Rob's State Fair Ramblings, Day 1!!!!!

 Arriving at the fair on the first day is like a welcome home, or like the first day of a vacation. I don't normally take a vacation, so this is mine, except that I still work my jobs and then go to the fair after, My emotions as I enter are a mixture of nerves and excitement. Did my cookies place? Do I have any ribbons? My first stop is the Domestic Arts building to see how my cookies fared. I had a 2nd place on my Monster cookies, which is what I had last year. I also had a 2nd on my Oatmeal Raisin cookies. This is my first red ribbon on these, I've also received a first and a third on the Oatmeal Raisin. No, there are no blues, but at least I placed, and have some ribbons to show for it! I'm happy. 

Missing this year is the iconic Freak-Out ride. I'm wondering why, as this ride is one of the most popular rides on the Midway. It also seemed a bit sparse where the kids' rides are. Some of the small businesses I used last year are also gone. The wax hand-dipping, and the Mini-Me creators were not there. And the guy in the Meadowlark building who sold knives for years and years...his booth was not there. And the most disappointing absence of all...The Korean Hot Dog stand, one of my must-haves for fair food. However, Chunky Chet's is making a grand appearance this year. Also back is Lori the Dip Lady, who sells the best dips on the grounds. 

I had the chance to walk through all of the buildings and collect free stuff. I got a good stash of pens and pencils and a few cups and some magnetic clips. The DirectTv people are in your face, so unless you want to get roped into hearing a sales pitch, make a wide berth around their booth. The Eisenhower building was very empty this year. Usually they have a wide array of booths in there, but not this year.    During my traversal of the fairgrounds, I received phone calls and texts from people wanting to know where something was. From the elephant ear stand to bierocks, I was able to answer most questions. Why not all questions? On the first Friday, until I get the lay of the land, I'm not quite sure where everything is. Some of the booths move every year.

My  favorite part was seeing the people. That is the most fun thing about being at the fair. I love seeing my kiddos from school, the club, and church. They get so excited to see me, as I am to see them. I ran into my friend Pat, who was thrilled that the Sweeper game had returned. It was absent last year after the owner retired. It was purchased by a new owner this past year, cleaned up, and brought back. Pat is a pretty skilled player. It took her several dollars before she got back into the swing of things. I also ran into my sister, who was there to see "Need To Breathe." I got to hear snatches of the concert as I walked around and through the Grandstand. My sister and I are going to have a "siblings day" next Friday at the fair. Tomorrow, a friend of mine and I are going to have a day at the fair, and we'll take our annual spin and selfie on the Ferris Wheel. It's going to be a fun day, and surely a wonderful fair altogether. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Whether you're reading this late at night or in the morning, I appreciate it. Please comment or like if you are reading, and it helps me gauge how many people are reading. I'll share Saturday's adventures with you tomorrow night! God bless!!