Rob's State Fair Ramblings, Day 8

I didn't do as much walking around as I usually do. I felt compelled to just take in some entertainment today. I work pretty hard during this week, touching base with vendors and researching answers to questions that fairgoers have asked me. My feet are pretty sore, so I needed to rest them for a night. Of course, I began with a trip through all of the buildings. That's typically my first item on the agenda for each day. Have you been to the Pride of Kansas building? Right by the little restaurant, they have a booth dedicated to honey and honeybees. I have been stocking up on those little honey sticks. They sell them for 25 cents apiece. There are 8 flavor varieties, and I usually buy one of each. As I was getting my bag ready before the fair arrived in town, I found a forgotten bag of honey sticks in the bottom of it. They had been there all year. They looked OK, however, I asked one of the honey experts about this. He said that those honey sticks will stay good for years. They may crystallize over time, but if they are submerged in some hot water, they'll be as good as new. If you like honey, stop by and pick up some honey sticks for a quarter (and pick some up for me, too, LOL).

I stopped by and got a front row seat to see The Strong Man, John Beatty. I was able to see him from a distance last weekend, but this time I was right up close and got some great pics and videos. This guy can bend steel, tear phone books into fourths, and bend horseshoes into the shape of hearts. He also defeated 8 boys in a game of tug-of-war, and lifted 10 girls on a specially built lifting beam. It's very impressive. It should be, because I taught him everything he knows. Funny thing, though, he didn't thanks me or acknowledge me in his show. Lol. 

After the show, I realized that I hadn't been through the animal barns yet. I got to see some beautiful horses. They looked so sad in their pens. I'm sure horses can get homesick when they're away from home, just like people can. I saw lots of cows, and I got to see the Watusi. Watusi are cows with really big, thick horns. I was able to get some good pictures of those guys. I also ran into some kids that I hadn't seen in a few years, and they still remembered me. When the kiddos remember you, it makes you feel like you made a difference in their lives.  By this time, I was hungry enough to eat a cow patty. So I did. A cow patty is a plate of hot crispy fries topped with pulled pork, cheese sauce, barbecue sauce, and sour cream. For a bit extra, they'll throw some jalapenos on it as well. The cow patty sells for $9. They really fill that plate up, and I was pretty full by the time I was done. I give them an A+ for service, taste, and value. If you're not all that hungry, they sell a calf patty (a half-order) for $6. You can find the cow patty booth across from the Prairie Pavilion, which is along the road where all of the livestock barns are. Look for the big red sign.  

It was now time to rest. I stopped by the Bretz Arena to see a Christian worship band playing some amazing praise and worship music. They were very good, and I enjoyed hearing them. From there, I settled down by the Lake Talbott stage to hear an authentic Mariachi band. I love Mariachi music. I've always enjoyed it, but since my 4 trips to Mexico and being immersed in the culture, I just love it even more. When we would go on excursions throughout Mexico, I would hear that music, and the sound of a Mariachi band brings it all back.  Tonight, there was a large group of Mexican people getting into the music and whooping, including the lady right next to me...loudly.  There was a family nearby that I am friends with, and the expression on my face must have been something, because they were laughing at me every time that lady started whooping.  

Now that I had sat for a while, it was time to get moving again. I decided to make a few laps around the midway before heading home. On the way, I ran into my friends John and Lynette.  They're some of my biggest supporters. We chatted for a while, and then I made my way around the midway for a few laps. As always, I ran into a lot of kids that I know, and that's always fun. I love seeing the kids and meeting their parents. 

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. I'll be treating my mom to a day at the fair. She'll get to pick where to go, what to do, where to eat, etc. We always have a good time. I'll be sure to post the info right here tomorrow night. Until then, I thank you for reading, and God bless you!