The finale of MASH was entitled "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen." That seems like a fitting title to today's blog post. As sad as I am to see the fair leave, my body will appreciate the rest. Today's farewell is a little more bittersweet, as we waited 2 years for this fair to come.
As I approached the gate today, there was a couple that was leaving. They had en envelope with about 7 unused gate tickets. They offered them to me, but I told them that I was already set with tickets. Since the gate we were at was not typically a walk-in ticket gate, there were no people to give the tickets to. I offered to run the tickets down to the Plum Street gate and bless some people. They handed me the envelope, and I trucked them down to the gate on Plum Street. I walked up to some people who were standing in line waiting to buy tickets. I asked them if they wanted some free tickets. They looked surprised. They handed me some money, and I pushed it back to them. I told them to have a good time at the fair. I was able to bless 7 people with free tickets, and it was a good feeling to see the expressions on the faces of these people as they realized they were going to save some money. (Adult tickets at the gate are $10). Now they would have more opportunity to enjoy a funnel cake, Pronto Pup, or buy something special. It's a good feeling when you do something nice for others.
Today's lunch was a bierock, suggested by my friend Lynette. In comparison to the bierock in the Pride of Kansas building, the taste was about the same. However, the one I had today was smaller, about half the size of the one in Pride of Kansas. I give it an A all around, for service and taste. This bierock was $6.00. From there, I went down toward the lake to check out a nearby booth that was selling "Bacon Wrapped Deep Fried Oreos with Salted Carmel Moonshine Sauce." My sister, as well as my friend Jeff from church, were telling me about this. It's really hard to describe the taste, there's really nothing to compare it to. As far as service is concerned, I give it an A. The lady was very friendly. As far as taste, I give it a B. It wasn't nasty, it was OK, but not something I plan to buy again. As far as value, I give it a C. $8 for three Oreos. Hmmm?? They also sell "Pickle Lemonade." Yep, a glass of lemonade infused with pickle juice, complete with pickle spears in the drink. I would have tried it, but there was not a sugar-free option. Sugary snacks are one thing, but sugary drinks quickly shoot my blood sugar up to dangerous levels.
Not long after, I ran into my niece Teighlor. She had her 2 youngest kiddos with her, and they were headed for some Dippin' Dots. Dippin' Dots is an ice cream created by flash-freezing ice cream in liquid nitrogen. The result is a ice cream resembling ice cream that looks like colored, flavored BB's. When I told her that I had never had Dippin' Dots (it's true, are you shocked?), she was surprised. I got a small cup for $6, cotton candy flavored. I give it a B for value (small cup for $6?) and a B for taste. It was OK, just not very flavorful. I hung out with Teighlor for a while, it was nice to spend some time with her. One of my BGC kiddos walked by and wondered if Teighlor was my wife. Awkward, Lol. I'll have to visit with her about that, Lol.
After we parted ways, I just basically walked around the fairgrounds and walked through buildings collecting free stuff. It was a good day for freebies, as the vendors were putting it all out there, trying to get rid of it. Less stuff to pack away, they said. In between all of the walking, I did a lot of sitting. My feet were tired. While sitting, I had the chance to catch up with Valerie. I met her and her family through theater a number of years ago, and she filled me in on how everybody was doing. I also...again...saw my friends Earl and Irene. I think they win the prize for being the ones I have seen the most, Lol. We had a very nice conversation while we enjoyed the cool breeze and the break for our feet. I also have to mention that I ran into the Lee family. I mention this because I see them everywhere I go! It's crazy. We accuse each other of stalking, because it doesn't matter where we go, we always run into each other, Lol. I also had the chance to visit with my former neighbor, Pat, while she waited for her Bloomin' Onion to be ready.
Afterwards, it was close to 6pm, time to go pick up my cookie ribbon and then head for home. I was in for a shock. The envelope contained 2 red ribbons. I told the lady that they had given me 1 red ribbon too many. Not the case. It turns out that my Oatmeal Raisin ALSO placed, it just hadn't been labeled and ribboned. They double-checked their records, and it's true! They can't figure out why my Oatmeal Raisin wasn't labeled and ribboned in the display case. Wow! What a surprise! So, this has been a year of firsts. First win with my snickerdoodles, first red ribbon, first red with my Oatmeal Raisin, and first year with more than one ribbon. What a pleasant surprise!
Following picking up my ribbon, I decided to take a walk around the midway one more time, and visit the streets again. I happened upon my friend Maria, who was working at the Quesedilla and Stuffed Cucumber booth. She is also my supervisor at the Alley. Maria and the Alley have always been good about letting me off during the fair so that I can do my thing. Maria was busy stuffing a cucumber, and I snapped a pic of her stuffin' that cuke.
(Heavy sigh) And now, I am home. My head is still full of things that I would like to reflect on, but it's getting late, and my body needs to sleep. I'm going to make one more post tomorrow night with some final reflections about my 10-day adventure at the Kansas State Fair. Would that be OK with you? One more post? I want to thank you for reading tonight. Or morning, which is what a lot of you tell me. That you read it in the morning. Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
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