Well now, if you have not done the Mn State Fair for a few years its either today or tomorrow for this year! What a show...there's nothing like it in these parts and its been a part of my life for a very long time.
My first experience was on the lap of my grandfather, Max Claassen. He, grandma "C" and my whole family, as it existed then, (no little brothers yet) went to the fair and spent the whole day. At that time we drove right in and found parking on the grounds without any trouble. My mother and grandmother had packed a picnic lunch, we "menfok" did machinery hill, and the "gals" took in home activities, 4H, and the horticulture building. We made our way through everything without any trouble and didn't go near the midway because my mother didn't want my mind to be polluted. After lunch the guys spent a couple of hours in the grandstand watching sulky races. All I can remember is that there were a lots of folks with straw hats and smoking cigars! My treat for the day was a bottle of orange crush! When we got home I GOT SICK TO MY STOMACH.
Fast forward to Friday, add tons more people, foods of every type and description, and all the noise, dust, and excitement that comes along with being in a crowd that's dedicated to having fun and able to get along with hundreds of thousands of people. Everyone there seems, for the most part, proud of being "Minnesotan" and willing to drop a few bucks to get tired, stimultated, and a "tummy" ache if you get out of control.
This time for the first year, my wife and I were taken to the fair. Every other year we went and/or took others. This time we were told, " don't think, just enjoy... and we'll keep you from getting lost!"
We didn't get lost and we found everything with little trouble. And why not since our hosts had their iPhones along, a coupon book for discounts and directions, and for them it was visit 3 and 4 for this year!
My favorite thing to do is "people watch." Sometimes I'll note trends or fads, such as the body piercing era of a few years back, or this year it seems that "fair hair" was in for lots of little ladies and their young mothers. If you should like to see more pictures you can find them on my Facebook page. Just type in Frederick Kogler. You will see I had more than a few treats, met a few of my close personal friends, and enjoyed being there with my squeeze. (Oh, yes, I got my Pronto Pup. They've been around since 1947!) No dark suit, white shirt or tie for this guy, just shorts, tennis shoes, and a shirt that could be spilled on. My completed fair uniform included a "Fleet Farm" cap that I get every year. I spent $27 on food, the rest was "taken care of." I was treated to the ride on the bus,(we parked at the U) and I was allowed to sample all kinds of greasy food stuff that is designed to clog my arteries.
Think of it...Jesus died for the whole bunch of us!
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