Fair 2015 - Visit #1: Away We Go...

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Last weekend Mike and I set up a date for me to join his family on a trip to the great Minnesota State Fair. I’ve been looking forward to it all week and today’s the day!

The weather always changes during the second half of August from the hot and humid days of high summer to the warm and less humid days that are typical now. Evenings have changed from warm to pleasantly cool. When this happens in mid-August, shortly after my birthday, I catch myself saying, “Feels like [State] Fair weather!”

Today had that definite fair time weather feel. I drove over to Mike and Charisse’s house around 3 pm. On the way over I heard MPR reporting that the Black Lives Matter protest near the entrance to the fair was just finishing up. The event was peaceful and went without incidence.

Charisse’s three sisters were in from out-of-town to make the trip to the fair with us. It was nice to meet Cathy, Cindy, and Char after having heard about them over the last few years. Mike and Charisse’s daughter Shay accompanied us as well.

As last year we did the park-and-ride deal again. There are numerous free lots in which to park located all over the metro area. Once parked, chartered, air-conditioned, Greyhound-type busses pick you up and deliver you to the gates of the fairground. The bus ride is free as well. Charisse bought our admission tickets in advance at Cub Foods (a locale grocery store chain) so we didn’t have to wait in line to buy tickets. Slick.

Fair 2015 - Visit #1: The Food Building

Saturday, August 29, 2015

We next stopped at the Food Building to get Shay some cheese curds. I love cheese curds but I can never eat more than 1 or 2 pieces before I’m done-in so I never buy any on my own. There are probably about 15 pieces per order. Anyway, the line was INSANE so we headed off to check out the International Bazaar. There was  lots to see once we got there. Fortuitously, the band, The Good, The Bad, and the Funky was playing on the main stage there. They’re a great local cover band and were doing Purple Rain upon our arrival. A contingent of our group went in search of restrooms and while the rest of us waited I got a phone call from Mom. When I told here were I was she wished us a good time and told me she’s looking forward to seeing A Prairie Home Companion at the Grandstand with Dale and me next week. I can’t wait. I’m guessing it’ll be his last State Fair appearance with the show since he’s retiring from the program this year. 

Fair 2015 - Visit #1: Mighty Midway

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Next stop: The Mighty Midway! Ashanka took Shay on a roller coaster. They next hit the new 4-story funhouse pictured below. Next Mike took them on the Ferris wheel. We didn’t have to wait too long for rides at all.

First Visit 2014 - Zumba

After some poutine and while making our way through a crowd we stumbled upon a Zumba demonstration outside of the Education Building. Shay really seemed to enjoy it. So did a lot of other folks who were trying to follow along. Above, Charisse gets her groove on.

First Visit 2014 - Obnoxious Balloon Man

While on the Midway we noticed one of those obnoxious balloon men beckoning people to come to an attraction called the Craze Maze. Dale hates these things and I decided I'd get some footage of one to text to him to show him what he was missing. He wasn't able to be with us today due to a work trip.  Mike took Shay on a ride while Charisse and I went to get some drinks. On the way back to the Midway we stopped to get what you see above.

First Vistit 2014 - Midway and Shay

Shay was dying to get on some rides and play some games so we headed to the Midway. She didn't go on the Ferris wheel pictured here. I'm just including it because I think it's a pretty cool shot. I felt bad for Shay since she didn't have a buddy to bring along like she has the past couple of years. I guess she had someone lined up but they cancelled at the last minute. I don't think it was a fun for her without a pal but she didn't let on and was a good sport about the whole thing.

First Visit 2014 - Ticket Line

I was able to meet Mike, Charisse, and Shay inside the fair after waiting in line for about 20 minutes for a ticket. Although warm and a bit sticky outside, it was far from a horrible ordeal and it allowed Mike and Charisse to get a beer under their belts while they waited for me. 

First Visit 2014 - Park & Ride

I met Mike, Charisse, and Shayla at their house around 1 p.m. and then drove with them to the Park & Ride at the old Ford plant site in Highland. It was all as easy as could be - no parking fee and no fare required for the bus. We were dropped off at the new West End area where we found the ticket line to be unreasonably long. The three of them had already bought their tickets in advance so there was no wait for them to get in. I however, needed a ticket. I told them to go on ahead and get a beer and that I'd meet them inside after I obtained my ticket. 

First Visit 2014 - And I'm Off

Off to meet Mike, Charisse, and Shayla at their place and then on to the fair...

State Fair 2013 - International Bazaar

When we stepped out of the Food Building we found ourself nextdoor to the haunted house. Kids dressed up as Michael Jackson, Jason Vorhees, Freddy Krueger, and an evil clown, etc. were doing the Thriller dance in the front yard of the haunted house.  When they finished dancing they tried to act fierce and  scary to lure people in.  There was something comical about seeing these monsters boogie down and get their groove on (which they did quite well, by the way) and then quickly transition to fright mode. We next headed to the International Bazaar where I noticed these Day of the Dead figurines. Charisse found a chartruese Scandinavian sweeter and Shayla stocked up on a few mermaid dolls at the Hmong booth. Mike, who recently picked up an additional job, joked that he now knew where his extra money would be going. Shortly After this, Shay and her friend conked out so Mike and Charisse had to get them home. It was fun spending time at the fair with them for a second year in a row.

Sate Fair 2013 - Meeting Up with Friends

We found Mike and Charisse and their daughter Shay, who had brought along a friend, at the Fine Arts Building and decided to get some beverages. We stopped by O'Gara's. I got a Grain Belt Nordeast for Dale, white wine for Mike, and a hard lemonade for myself. Charisse got herself some water as she was quite dehydrated.