey and have a couple donuts, wash our fingers and grab a drink while we bypassed the Fresh French Fry stand. We all like them, but there were other foods that took priority.

Along the route there are a few scenic distractions. A highlight reel of a walk through Ag/Hort.

The Captain Ken’s bean fire truck is parked nearby also. No rides in parades this year.

Next stop was The Mouth Trap! I’m not a cheese curd eater. I’m always concerned for the level of done-ness of the batter. I also don’t ever feel very well after eating them. Knowing that we’d be home in an hour or so, I threw caution to the wind and ate a few!

Each booth has a different set up for purchasing/ticketing and distributing goods. These guys had little tickets they stuck in your car door to indicate how many buckets. (One bucket fits all, no smaller option)

As we waited for our curds to arrive car side, we got lucky and Fairborne & Fairchild did a drive by!

Right next door was Que Viet with the giant egg rolls on a stick.

I ate more cheese curds than I planned to and my stomach was not ready for the egg roll. I placed them in our food tray and we passed by the cotton candy and caramel apples and rounded one more corner on Underwood where Randy was excited to get his Pronto Pup! The tray was filling up. Time to pull out the ziplock bags and save the egg rolls and remaining cheese curds for later.

I’m sad to say the Ball Park was not part of the day…. an ice cold beer would taste good about now on this sunny glorious day! It’s noon somewhere, but here it’s only 10:20am!

A slight jog around the block offered a little respite to drink some water, pack up some food and Randy enjoyed his dog. I wanted to stop for a better picture of the giant inflatable Paul Bunyan et al., but there’s no slowing down or stopping on this one lane track.

An ear of corn would have been tasty, but alas, they miss us too! I’m excited to see the remodeled booth next year! This image did check off “six people wearing yellow shirts” on my BINGO card!

Making our way back up Underwood we had to stop for a refreshing chocolate malt! It’s not the Kiwanis, but it’ll do during these trying times.

We had planned to purchase some jerk chicken wings at West Indies Soul, but our brains overestimated our stomachs and I had my vision trained on the foot long hot dog stand nearby. We declined the soul food and put pedal to the metal… well, maybe just accelerated to 8 mph and stopped at the kid in the hot dog hat!

They were wrapped up nicely in foil, and there were five quick stops up next, we we left them wrapped in the tray and headed for lemonade.

My stomach was so full, knowing I had a hot dog to eat and cookies were around the bend, I tossed the lemonade in the cooler to save for later.

We never eat the London Broil, but I know some friends are big fan’s, so we kept driving up to see Giggles. He’s grateful for the opportunity to be there and his kids are working hard. When I commented on how smoothly and quickly everything was moving, he said it best when he replied, “the fair under promised and over delivered”! I know so many more people would have loved to take part, but nobody knew how this would work and it was wise to be conservative and put forth an excellent product.

I sadly had no room in my tray or stomach for wontons or walleye.

Randy rarely makes it this far to the north end. Way up past his street…Randall Ave.

He wanted to try the Twisted Sausage Tater that’s on the menu at the Hangar now (formerly the Texas Steak Out)

We filled out more BINGO spots with the giant cow.

Our final stop was Sweet Martha’s cookies. I don’t know what I was thinking, other than I’m having friends over later this afternoon, but I told Randy we needed three buckets.

We decided to avoid the long line of cars waiting to purchase at the Fair wear stop, and found a parking spot to stop and eat the hot dogs. They still had the pop!

We also stopped to get the truck cleaned out. We had our own version of “street pizza” just now we call it “truck turkey”

In this version of the fair, there are no lines for the bathroom!

It was a fun food filled morning. We were in and out within an hour and a half. We ate too much, saw some stuff and Randy appreciated not having to walk 10K steps!

One nice benefit to this event is that more people are learning about the State Fair Foundation, an organization near and dear to my family’s hearts. From the check in area, to signs along the route, food & merchandise vendors offering donations and on all the paperwork distributed, people are being educated!

If you’re not already, become a “friend of the fair” and help keep it my favorite place on earth.

We got home and filled the fridge and emptied the bags. Here is the fun stuff from the swag bag! I even got the Star Tribune cheese curd chapstick. I have yet to smell it, my stomach is not ready.

See you there in 2021!

Spent the morning updating the blog and it really takes too much time. I need to live it now and blog it later!

The neighborhood was swarming with cars and stories of back ups at the park & rides are making yard parking premium!

Moms yard was empty and the neighbors said the going rate was $30. Mom never charged more than $20 and I wasn’t sure if it would sit right if I did. But I went in the house to find the “parking” sign and found a post~it attached.

Apparently she was ready to change with the economics but never got the chance.

I made the “30”, parked two cars in ten minutes (one who had been driving for 2 and 1/2 hours looking for a spot!

I didn’t get to the fair until almost 1:30, but as I walked up Midway Parkway, I got the biggest hug from my water guy! ❤️

I landed on the grounds, getting texts from friends, some of whom I failed to ever connect with! I bypassed the Alphabet Forest to find Elysia and food. Our goal was to watch the parade so she could get pictures of the Fire Bears Robotics.

Walking up to the north end, I ran into my dear friend Helen. She’s usually working on the coliseum and I was going to find her later! Serendipity!

Tried out The Hangar for food, got the brisket sandwich….. it’s brisket and a bun. I’m not eating the buns this year in an effort to conserve calories, so I just ate brisket. There are worse things!

Ran into Weef & his lovely wife hanging out in the shade!

I also found my “uber volunteer” friend Bree hawking Friends of the Fair memberships (which, if you don’t have one, and you’re reading this, you should!)

We found a random bench and moved it up front near Northern Tool and had a shade spot to enjoy the parade. Mike and Kathleen joined us and he took this landmark photo!

Post parade we took the Enestvedt Seed cut through path to the Grandstand, avoiding the crowds where possible! I checked in at Jaunita’a Fajitas. Deb told me it turns out they created a monster with the new Cuban sandwich! Long lines, but hopefully they’re making money, hand over fist.

I took Mike, Kathleen and Elysia on a tour of the Blue Flame building. Sharing my secret spot with ice cold water fountain and A/C area with open seating.

I spun the wheel and won an electrician! I can’t remember his name but they told me he doesn’t eat much.

We walked over to the DNR, looking for Smokey Bear. He turns 75 this year so I want to find him and wish him happy birthday!

No Smokey, just fish.

I was looking forward to Turkey Ribs again this year, but sadly they aren’t on the menu. I got a Giant Juicy, delicious as always, leaving the bun behind.

I drown my sorrows over the missing turkey ribs with a Margarita Slushie.

Elysia got strawberry, me Lime as usual.

Armed with alcohol we bravely headed into the poultry barn. Elysia wanted to see bunnies and I missed the ducks and geese yesterday.

Elysia had to pet everything! I wish I captured the picture of the little kid who wanted a taste of her pink slushie!

The barns were packed with people and I struggle when I’m trapped in aisles of cages and poultry… so we toured the outer rim with easier escape hatches.

Huge turkeys, geese and ducks. We of course had to play “duck, duck, grey duck!”

Outside we walked and saw the Alpaca and Elysia sat for a bit and watched some piglets being born. Photo credit: Elysia

I sat soaking up the warm sun at a picnic table just outside watching the 4H kids get ready for a cook off! (Using rabbit meat?!?)

Stopped for simply nuts, butter toffee peanuts, but forgot to take a picture until we all helped polish off the bag at O’Gara’s later!

Elysia and I made the full round of the coliseum finding the usual wares housed in this space, but there is one new “market” that boasts handmade Minnesota goods. It was too busy to investigate too much, but the stuff was kitschy and cute.

Rarely are there crowds in the coliseum and usually short waits for the rusty old small bathrooms, but today was an exception. I’d never seen the east end of the place so busy. Turns out there is a new food in here at the Swine & Spuds. Apparently bacon wrapped pork belly is a hot commodity! Long lines on both sides!

Tractor Supply Co. has a fun photo op and since E and I have a history with bears, I decided this was the backdrop!

There’s also cows!

Last year, we watched the entire draft horse hitch show, but this year I just wanted to see them gleaming in the sun and hear the jingle and clopping of hooves as these majestic creatures in full regalia entered the arena.

We found a spot at the entrance gate, and while the sun angles were not in my favor, the horses and hitches did not disappoint!

Turn your volume up for the full effect!

Mike & Kathleen were saving us seats at the talent show, so I didn’t have a chance to pinpoint the location of my old friend Kara and we never connected. Sometimes the “get together” part of the Fair is challenging!

Elysia & I headed up Liggett into the dense crowd and dropped off our hopefully “winning” lottery entries into the packed boxes , and decided to veer off and take the short cut up behind the Territorial Pioneer Bldg. As we walked, we spied Jana Shortal and we (I) totally “fanned out” awkwardly, but despite me being so creepy, she graciously granted us a photo op!

I had yet to get my POD (Pie of the Day) so I swung through to see Sara and gang. They were worried because I was so late!

Pie is good for dinner too!

There were cloggers in the Talent Show! I love cloggers! It was tough competition with a woman who sang Whitney. If you’re gonna sing a Whitney Houston song (or Gaga, or Adele) you really better be able to sing it!

We didn’t stick around to see who won.

I decided I want to get an Alphabet Forest photo marking every day and any people that may be sharing in my day!

We also connected with these two crazy kids, Becky & Bill, who had an entire food consuming agenda. We had discussed the fact a couple times today, that I don’t eat shrimp at the fair, nor do I recommend it for others. Becky & Bill either didn’t listen to this professional or thought I offered up a challenge… either way, they confirmed that shrimp at the fair… nope! The yellow paper clasped in his hand contains the food checklist!

We all needed a bathroom break so I was extolling the virtues of the air conditioned, trailer potty behind O’Gara’s, but this time (first time for me) there was a ~line~ and the whole trailer is not level. The stalls are smaller than I remember and my friends gave it thumbs down!

Tom & Ingrid were in time from North Carolina and at the fair with Willie, so we found each other at ~where else~ O’Gara’s.

I also ran into Kiki and her husband who I’ve known for years from our Gloria Dei childhood and small world, Kiki & Ingrid worked together at Nordstrom.

Apparently it’s our gathering place this year. Mike and Kathleen connected with her sister Colleen and Kieran and we all joined forces to wander with the end goal being the Giant Slide.

Kathleen & the Slide are both celebrating 50 years of existence!

While I love to see all there is to see, my favorite part of the fair is the connection and gathering of family and friends.

Tonight is was like a snowball rolling and growing with each new encounter! We headed to find Grammie Kelsey’s bench and awkwardly ousted the people sitting there, but one guy understood what we were doing and offered to take our picture!

We did a pretty good job at large group navigation as we made our way to Carol & Don’s bench. There was a mini donut and water stop along the way with the whole family crossing the street to give the tRump booth a wide berth.

As we approached the Anniversary bench, Willie and I found it empty and we raced towards it and slid into home plate! The guy leaning on the bench commented that seating must be hard to find!

The placement and poignant theme for WCCO was not lost on this group of bench warmers either.

As we reminisced and soaked up the love & memories, more people found us! Another branch of McCarthy cousins joined our troop and we made way for the Giant Slide!

(L~R) John, Kathleen, Colleen in the lead and me. Ingrid & Willie descended shortly after! (They’re up top center)

Lots of people, lots of memories shared and hugs and we dispersed to our own agendas (which I had none this evening)

We decided we could eat a little something, and sharing is best, so Kathleen & I split a Que Viet giant egg roll. The kids in the booth are all so helpful, gave me a boat and cut it in half for us!

We had yet to see fireworks do we decided to relax and enjoy beverages (paid for with my car parking money!) back at O’Gara’s. A few friends found us and we laughed and told stories

And the fireworks starts and we walked down to see the Corn Dance. It hasn’t changed, but is entertaining as ever!

Day two in the books, slacking on steps, only 14K to end the day.

We did get word mid day that Thursday broke a record attendance. Today probably will too!

I looked forward to today with more joy than sadness this year. It did not disappoint. Gray & I were racing the clock to get to the gate by 6:00, but made it in time for a quick photo op with our own Minnesota presidential candidate, Amy Klobachar! She was getting mic’d for a tv news segment, but was gracious enough to allow this pic!

We made the morning news walking in and quickly joined up with my friend Andrea & Shannon to take part in the Historic Walking Tour. This our second year doing it, so I’m gonna call it a new tradition!

After grabbing our punch cards, made our way around the perimeter of the grounds, punching out cards ~in descending numerical order~ this time, which pleased me greatly! Stop #12 is the Fine Art Building.

Always on the look out for “head holes” and needing a team photographer, we found a guy whose tradition is to eat the very first Rutana Apple Dumpling every year…. he willingly took our eco-garden pic!

We spotted the Big Wheel and took the obligatory pics and Shannon decided to take a dip in the fish pond game at car dealer!

I needed to ride a tractor…not quite the same as when we were kids…but still somehow fun!

We headed up to check out the new “North End Event Center”. It’s interesting architecture as you approach, but not as awe inspiring as we hoped and the promised “green roof” did not end up in the final plans.

The cornstalk sculpture loses appeal for me with LED screen interior.

It’s fun to have all the Adam Turman installations up here though!

The Hangar has a yard full of patio games and Andrea quickly whopped me in Connect Four!

I took a picture of the dog pavilion scheduled appearances if anyone is planning their visits around dog breeds….

The McDonalds booth has been relegated to the outer banks of the grounds this year! I wonder if other “traveling displays” will be here too.

I missed taking pictures of some walking tour stops, but I know I’ll be back. As we headed back south, we cut through the Kidway to reach one, and Andrea commented it would be the ~only~ time you’d catch her in this vicinity! Kid free and rides not operational! Without children and in the twilight of dawn… some rides are kinda creepy!

This time of day offered a people free photo op of the new labor mural! It’s really quite something!

No people in front of the Minnesota sign either, but we did find something else there!

We walked the Bailey a House brick path and Mom & Dads original (first year) brick is beginning to fade. It’s three paces down the path on the left right outside the Bailey house front door. Stand there and remember the love!

Shannon needed some coffee, so we stopped by the new Anchor Coffee truck outside the Ramberg Center. You can get a latte with mini donut on top for only $7 (ha!)

As we walked down Judson, we met the cutest goat! I can’t remember her name….but she had interesting coloring and a pink studded collar.

We got our punch at the Sheep & Poultry Barn, then “to the swine barn!” We proclaimed! Something one might only hear at the Minnesota State Fair!

Lots of majestic, massive equine beasts being walked & unloaded. I love the big horses most of all! Hoping to catch the draft horse hitch show tomorrow at 5:00.

We spotted the “Grim Horse Reaper”!

Walking past the Minnesota Zoo horses, I reminisced about the parade rides in the past and asked if they needed riders today, and we were granted permission! Set an alarm to return by 1:00pm to prepare for the parade!

Fed carrots to some horses (with owners consent…and carrots) and made our way up to Carousel Park to check out the STEM day set ups. I took my friends to the bench, and as I looked up, I noticed the WCCO theme this year… “Since We Last Met”. It couldn’t be in a more perfect spot this year.

We found my friend Elysia (a mentor for her sons team) setting up the robots in Carousel Park. I can’t believe I didn’t get a picture with her! She graciously took our group shot in the photo booth behind KSTP.

We stood in the long grass of Carousel Park, and we’ll see just how long it lasts this year!

Boston Scientific, the company that I’m subcontracted for, always has fun activities on this day. The kid answered a quiz and got some awesome color changing sun glasses!

We completed our punch cards at the West End Arch and made our way to Nordic waffles so Andrea & Gray could get breakfast. The all day breakfast did not disappoint, but Gray found the berries & cream, with only juice and ~not one~ berry, slightly sub par. The edges were a bit crispy, but I’m a fan of “well done” at the fair!

I needed blueberry Tipsy pie and Shannon wanted to try the new Gluten free grilled sun butter & blueberry sandwich back up at the “Brim” on the north end so we parted ways and had plans to meet up at 10:00 for the opening ceremony.

As I type this, I realize that all this had been accomplished and it was only 8 am!

I was not the first in line to get pie, but I missed the early rush and had a chance to chat with Sara. She is offering a gluten free pecan tart this year, which is sure to be a good seller! Pie #1.

Gray ran into Carl, a new coworker and soon to be good friend I think!

We shared some State Fair lore & tips, and we parted ways, knowing I wanted to get to the crop art by 9:00. My friend a Gayle submitted her first attempt ever and I wanted to see it first!

As we waited for the Ag/Hort to open, we ran into my cousin a Karla & Steve having their annual first day breakfast at The Peg!

(Always a great ~sit down~ choice for early breakfast!)

Well, I wasn’t ~first~ to see it, Gayle & Mark beat us to it, but lo and behold… a Blue Ribbon! Her piece was stunning! Intricate, precise, simple but eye catching and you can’t go wrong with the State Fair Mascot image!

There were many good entries!

We checked out the “homegrown Minnesotan” theme in the center of the hex~plex. The center Prince display was purple~rific!

Tried the new apple “First Kiss” (slightly tart & crispy, yum!) and the kid had a cider freeze.

The scarecrow display was fun, but the new face images are a bit creepy!

The kid was ready for a rest, and we found a couple Leinie Reclinies and enjoyed the shade and lovely breeze on this picture perfect fair weather day.

Andrea & Shannon joined us, and saved our seats, while the kid and I ran over to the Bailey House to pick up our swag for the walking tour and our a Friend of the Fair rewards!

The kid is now an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, and they sponsor the walking tour so the kid had the inside scoop on the prize (tote bag) before the fair!

The state Fair was declared officially opened and the flag raised, and we parted ways again, and the kid and I headed to a Creative Activities to get my recipe card and see if I could find some other friends entries.

I’m sad to see the food goods really crowded into smaller spaces since the “expansion” and the addition of the Cambria Kitchen. Things are crowded into display case and you can read many of the entries info, and the there are no descriptions of what is contained inside. Aside from the ribbon winners, the non-winning pie entries are only pictured on boards. There is plenty of space, I wish it would get a make~over.

I will do an in depth post on the Creative Activities another day. This was just a glancing blow through the edge!

We went the back way and I was hungry so I filled up on thimbles full of soup!

Then we stopped by the MNHS booth (where the kid will be working on a Sunday) to win a steel straw (with cleaner) by spinning the wheel. This is ~not~ the walking tour prize! We took advantage of the photo op!

We made our way up to visit my favorite state fair people at the Alphabet Forest! It’s the 10th year of the forest! (For some reason, the Fair does not use the word “Anniversary”. I don’t know why, but I’ll try to find out!)

They are a bit light on volunteers later next week, so you might find me at a post next Wednesday or Thursday afternoon!

It was time for lunch? The kid got a Kiwanis malt and I got a foot long hotdog. We both channeled Carol Jo & Don!

We needed to be back to the horse barns by 1:00, so we made our way back down to Dan Patch. Stopped into the Health Fair 11 and downloaded the gluten free food list, which is now accessible on their website! Poor timing for Ucare bags, and not wanting flu shots today, we left and spotted Goldy posing outside!

We walked through the poultry barn and saw lots of bunnies & sheep, (the actual “poultry” arrives next week!)

Then we arrived back at the horse barns to await our chariot ride! The zoo has a beautiful new wagon! No more sitting in the green wooden box on scratchy hay bales trying to see over the top!

Michael & Kathleen found us waiting to enter the parade and got some great pics!

It’s a different vantage point and the fair was packed! Not sure if it set any records, but on a weather day like this, nobody goes home, so it feels like a record day!

After the 2 hour sunny ride, I wanted to grab the new flavor chapstick from the Tribune. I was just hanging out waiting for the 3:30 distribution and didn’t notice the block long line forming behind me… for free chapstick.

This year it’s root beer barrel. It’s significant. Mom is talking to me, I know it. She ~loved~ root beer floats. At the Taste (last week, which I will get blogged at some point) 1919 was there for the first time with root beer floats. I don’t like them, but I tasted one in honor of mom. Now the chapstick?

The kid was tiring, and we’d both had a bit of sun, so decided to grab lunch (again?) and have a Gyro from my favorite place Dimitris. Not sure how many people know of the shaded dining tent right behind, but it’s never crowded.

We shared a table with a nice couple and my friend Deb found us!

It’s not a day at the fair for my kid (or my mom) without ice cream, and forgetting about the malt earlier, the kid got a lovely cone!

I stopped and filled up water bottles for the fourth time that day and you can’t stop without saying “Hey Culligan man!”

The flowers outside the gate are lovely, too dark this morning, and now bad sun angles, but I’ll try again tomorrow.

My Fitbit is light as we walk out to get the kid home. Grateful for them taking care of Mildred the pup!

I returned as fast as traffic would allow and met up with family for the end of the talent show. A fun K~POP dance crew won the night and Michael, Kathleen & I decided to adventure with beverages and return later for the Belinda Carlise (Go~Go’s) concert.

Figured out I can get a “double” wine pour at O’Garas for a mere $18! And the open cup is just perfect for walking and spilling on yourself. (I know myself and was packing a Tide Stick!)

We played the “Hot & Cold” game to take them to the bench. Discovering these new phone charging stations that I’d read about before the fair.

We came upon the bench and serendipity led us to meet this awesome couple who let us regale them with stories of Mom & Dad and our state fair memories. They took our picture and felt they needed a picture too! They had their first date at the fair 10 years ago! More love at the fair!

We walked to the West End, grabbed some bull bites at Lulu’s and stopped to say hi to the lovely Sarah @ i like you.

We popped through the Ball Park and saw some of the gang and found some head holes!

We got back to the Leinie lodge to hear the end of Belinda Carlisle and she looked great but was having some trouble with the sound (band & she were off key) couldn’t help but dance to Heaven is a Place on Earth & Mad About You!

We connected with Steve & Karla for the walk back to moms and all headed home.

Randy was pleased to be on the receiving end of a pecan tart, that I forgot I tucked away earlier in the day!

Started the day at 6:00 am, ended the day at 10:30pm with 24K steps. Not a record by any stretch, but respectable.

Here are the blue ribbon winning recipes that were distributed from the Creative Activities Building this year.

Every two days, one recipe card is offered.

The award winning bakers & cooks are there on the days their recipe is being handed out.

You can ask questions or just grab a card and go.

I had to stop on day three and ask if they had any from days 1/2 and I lucked out!

Day 3/4 Gluten Free Berry Friands.

I don’t even know what a “friand” is.

Day 5/6 Swedish Style Salsa

At first glance our assumption was “Swedish Style” meant enough to feed the whole congregation… but it’s actually a canning recipe! Suitable for the church bazaar!

Day 7/8

I did ask the baker regarding the squash bread braids, if they were a simple dough or one that required patience. She replied, “Oh, it’s foolproof, really simple and forgiving”. Then she proceeded to tell me how many times she made it before she got the one that won the blue ribbon…. maybe not ~this~ fool ~ proof!

When I stop I always get two in case a friend needs one! (Gayle!)

The only recipe I really want to try is the pumpkin cake with maple frosting!

Next backyard movie/fire/oasis gathering you might find this offered up on a platter!

The final days offered Lemon Poppyseed Shortbread Cookies

I’ll probably only try one of these, but if you test one, comment below!