Day four, and I’m worn out!  My health and body are not cooperating.  Not sure if I’ve been hit with a cold or inundated with allergy producing agents.  Dad always jokes that “when 500 domesticated animals take up residence down the street” his allergies hit the roof.  Possibly 36 hours at the fair and 50 thousand steps had taken a toll!

 

The neighborhood is all out parking cars today.

My cousin and her clan were just heading home and reported long, long, lines for everything!  After all the rain yesterday, I don’t doubt it!  People were begging to park and offering top dollar! This “Parking Econ 101”  thread of facebook kept me laughing all day!

A bit under the weather I headed over, prepared for another rain storm  All the reports said it would rain around 6pm. I walked in to catch the last parade unit.  A giant street cleaner.  I miss the “Pooper Scooper” team from last year!

I stopped by St, Thomas and got a picture of today’s bag.  I asked about the random numbering of the sins and no one has an answer…yet.

A few friends stopped to say hello!  The shift was steady but no busy in the photo booth, but as 6 o’clock approached, so did the big dark storm clouds!  The sky opened up and it started pouring  The Alphabet Forest tents became a refuge.

Who should pop into my refuge but my dear young coworker Molly and her boyfriend!  She’s off to “Teach for America” now, so we’ll miss her lots.

The rain was short lived and my shift was over.  My feet were hurting and I was still under the weather, but I decided to wander down to the West End and check on the fate of the glass blower’s vase.  I ~slowly~ made my way west, stopping by the  new and inproved DFL and checking out the T-shirt wall.  “Don’t Blame Us” is my favorite!

Thinking a foot long hot dog might cure what ails me, I gave it a shot!

I usually avoid the fair on weekends when possible, but today wasn’t too crowded with the rain and cool weather.

I did not find the vase I was searching for, but an artist there suggested I email the studio to see if it was still there and maybe they would send me a picture.  I’ll keep checking back.

After all the rain, the fairgrounds were  quite muddy.  I walked carefully lest I slip and fall.  (who’s kidding who, I couldn’t walk fast if I tried today)

I checked out the long, lush, green grass spot from day one, and it’s remarkable still green!

I couldn’t resist the photo-op of the lines at Sweet Martha’s out into the street on Carnes.

I realize I had not eaten any pie today!  I walked into the food building to find Sara (of Tipsy Pie fame) in the corner of the food building trying to solve problems on the fly.  When there are only twelve days, you don’t have time to figure things out later!  She explained to me that she had a 150% increase in sales, this year over last and was struggling to keep up!   She ran out of her new Onion & Gouda pie and she was taking heat from disgruntled patrons, and her latest onion shipment did not meet her high standards.  I said a little prayer for her and gave her a hug and  headed to the booth to get a blueberry pie!  If you stop by the booth and she’s out of your choice, if you can’t be patient, at least be kind!

I left the grounds at 7:30 and got a stamp…just in case.

But went home, went to bed and slept for twelve hours straight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day was rainy and cold!  I spent the morning at home with the family and working on my blog.  I dressed and packed for the day, umbrella, raincoat, fleece, and gloves!

Mom was out parking cars for $15, even on a rainy day.  The new standard car rate is $20/car around the neighborhood, but mom never likes to overcharge.

I knew my niece and Kate and family were at the fair, so I hoped to see them before they left!  Luckily, the parade was going past and there are lots activities for busy kids in the Forest!

 

It was a never ending rain day as I worked my shift.  It’s because of me and Boston Scientific Day at the fair that accounted for most of our visitors!

It was mostly former charges of mine, now old enough to really enjoy all the activities here!

Word Ducks!

Working hard on her word game!

Another Blue Ribbon winner!

Story Time on a rainy day!

The featured author today is Alan Paige and his daughter Kamie who have co-authored three children’s  books. The latest book is Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack, and they brought Alan’s maple syrup to taste and write a description!

This little volunteer knows how to find fun on a rainy day!

 

Former family all grown up!

A few coworkers too!

Other than all these Boston Scientific people, this was what my view was for most of the day!

I was feeling valued and loved as a volunteer when my shift boss Dan brought me a treat from Salem Church Dining Hall up the street.  It’s the last place at the fair that makes egg coffee.

Late in my quiet day this guy stopped by to say Hi!  One the happiest, hard working fair guys there is!

Once my shift was over, I headed to St Thomas for a bag!

 

Friday’s Bag is on the left and today’s is on the right.  Anyone else have a problem with the numbering system for the sins?!?!?  Day one was #1.  I’m not pleased.  I will post a pic of all twelve at the end if I can accomplish it!  Stella has a numbering theory, but I will have to do some research!

It was a good day for soup so I tried all six samples at the Old Plantation Soup stand and this year they have peach cobbler and brownies!  I still can’t bring myself to try any of the dips!

Thimbles of soup do not a meal make, so I headed to find dinner.  I knew I wanted a burrito from El Sol, but stopped for pie first!  I really did save it for later.  About 15 minutes later!

I found mom at the talent show with front row seats!  It was almost over and mom wanted dinner too, so we walked over to try the new wild rice meatball dinner at Hamline Dining Hall.  Mom was the last customer to be allowed i under the 7 pm closing bell!  She’s in the yellow poncho!

She really thought they were good! Next time she said she’d ask for two meatballs and extra cranberry sauce! Too much food for her, but share with a friend!

We walked up to Baldwin park to catch the last half of County Talent show.  I needed to do some recon for Stella at the Green Mill booth.  They are offering a new Pizzarito this year that we tried at the taste which is delicious.  Stella however loved the pizza taco from last year and it’s no longer offered.

Next door is this booth, offering free taste samples and prizes for playing games.  I prefer my coffee straight out of the hot pot, but others might enjoy this.

During the talent show mom confessed she had stabbed her ankle with her umbrella earlier and was hoping it had stopped bleeding.  I was not leaving it to chance.  Chance of more bleeding chance of infection…its the fair after all, or chance of needing stitches!

Luckily, the kind EMT’s cleaned and patched her up, no stitches required!  Phew!

I think I might be coming down with a cold, so home early to bed.  There are only nine days left!

 

 

Today is Mom & Dad’s 55th Wedding Anniversary.  I’m not certain, but I think most every one has been celebrated at the State Fair.  This year would be no different.  Dad’s mobility is challenged with heart troubles, so we all came together to make today possible!  Michael & I arrived around 8:30 in the rain and gathered up all the equipment to make it easier for dad to get around!  He’s got a sweet scooter that I was a tad jealous of after walking 27K steps the day before.  We also brought his Cadillac walker chair and I got to carry (use??) the cane!

 

We headed to the Hamline Dining Hall and everybody there was just great.

As we waited to get seated, Dad was talking to this little girl and asked what her job was.  She sat up a little straighter and proclaimed “I’m a Barker!”  The look on her face indicated, she wasn’t quite sure what that meant! (photo is fuzzy!)

They got a nice open spot for us to sit and we all had a big breakfast!  The kids volunteering there will not let your coffee cup remain empty for a second!  Friends stopped by to say “Hi” and the place was warm and cozy on a wet chilly day!

After breakfast we made our way down to find the Anniversary Bench.  Its crazy to think it was five years ago already that we had the big celebration “bench Party” for them.  Still grateful for all the people who showed up to honor my parents!

 

The grandstand area where the bench is located is home to about 24 blue benches in close proximity to one another.  As we approached the benches, the ~only~ bench occupied was theirs.  Michael advanced and kindly explained to the people occupying the bench the significance of the day and the bench….and she got upset that we were requesting they move.   There were 23 open and available benches….  When we said we’d wait, they did eventually move, but grumbled the entire way.

It was getting crowded and harder to maneuver and I think the emotions and physical strength required for the day took a lot out of dad.  so we all made our way back to the homestead.

Breakfast was OK, but not all that hot by the time we got situated and started eating.  What Dad really wanted was a foot long hot dog!  Michael agreed!

 

We ran into some friends from church on our way out!

I love this picture of the “Dad Train” on the way home.  As we traversed the fair,  Dad kept his eye on Michael, who made a path through the people and I followed carrying the walker….ok, maybe actually using it a bit for support, and Mom brought up the rear, since Dad was very concerned about running into her as she darts from place to place!

I sat at Mom & Dad’s for a bit as she filled the yard with cars and Dad laid down for a nap.  I was thinking home and a nap sounded great too when I got a text from a former family I cared for and they asked where I was, as they were in the Kidway.  I messaged them that I was on my way back over! Mom decided she’d come too!

My plan was to stay on Cosgrove Street and do some in depth discovery that Stella and I did not have time for yesterday.  I deposited Mom on a bench while I ran over to the Kidway to say hi.

 

It was so fun to see them!

I love to see my toddlers, former family’s and toddlers grown to preschoolers and beyond!   Once kids are preschool age, they usually run into my arms willing to give me a big hug!  Toddlers are a bit different!   When we encounter one another in unfamiliar places, many times parents will say “Give Ms. Heather a hug!  You love her!”   I explain that they may love me, but not here!  The only relationship and behavior pattern that these kids are familiar with is at school  when parents bring them to me….parents leave!

This is a big scary place and all they think is that if they are handed off to me, Mom & Dad will be gone!  I never push it, and ask parents to respect that fear too! I did get a high five from Annie!

I returned to find Mom sound asleep on the bench. Sitting up, head in hands, glasses on her knee.  She was exhausted from the morning too!

I am not at the fair to eat food, but eating food to make it through the fair is required so I took mom to lunch at my favorite little burger joint, The Midway Men’s Club.

After lunch, mom wanted corn.  We were moving slowly and sitting on benches often  It was fun to just sit for a minute and watch the corn show.  It takes many skilled youth to get that corn perfectly roasted and into your hands!  I was impressed at the precision!  Every now and then the team leaders would shout out “How’s everybody doing?!?!”  and the place would erupt with shouting!

 

Moms carbs of choice are corn & onion rings, but I prefer Pie!

On the way through the Food Building plaza we ran into these two lifelong friends!

Tonic Sol Fa, an acapella group was performing at the Leinie Bandshell, so Mom and i found a bench and enjoyed the show.  She showed me the new list of the top things to do at the fair.  I realized that Stella and I only missed about four the previous day!

My friend Ruth & her sister were on the grounds somewhere and in an effort to connect with them, I found this guy “supervising” his Juanita’s Fajita’s stand! He invited me to sit for a bit and help supervise!

I never did find Ruth, but I remembered it was Governor’s Fire Prevention Day as I wandered through Carousel Park.  I was pretty sure I wouldn’t make it all the way to the far north end to see all the Fire trucks and displays this year.

I did find friends and family though!

I’m not sure what possessed me, but I walked toward the West End, thinking I’d get a chance to say Hi to Sarah at i like you, but again, she was super busy!  I wound up wandering over to Foci Glass Works and arrived just in time for the glass blowing show!  I’m not sure if I was fascinated or just incapable of moving, but I stayed for the whole thing and want to get back in the next couple days so I can get a picture of the final product!   It has to cool down slowly overnight.  They are offering an hour glass blowing workshop deal at the fair for $50 instead of $85 if anyone has a dream to learn the art!

Lulu’s Public House (aka Axel’s) has my favorite Cajun Bull Bites, and as I was eating, a couple friends from church found me!

 

Ellen & Kathy Ferry had just visited the Veggie Fries booth and texted for the inside scoop on Cherry Bombs, (a new food this year) They are deep fried red licorice globs.  I hadn’t had a report,  so instead of spending $5 on an unknown, Kathy asked a recent customer how they were.  “Meh” was the response, so Kathy offered to buy a taste for a buck!  They agreed with the buyer and saved four bucks!

It’s possible my stomach brought me all the way down to the West End, as I remembered there was a Hot Waffle dessert waiting for me!  The Ferry’s found a new favorite too!

We were checking out the menu at The Blue Barn and looking for a kid I know working there, and we ran into more old friends from Church!

 

Kathy & Ellen joined me walking back up the hill, following the shortcut behind the Giant Slide, Kathy asked if I got my freezer bag yet.  What?!?!  Something I did not know!  If you go to the Farm Bureau building and take a short quiz, the free prize is a nice little freezer tote bag.  Just the right size for that emergency ice cream run!  All the answers are here, but you have to actually ask  farmer a question to get your prize eligibility stamp!

The artists appearing at the Bandshell have a two night contract, so tonight was my night to see The Pointer Sitters.  Turns out it is just one Sister, Ruth and her daughter and granddaughter.  They put on a great show!  The sang all the hits and Ruth still has an incredible voice!  It would have been better with a live band, but it was fun!

These two were having a little dinner before the show too!

You can see a few seats remaining, but its an hour before show time and it ended up being more crowded than last night!

Mike & Sara Q joined us for the show and Sara went to get pie.  Since I already technically had dessert, I asked Mike if he like blueberry pie?!?!  I’d share one with him if he didn’t want a whole one!  Pie #4

As Governor’ Fire Prevention Day came to a close for me,  the Pointer Sisters were belting out “Fire”, and people were texting me with reports of the World’s Greatest French Fries booth burning.

Hoping no one was hurt and that they are able to reopen before the Fair ends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The goal for the day was to see if people really can do the entire state fair in one day.  We had a list, and checked it off!

Alarms were set for 4:30, but mine never went off. Wide awake at 4:15, I got up and ready for the day!

Stella stumbled to the kitchen, making a best effort to share my enthusiasm!

Buildings aren’t open until 8:00 am, and there are more breakfast options than ever before, but sometimes you’re not sure what you’re hungry for and make a poor choice, like fudge puppies or donuts then you’re full of carbs and run out of energy quickly!  A hearty breakfast before heading to the fair is crucial!

Parked in the dark, we hung up the sign from the “Taste” on the fence.

woke mom up, took the obligatory photos, and walked over with 15 minutes to spare, we saw all the first day food features being filmed at the gate, including our friend Sara (with Tipsy pies!)

and Tim (Giggles) with duck bacon wontons!

We were filmed on a live Facebook feed heading through the gate at 6 am.

I had a plan to complete the Historic Walking Tour before the buildings opened so we started hiking, and I also thought that a picture of the new Giant Wheel at sunrise would be pretty cool.  I was right!

Stella took me on a few back roads to get quickly to the Grandstand.

The Today show was broadcasting live from the fairgrounds today, and we stopped and saw Al Roker

but more importantly we got to meet the Today Show featured Cow!  The girl and her cow both looked nervous!

We cruised through the West End gate area and punched the booklet, saw this new installation

then we headed for animal barns.  Good morning Goats!

Good Morning Pigs!

Good Morning Cows!

Sheep fashion is a new thing this year!

Always grateful for the soap & water hand washing stations outside the animal barns!

I have to get back to the large horse barns another day to see more of these majestic animals!

It’s 7:30 am and Stella has been up for over 3 hours, but not quite awake yet!

We walked through the DNR park and saw fish and ducks and some beautiful wildflower gardens.

There is a stand up paddle board interactive display again this year, I keep hoping for another river trash art sculpture.  Those days may be over forever.  I noticed a new installation….yes, it’s just rocks, and a story about how the rocks got here.  *yawn*

As we exited the DNR park, we witnessed an early morning food tragedy.  A young child, who might be already done for the day, took a bag of mini donuts and tossed them out of her stroller.  Her mom was not pleased, and I had to photograph the gruesome aftermath.

We had a few stops left on the walking tour, so we walked through the food building courtyard and found Grammie Kelsey’s bench.  I just took a picture of the end, but when the lovely family sitting there asked why we were taking pictures, they jumped up and told us to sit so they could take our picture!

Stella had a side conversation with one of the family members, when they commented on why we were here so early.  The woman said “I married into this”….Stella told her “I was born into it”

We punched the final stops,  BAM!  Walking tour complete before 8 am. and got a few steps in!

We walked by Fairchild and returned to the Bailey House to get our “Friends of the Fair” packet, and our walking prize, only to learn, the prizes are awarded up in the Education Building this year.

The Food Building was now open, so it was Pie Time!

I’s as good as I remembered. She has a new Savory Onion & Gouda pie this year that is delicious, but I’m a blueberry girl!

Stella decided on corn for their first food!

It is STEM Day in Carousel Park , but Stella walked through and  reported all the same stuff as last year so we didn’t spend too much time waiting in lines to participate in activities.

We walked over and checked out the new elevator and  “Veranda” at the west end of the Grandstand. The Veranda is nothing to write home about, but the new elevator is amazing!  I’m not typically a fan of elevators, but you could throw a party in this one!

The view from the Veranda is OK.  I wistfully watched the Sky Ride cow car glide past us.

We happened to be in the right place at the right time to witness the ribbon cutting on the new “Hideaway” speakeasy bar and cantina, which the Veranda was designed for.

There are lots of new vendors in the Upper Level Grandstand.  The Swiss Slicer guy is up there now!  (I figured out why, later in the day!), Lots of clothing.  Stella even got a lovely?!? sweater for the ugly Christmas sweater events at St.Olaf.

Our second purchase was a carved bear claw telescoping back scratcher!   ooh, ahh! This guys sells fun hand made camping equipment.

The Grandstand Ramp was being “yarn bombed” this year, so we had to check it out.  It was very cute, but not exactly what I expected.  There were yarn vignettes on the upper fences and then we found the topiary stallions yarn bombed!  I thought the whole ramp was going to be covered with yarn decor, so I was a bit underwhelmed, but it is fun to see.  My friend Gayle planned to make a piece, because people have been invited to bring more pieces throughout the fair.  I will check back on day twelve!

As we walked down the ramp, out timing was perfect to walk right up and get this year’s Star Tribune chapstick…it’s “stick” flavored.  Smells like wood.  The grass is long, green and lush in this particular spot.  We’ll check back here Day 12 too!

Stella & I were hungry for second breakfast, or first lunch, so I got a foot long and Stella got Luigi fries (mozzarella covered breadsticks with marinara).

We were walking by…so why not get a cone of cookies?!?

Fueled with food, we did a quick spin through Ag-Hort.

In the Christmas Tree exhibit there is an ornament craft station.  Stella has a signature graffiti, “tomat”  I convinced them to leave one behind on the tree!

You can vote for peoples choice on the wreath display, but not the decorated trees.  If we could, our favorite was the Pride tree.

There are new Gyroscope Kaleidoscopes again this year.  Still pretty cool!

Ran into my cousin Sharon under this beautiful cascading orchid tree centerpiece.

There are garden exhibits again this year, but none really stood out, but for this little bit creepy Alice in Wonderland take off!

Off to see Crop Art!  Lots of left leaning political crop creations this year!

It’s amazing what people create with just seeds and glue!

The aisle of scarecrows had a few winners too.

and a few we were confused and concerned about the intended message.

Some just plain crazy!

It was approaching 11 am, we were five hours in and chanced upon a couple Leinie Adirondack chairs.

We took a brief respite in the “Leinie Reclinie’s” and headed up to the Creative Activities building, stopping along the way for free quality sunscreen application!

We had to find a sink to wash hands and then grabbed a little wine slushie and walked to see quilts and cookies.

Big structural changes to this area!  Half the area known as the “Annex” has been removed and the Creative Activities display areas have expanded to the back wall.  This is why the Swiss slicer guy is now in the Upper Grandstand.  We later found most of the other displaced vendors in the lower Grandstand.

The recipe cards are sitting on a table this year. maybe not as popular as last year.  I wont lie, I’m not too thrilled by “tea infused”  anything, I come for the brownie & pie recipes!

 

I had to claim my walking prize, and knowing only we had to get it in the Education Building, I walked all over, not finding where.  Stella told me to go to the Minnesota Historical Society booth, but I doubted.  I went and asked the information desk and the attendant suggested I look for information on the Walking Tour booklet.  Sure enough….it said to claim my prize at the Minnesota Historical Society booth.  I told Stella I was wrong.  I was asked to repeat myself  few times!  I was offered a pennant or a plastic water bag.  I took the water bag, but the real reward was just accomplishing it on day one!

Stella was an absolute sport this whole day!  Willing to pose at the ACLU, but not willing to pose with the fish.  I posed with the fish and we ran into David!  Convincing him to pose too!

Not sure of the St. Thomas bag giveaway timing, we walked past the booth as it was about to start.  A line had formed already.  We got the news that each day St. Thomas is giving away a different bag with a “Sin of the Fair” printed on it.

I am not going to get all 12 bags, but I will at least try to get a picture of each one! They let me get a sneak peek and snap a photo.  Today’s was this sin.  (I did get the bag later in the day!)

We stopped by the Alphabet Forest to say hello to the day crew, and Stella left a mark.

I got my Kemps inflatable cow in a twitter contest two years ago, but people were lining up for free ice cream samples.  Stella was too tired to wait in another line, so we decided to just get our cow picture.  Note that when ice cream is being given away, there is ~no~ line for the cow bomb photo booth!  Choose wisely!

We walked up and through the Pet Center,  and that was hard so soon after losing  our beloved dog Bailey.  As I sit and write this Blog, I remember the morning, years ago, I was blogging and we realized she had escaped out a side gate and we were so lucky to get her back that day!  I didn’t take any pictures, but I did get to pet a sweet Labrador.  There are signs all over this years requesting that you ask permission before petting the dogs.  No one really paid any attention.

We didn’t stop to sing at the Giant Sing Along, but we listened for a minute.  I forgot to get a picture of the playlist.

Tired feet, but much more to see and do, we grabbed a ride back down to the center of the fair.

The roof of the Little Hands Farm is clean except for the obligatory bra. It’s not so funny anymore…just expected. The view of the Giant Wheel is pretty cool from up here too!

It was time for second lunch, so we sat down and enjoyed a Gyro from my favorite Baltimore Greeks!

There are scads more benches this year than last, but still couldn’t find one for the parade, so we pulled up a slice of curb and planted for our first parade.

The picture-taking was poor as clueless people would come and stand in front of us, oblivious to the crowd sitting and attempting to see around them.  Not able to get up & down easily from the curb, Stella helped, politely (for the most part) removing my obstacles.  Stella saw an old friend driving the Princess Kay float, we saw a few marching bands and interesting vehicles, but it’s mainly the same parade as last year.  We watch, we reminisce about all the floats Stella was a part of and then I needed help up off the curb as we flagged down friends walking by!

Becky & Bill are way more food courageous than us and they tried lots of new stuff!  They liked the Duck Bacon Wontons (that I decided were maybe not for breakfast) , enjoyed the Breakfast Bowl @ Lulu’s,  Rueben Dog at the Pickle Dog stand got a thumbs up and they were not a fan of the RC BBQ double pork slider that we tried at the Taste.  Maybe it didn’t translate from the small scale of the taste, or else there are just lots of better things out there!

Our first Kiwanis Malts were required consumption at this point in the day, so we headed to Cosgrove Street  and all the wonders in store at the Eco Building, 4H and Fine Art!

There is so much for kids to do in the Eco building this year! There is the playground outside, but inside, so many interactive exhibits.  If you play Eco Bingo you win a prize.  We didn’t play today, but I might play another day.

One big focus this year is Water.  There is a Water Bar, where you’re offered a flight of water.  It’s a water blind taste test from different Minnesota water sources.  Stella and I got them all wrong, trying to determine which was artesian well from New London, Glacier water from Buhl and treated St, Paul water.  There will be different water sources each day, and I’d like to return to do a side by side drink off of Minneapolis vs. St, Paul water!

As Stella left marks all over the Eco Building I enjoyed a compostable thimble full of Peace coffee.  It might give me just the minute jolt I need to keep going!

We walked to the Fine Art Building and found a plethora of left leaning art here too!

 

Some cool sculpture

One mobile piece made Stella super anxious, thinking the marbles would tumble off the edges,  but I found it somehow zen, with the marbles rolling back and forth.

Some appealing to my color senses

Interesting mediums

and one making me questions if my vaccinations were up to date.

again, Stella left a mark.

We stopped by the Alphabet Forest to say Hi to my afternoon shift bosses!  And I was officially crowned.

 

We checked out the 4H exhibits and got to see this years Arts In performance.  These kids work so hard, but I might suggest waiting to see it until later in the fair as they get better each day!

The old Gloria Dei Booth where I spent so much of my State Fair youth is now the PBS booth.  Stella has an affinity for Bob Ross, the painting instructor from the 70’s.  There are even plans for a Bob Ross, “paint with wine” 21st birthday celebration.  In order to get the Happy Clouds socks, you have to become a new member.  So I got Stella a membership in advance of the actual May date so they’d get the socks!  Happy Youth!

Stella was Clifford for Halloween three years in a row, there was so much love there!

The Cookie Toss, what an unfortunate name for a game.  I was reminded of the recent viewing of  “Found Bandages” art.

The University of Minnesota built a new facility on the site of the old Pizza Palace or more recently the Spam booth. It’s called the Driven to Discover center and it’s full of survey takers offering rewards for participation. We took a dental survey and scored a tooth care pack, including floss, which I forgot to pack! Now I can eat corn!

As we walked back down Cosgrove, I was almost run over by a cart full of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Dough ingredients!  My fault entirely, as at this point in the day, I was walking erratically and had a definite list in my gate!  Stella feared I would be crushed by the cart and never walk again, and all I could see was being buried in cookie dough.  What a way to go at the Fair!

We had to check out the Merchandise Mart and stock up on Smooth Gator. Stella’s best anti-itch remedy.  I decided to try the “Itchy Stick” and see if it helps next time I get bit by something!

We checked out the Christmas Ornament but didn’t find anything new and interesting for 2017.  The Merchandise mart has nothing new that we saw, but we raced through the crowded building at record speed.

We found Michael and Kathleen saving seats for the Talent Show, but were unable to stay as we had many more stops before we could complete our mission.

Mom had run to find her Onion Rings, but we encountered her just as she was returning.

Stella declared it was dinner time, and we agreed earlier in the day that dinner would be cheeseburgers procured at The Ball Park Cafe.  I also got my first adult beverage, a Mike’s Hard Lemonade.  (I like the slushie variety better!) There was not a table to be found, except this recent retiree, now working hard at the fair let us join him!  Thanks Nate!

The lower level Grandstand was next on our tour.  Stella informed me at this point, we were in fact on our third lap of the fairgrounds today.  This is nice photo op in the Southeast corner!

Lots of old and new vendors, I will report on another day.  Specific questions can be addressed by email or text!  This place was all my hair needed to create a new “humid-do!”

I did stop and get this years Minnesota hand painted 2017 ornament for mom.

The last time we were at the West End, nothing was open, so we headed there , passing by the cookie casualties in front of Sweet Martha’s.

Our goal here was to see Sarah Sweet at i like you.  She was so busy, there was no time for a photo op, but there are more days!  I did steal the picture of her from her own “i like you” page!

 

 

I checked out a few booths, no new State Fair tree ornaments at Holly’s Hobby either. This area will require more exploring another day.

I took the crowd picture, as it did seem a bit busy.  Turns out is was the second highest attendance for the first day of the fair.

We walked by the Midway, but we never enter until Labor Day, heading to see the Coliseum.

We were running out of time to see all the buildings before they close at 8 pm, so we only walked through one half of the Hippodrome, so we could say we were there, not even stopping to buy nuts.  We were not intrigued by much, but stopped to look at a fun mechanical animal toy booth, were in fact pigs do fly!   I’ll have to stop back there.

We exited the Coliseum and walked right into the CHS Miracle of Birth Building.  A calf was born around 3:15, named Emily, after the Princess Kay of the Milky Way.   Lots of lambs, kids, chicks and ducklings.  No time to linger today.

We clocked 22K steps by 7 pm  with no time to rest.  Our poor unfortunate “soles”.

We walked over to check out inside the DNR Building. I thought we could skip it since we saw the fish earlier, but Stella informed me it would be cheating the “all the buildings” plan portion of the day.  There was sign posted and Stella exclaimed “Yay, Turtles!”  We ran up to peer in the glass…

That’s not a turtle….That’s not a turtle…That’s not a turtle either.

No Turtles.

In the back room of the DNR is what I thought was a new exhibit, about mining and excavation and rocks.  I thought it was new, but Stella was right again and informed me it had been there for three years.  I must have missed this area the past couple fairs!

This beautiful quilt was new!

Outside there was big wheel to spin.  You know how we like wheels!  This one was not free, however, you pay $10, that goes to Moose Conservation, get a chance to win a $400 Moose Painting and a chance on the wheel.  Stella won us a lovely tote bag!  It’s all for the Moose!

We slowly climbed the Judson hill (the incline being ~much~ higher at this point in the day) stopping by MPR for a sticker and a member gift.  Stella grabbed an ice scraper for her friend Gigi, whose Ohio based car is lacking such a thing.

Heading into the Dairy Building we ran into this motley crew!  David and his cousin? and brother!

This Guy!  my girlfriends and I might need to hitch a ride on the Pumpkin Train this fall!  I picked up a brochure.

I checked out the Butterhead, while Stella got in the long line for a sundae.

There is only one at this point. The rest are just 90 lb blocks of butter with photos, waiting to be made into something special, to be carved into at the next Community Lions Club pancake breakfast!

The International Bazaar does not close at 8 pm like most buildings so that was our final “area” stop.  We checked out the Matryoishkas, there are always current events depicted!  Stella needs to get the right size one of these for their friend Bailey who will reside in the Russia House this fall at St. Olaf.

Then back to the Scandinavian booth, where I picked up a hand made, rosemaled new lefse turner.

The Ole Juan a Role and Lesfe Ice Cream treats wont be arriving until the Rabbit Hole takes up residence in the Global Market stand at the back of the Bazaar next week, but the Hot Indian folks are here and the Butter Chicken Samosas have gotten rave reviews.  We might have to try the S’more-osas later!

There is a booth here that paints custom signs and Stella and friends have a new life motto “I’m here for a good time, not a long time”  We need to have painted on a sign.  When I was told the motto, I apologized and said, “but today you’re here for a long time!”

As we exited the Bazaar, who do we run into, but dear old friend Dave Goodman! This guy. Taught me everything (crazy fun) about running the Gloria Dei booth. Critical (troublesome) teenager information that my dad may have left out when I was 12! He and his twin brother Danny kept us all entertained! We were also Girl Scout Cookie Coordinator compadres for years! It was great seeing him & his family! He always wanted to open a restaurant and have Dad come and be his “soup” chef!

It was at the point this picture was taken, I realized I was still wearing the crown.  It was there for the night now, I guess.

We decided to give the Giant Wheel another try. Nice way to start and end the day! The lines weren’t too long, and I thought about buying extra tickets for another day, as the ticket line was the longest. The cars seat up to 6 people, and there was a nice couple in front of us, who we had already chatted with and felt like old friends! They asked if they could join us to form a “group” lest they be stuck with the two teenagers making out the whole time in line while we waited! It might have been awkward! They added another older couple to our car at the last minute, and ironically, seated across from each other, they managed to spend half the ride kissing too! Lol

The view was pretty cool, the back & front are a mesh cage, the sides are plexi behind the cage, so it’s not so easy to take pictures. I think the daytime views would be better. By the time we got loaded, four or six cars at a time, we ended up going around one full circle and ride was over. Not sure it’s worth it, but I’m glad we did it. I’ll probably go once more during the day for the photo op, but glad I didn’t stock up on $5 tickets!

 

After the ride, both Stella and I were pretty done in.  We headed back towards home and I saw the screen was set up for the laser show.  Had to do it, if even for a minute!  Same show as the last five years.  A miss for sure if you’ve seen it.

 

Stella found a bench, I stood in the street for a bit, and watched about a minute of the show. Stella was ready to go home, but I had to go listen to the Pointer Sisters for a minute too!  As I walked past the Leinie Lodge, all I heard was “JUMP!”  It was standing room only out on the street and I couldn’t see much, so I found Stella again and we headed home.

There are merchandise vendors along Midway Parkway, the main drag as we head back to Mom’s house, and one new vendor this year is called “Fingers”.  We both thought, what kind of fingers?!?!”  Turns out its chicken, walleye, cheese, pickles, shrimp…anything that can be battered and fried., but not people fingers!  Poor name for a food truck in my opinion!

Mom was still up when we returned, and we said goodnight and checked our steps for the day.  27, 644.  No wonder our legs hurt!  We got back to our house and partook in a little hydrotherapy, and hoped that we’d be able to walk again the next day!

There were so many things we did ~not~ see!  The vegetables as big as your head, the quilts and music in the Ramberg Senior Center,  the paper cutter and museum in the Minnesota Territorial Pioneer Building, Ye Old Mill, the Poultry Barn (but Stella thinks “the animal barns” are a category which we checked off the list), the History Center, the vendors up on the north end, like Northern Tool & The Home Depot Big Wheel.  We didn’t catch a news segment. We never even went into the Heath Fair 11 booth, and passed right by the U of MN a few times without walking in.  Never got into the Blue Flame natural gas house for our yard sticks, but the weather was cool and sunny all day so A/C was not needed!  We also didn’t walk through Home Improvement Building, but really, who wants to?  (be careful what you sign up for in there, I still get calls from Minnesota Rusco and it’s been 20 years!)

So no, you can’t do the entire Minnesota State Fair in a day, but Stella thinks we did enough!  I am grateful I have 11 more days!

 

Tonight is the Minnesota State Fair Foundation annual fundraiser where we get to have a State Fair preview. Some people think it to be a smorgasbord of ~all~ the new foods this year. That is not the case. Vendors are invited to donate food to the event and many times they will offer a new food they are debuting, but sometimes they provide an old standard. In the past Sweet Martha's was present with cookies, Poncho Dogs offered up the best corn dogs, Dino's was there with Gyros and we got Tom Thumb donuts and Lemonade from the iconic lemonade stand.

Who knows what tonight will bring, but it's the fair …Midway games, rides & food, with an open bar!

Great food, family, friends and fantastic Fair festivities!

Mom & Dad got premium parking and early entry since they know people and Dads not moving as well as he used to, so they got escorted to their table and fed Poncho Dogs before any of us had our plates!

Waiting for the gates to open we snagged a snack at the Green Mill truck to tide us over until entry! It's called a pizza~rito. Cheese, pepperoni, marinara and rice rolled in a burrito and deep fried. Yum!

It's the only thing I went back to for more.

Once in the gate, we got beverages to sustain us, and found our table. As I wandered from booth to booth gathering food I made sure to get two of everything so Dad could try anything that looked good.

There were lots of old popular vendors, but many had new food offerings! Some were hits and others can be missed!

Sweet Martha's with her cookies,the Corn people with…corn.

This cute kid was dancing away as he shucked roasted corn and i asked if he was practicing for this years Corn Dance! Apparently, he's a new kid on the job, and you need to have some seniority to dance the dance!

Giggles served up walleye fingers, and the Poncho dogs served fine Poncho dogs. Mancini's served us the porketta pig wings, and West Indies Soul food had delicious wings and Jamaican patties stuffed with beef & chicken. Made by this charmer!

There were lots of sweet offerings from the typical savory vendors, Dino's had sweet honey fried dough,

Lulus offered chocolate popovers with peanut butter, Farmers Union (coffee house) had the sweet corn, blueberry eclair & hot maple bacon donut, all of which I will pass on at the fair,

My favorite sweet vendor offered up a savory sensation! Sarah's Tipsy Pies made a Gouda & onion pie that was delish!

Tot Boss had bacon wrapped tots which paled in comparison to the loaded toys from last year and the Gass Station served up the burger dog. I wasn't a fan but Randy thought it was ok.

A couple real winners were the Sausage Sisters with the new smoked wild rice patty.

It looks plain, but was really flavorful!

And RC BBQ (formerly Famous Daves) had a pork on pork sandwich that I could have had more of if I wasn't already stuffed!

As we all ate like kings of the fair, we listened to the live auctioneer as he entertained the crowd bidding on some fun prizes! The 12 day parking spot behind the Administration Building (with your name on it) went for $2000.00. The auctioneer, knowing he had a couple live bidders, offered up a second spot and it went for $1550.00! So for all of you who get to park at Moms house…. now you know the going rate! Mom will put your name on the fence for free.

Friends and family enjoying the evening!

After eating and drinking our fill, we headed over to the games of skill. Some in our group generously gave me their gaming tickets, not truly understanding the futility of the kind gesture.

The lines were shortest for the basketball toss, so I stepped up, gave the kid all my tickets and asked "how long do you think it will take me to hit 15 air balls?" He laughed and said, "let's see!" At one point in the counting he loudly exclaimed, "that's Nine!" I made a basket on ten, and thought I won a prize, but it took one more basket. I nailed shot fourteen and fifteen for good measure and won my duck ball!

We didn't all win, but most of us got a prize!

Most of the family had packed it in, and Randy was ready to head home. Luckily we had two cars, so I offered to accompany Gayle and wait with her in the line for the Sky Ride.

I am too claustrophobic to ride in enclosed containers flying above the ground with no way out, but due to the open bar I had some artificial liquid courage and told Gayle I might even try it.

The line was long, so I had lots of time to think, consult with line mates, and knew I could ditch her at the platform.

For those of you that know the Sky Ride, you're familiar with the few specially painted cars. The police car, fire truck, hippy peace car and the cow. I promised Gayle, as we watched the cars fly past, if the cow car came up for us, I would not bail.

It. Happened.

So you may ask, how many glasses of wine does it take to get a claustrophobic into a cage? …. nine. Nine is the answer. The factors that allowed me to fulfill my agreement were that it was a cool, breezy night, the cars were well ventilated, pre State Fair cleanliness level and I was not exhausted after a full day at the fair.

I won't lie, it was a blast. I won't ever do it again, but I'm so glad we did!

This night ended with a renewed excitement for the 12 days to come!

Tonight I went to the fairgrounds after work to watch the fourth night of talent show try outs. On my way over, I should have stopped to get dinner, but instead I found a group of people near the Dairy Building engaging in a Legendary PokemonGo raid, so I had to try and catch one! Out of luck, I headed to find Mom at the Bandshell. The talent was hit & miss…. I sat for about an hour and was going to leave, but David, Cynthia and Linda were behind us, and came prepared with pizza and cookies!!! They offered me sustenance so I could stick around.
Dinner! Score!
Moms neighbors Cindy and Sonja joined us as the line up was in full swing. Lots of good dancers, a few talented singers, a few family acts and some gimmick acts that we may or may not see during the fair.

It's been rumored that there are not as many acts trying out any more, so the talent pool is a tad shallower. This would be your chance, if you ever wanted to make it on stage at the Great Minnesota Get~Together !
I told Cynthia that if we set the bar really low, we won't be disappointed!

I forget, from year to year, how hard the benches are. Mom brought a cushion. S~M~R~T smart! If I make it back for more I'll bring one.

Randy & I will be on the fairgrounds Saturday night enjoying Giggles Campfire Grill for his class reunion!

David got us all buttons!

The fair starts in

I cannot wait! I'll miss the fine art preview again this year. I do have to work my share before I take off for the whole twelve days, but up next is the Taste of the Fair!
Watch for sneak peeks at some of the new fair foods and hopefully some old favorites, like Sweet Martha's cookies and Poncho Dogs!