State Fair Season

People here often joke that we have two seasons: winter and road construction. They are, however, missing the third Minnesota season: State Fair. For twelve days in late summer, the state (or at least this part of it) seems to be consumed by all things Fair. The TV and radio stations are broadcasting live from it, commute times are adjusted for it and casual conversation is consumed by it: have you been yet (because of course you ARE going), are you going again, which concerts do you have tickets to, and what did you eat?

We made our pilgrimage last Friday, while Nicola and Rob were here to see Alan Jackson perform at the grandstand that evening. It was hot and carrying Ryan in a front pack made things even more toasty but we had a great time!

The whole family rode the big slide (the operators of which must have been talking to the zoo camel ride people because when Oliver checked to make sure Norah was big enough to ride, responded that ANYONE could ride provided they paid their $2... so we took Ryan, too!)

Norah tried mini donuts, cheese curds, strawberry shortcake, bacon on a stick and sweet potato fries declaring them all to be YUMMY! And while a warning about swine flu kept Ryan and I out of the swine barns we made sure to get the requisite pig-eared photo op (here and here):

Another successful fair trip - we wouldn't miss this season for anything!