Rob's Pre-State Fair Ramblings

 It's been a while since I posted, so I need to get my rambling fingers ready! Yes, we are just a few days out from the best time of the year...The State Fair! Am I excited? Maybe...just a little...or maybe a lot! Normally, I bring you a preview of where everything will be, prices, etc. However, I have not been able to set foot on the fairgrounds. There is 24-hour security posted at all gates, keeping anybody out who does not work there. Due to vandalism and damage in the past, no one except fair workers are permitted on the grounds. I guess being a state fair blogger doesn't qualify as a fair employee. I see the reasoning behind it, but it's irritating to me, as I love to walk the grounds and see the fair come together. I guess that I'm just going to have to let you know as the week goes on.

I am preparing for my big state fair cookie baking day this week. I am entering 6 cookies this year: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Snickerdoodle, Peanut Butter, Monster, and a newcomer this year, the Sugar cookie. Wish me luck!!

Here are some tips for you this week: Money: Use cash for your purchases if you can. WiFi is available on the grounds, but with so many people using it at any given time, vendors have had issues with people using cards for their purchases. I've actually had vendors thank me for using cash. I remember one incident where I had to wait almost 10 minutes for a customer ahead of me to get his card to process.  Deals: Monday of the fair is Dollar Day. Admission to the fair is $1, or free with a Dillon's Card. If you're a big fair food fan, Tuesday might be your day. Tasty Tuesday! Many vendors will be offering $2 portions of their product. The vendors participating in this will have it posted on their place of business. Julie and I will not be eating too much this fair, as we are watching our pocketbooks, so the Tuesday food special is something we're looking forward to. Free stuff: If you're a fan of quaint trinkets, take a stroll through the commercial buildings, where many booths are handing out pencils, pens, keychains, and other cool stuff. If you're looking for a day when the buildings are less crowded, Mondays thru Thursdays are pretty chill. White House: The Lair White House is the State Fair museum, and is to the west of the Domestic Arts building. The exhibits change every year, and it's a very interesting place to visit. Gottschalk Park: Every year, the fair brings in some sort of thrill show, and they perform at different times during the day. Get there early, as seats fill up quickly. This year's feature is motorcycles that ride around inside a large metal spherical ball. There are also entertainers that rove, and do special shows in different areas around the grounds. Most of those acts use audience members, as I found out last year, as I was picked to assist the performer. A situation that I wish I could forget, lol.  

There is so much more that I could spend a few more hours rambling! Here is the long and short of it: First of all, there is a Kansas State Fair app. It is a valuable tool that can help you find schedules for different stages, food vendors, maps, and so much more. I love it and use it often. Also, you can message me via FB messenger with any questions. Don't forget, watch the daily blog. It will go up sometime in the evenings with info about what we did, and more info about other interesting things going on at the fair.  And if I see you, you just might end up in the blog post! 

The fair blog is a lot of work, so... I am counting on you to let me know you are reading by way of likes, comments, etc. If you take a read, drop me a like or comment. That will help me know how many people are reading, and if this blog should continue. That's about all I have too say at this point, I'm sorry that there's not more info. I guess I'll have to wait until Friday!  I hope that I have the opportunity to see you at the fair. Thanks for reading, and have a fabulous week!