2 weeks out!

 We are officially 2 weeks out from the beginning of the state fair! Yes, for those of you who know me, I am a fair nut!  I enjoy walking through the buildings, picking up free stuff (I have quite a collection), enjoying fair food and seeing people. Every time the fair comes to town, I run into people I haven't seen in quite a long time. It's fun to stop and catch up with these friends. As far as fair food is concerned, I'll be limiting my intake to save money for my trip next July. There are a few "gotta have its" I'll be enjoying. First of all, there's the Pronto Pup, the famous "banquet on a stick." These are legendary corn dogs that are available at several yellow booths around the fairgrounds. Second on the list are a favorite that I discovered last year. The Korean Hot Dog. This is a corn dog as well, but very different from the Pronto Pup. It's cooked differently, with a different kind of batter. Very good! I'm going to try to limit myself to these 2 items, but if something new and exciting shows up, I might have to give it a go. 

When selecting a fried food item, I always try to get a look at the oil that they are using. Most of the vendors change the oil out on a regular basis, but some don't. If the oil is light tan to medium brown, I know that the oil has been changed out recently, and I'll select that item. However, if the oil is dark, I'll pass on that item. Dark oil will adversely affect the taste of the food. I have worked in foodservice establishments before and have used oil fryers. I know for a fact that oil that is changed consistently will produce a better product. Just a friendly tip from me. 

The fair can be costly! While there's nothing I can do to help that, here are a few money-saving tips concerning admission costs: A typical admission ticket is $10 for an adult, $6 for a child aged 6-12, $6 for seniors, and $4 for military personnel (with ID). You shave off a few bucks by buying advanced tickets at Dillons through Sept. 7. Seniors can get in for $2 on the first day (55 and older). On Tuesday and Thursday, the entrance fee is $4 after 4:00. Get in for $5 after 9:00pm every day. On Monday, admission is $1, or free with a Dillons card.  

If you're a fan of fair food, but are overwhelmed by the prices, there is a special on Tuesday. Participating vendors will offer $3 portions of their products. I might indulge a bit on that day, but with moderation. As far as prices for other things, and what businesses are going to be there at the fair this year, I don't know. I'll be making a few more trips out to the grounds in the next couple of weeks, and I'll see what's out there and keep you informed. 

You can pick up a state fair visitors guide, complete with a daily itinerary and other info, at the state fair office or at customer service at Dillons. I try to give you as much info in the blog, but I can't fit it all in. If you have questions, you can ask in the comments or via messenger. I'll answer as many questions as I have time and the info. 

It's time for me to close and and get some stuff done. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my post. Keep following my blog and Facebook posts for all things fair-related. God bless you!

(((Sigh)))

 That collective sigh is mine. Another Summer has come to an end. I've had a few meetings peppered here and there in the past couple of weeks, but tomorrow, I hit things full throttle as I begin my first full week of back-to-school. Monday and Tuesday are meeting/inservice/prep days, and then the kids arrive on Wednesday, ready or not! Please pray for the kiddos and teachers this year as they take on more than you can imagine. Thanks.

The summer of 2023 was different, to say the least. I had the opportunity to work a few camps and a fun VBS. I had a great group of kids at Boys & Girls Club. It was also during this past Summer that I felt called to take a mission trip to the Philippines, and it feels as though God is laying everything out for that to happen. It's a nervous excitement as I inch closer to the July 2024 date. On the flip side, I had to say "see you later" to some friends who were promoted to Heaven, one friend in particular who was like a brother to me. I'm thankful that these friends knew Jesus, and are whole on the other side, but there are still some empty, gaping holes that will definitely take time to heal. Grief and loss are difficult emotions, and everyone handles them in different ways. 

 We are 26 days out from the start of the fair. If you're new to the scene, this is the spot to watch for all info concerning the fair, September 8-17. I go every day, and then bring you a daily report of what I saw, and where the deals are. I can tell you where something is located, and when people see me at the fair, they know I can answer their questions. The only difference this year is that I'm not going to eat fair food like I have in the past. That pains me, but I have to save my money for my mission trip. Instead, I'll pick a few food places that I've had in the past, let you know my thoughts on that food, and give it a rating, depending on taste, cost, value, and customer service. 

Here's your first helpful hint: Use cash if at all possible. Some booths are cash-only. Also, think about how many people are using wi-fi at the fair. That makes for slow processing times for cards to be read. I've stood at windows for long periods of time while waiting for someone's card to go through. I use cash when I go, and I've had vendors thank me for using cash. I know that having the plastic can be handy, but at the fair, it might be more of a headache.

I'll be posting several more times during the next few weeks with helpful hints to help make your fair experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Keep it tuned here! Thanks so much for tuning in to read and hear my heart. I pray that God will bless you this week,

Rolling along...

 The summer is quickly coming to an end for me. The BGC summer program has come to an end, and boy, I sure do miss those kiddos. I have already started some trainings that entail what I'll be teaching in the school this year. I will have a few days between now and the start of school to take it easy a bit. I have been pushing myself to keep going, and I desperately need some down time before school starts.

I have been doing a lot of baking these past couple of weeks. When I put it out there that I was baking cookies to raise money for my Manila trip, people reached out! I have been approached with orders, donations, and pledges of support. This tells me one thing: God is definitely in this. If He were not, I don't believe He would be blessing me for the financial part of this life-changing adventure. I also feel God is working in my heart and preparing me for what He wants to show me while I am there. I have adopted the hashtag #RobtoManila2024 as the name of my campaign. My campaign runs as follows:  

1. That God would move in my heart and in the hearts of the people He brings across my path.

2. For safe journeys to and from Manila, and while I am there.

3. That I would be fully funded in a timely fashion. 

When you pray for the #RobtoManila2024 campaign, those are the three things you can pray for. 

I am back working at the Alley, which helps the campaign. The money I make there pays for the ingredients needed to bake goodies, so that I can stick every penny into the Manila fund, without having to use any money as overhead. 

The State Fair blog will look a little different this year. While I still plan on going everyday and blogging the day's activities, I will not be eating there every day. I'm putting that money towards Manila. Rather, I'll post about what I've had in the past, and what the cost is. I'm also cutting out most frills like entertainments and souvenirs, etc. I want to be sure that I'm not being frivilous with my money. There are a few things that I'll indulge in. There are a few "gotta have it" items. But, for the most part, I'll be packing some snacks to take with me. I'm sure you understand, thanks! 

I have to get going, I have some things to get accomplished yet today. I just wanted to get an update out to you since many of you have been asking. Thanks for reading, and God bless you.

PS: I apologize for any typos, I'm pretty tired!