From Where I Sit

By Pat Spilseth, Columnist

It’s hot outdoors…It’s Minnesota State Fair weather! The fair is the last note of summer before school begins with classes in hot classrooms and homework again… Some schools are already in session, at least the teachers are due back in school for workshops and getting their classrooms ready for the kids. Kids are anxious but excited to see their friends and which teachers they get. But, on the down side of things, what kid wants to get up in the dark to get ready for school?

Labor Day weekend is the end of summer and the beginning of getting back to work as Labor Day suggests. Thank heavens for the MN State Fair, the last hurrah of summer.

According to internet information, “the Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in North America. In addition to being a showcase for Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the fair features hundreds of entertainment options including free music and shows throughout the fairgrounds; educational exhibits; interactive experiences; more than 60 carnival rides; thousands of competitions; 11 nights of Grandstand shows; and more than 300 different foods. In addition to the 12 days of the fair, August 25 through September 5, more than 200 events are hosted on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds annually, from car shows to horse shows to exhibitions and more.”

Dave and I decided to attend the fair on its second day, supposedly when fewer folks attend. Most attendees crowd the fair on the weekends, but I think the second day was a record in attendance. Lines were long at Sweet Martha’s cookies and every bathroom, but nobody seemed to mind the wait as the day was glorious with pleasant sunshine warmth and a cooling breeze. I’m still a bit scared of guns going off and Covid returning, but I didn’t want to miss the fine arts building as well as the crafts and produce buildings. Of course, once again we enjoyed feasting on the Thanksgiving bowl of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and cranberry sauce at the Salem Lutheran Church lunch hall and talking with folks. When we ate, we met Steve and Michelle who attend every day at the fair. For them, it’s their summer vacation. But even these avid fair attendees found expenses much higher this year. Even with these new prices, folks continue to flock to the fair and have a good time. Our lunch companions paid $50 for a parking spot in some fellow’s yard. Doughnuts were $9 and a cup of water $3.00. Inflation has hit the fair’s prices, but everyone still had a good time.

I saw babies everywhere. Cute, cuddly, smiling tiny tots switched to hungry and crying wails mixed with their parents munching and crunching food sounds, tired feet and sweaty bodies. The crowd is made up of old and young folks, most stuffing themselves with pickle pizza, Sweet Martha’s cookies, buttery corn cobs, foot long hot dogs and homemade ice cream. Folks are happy to be back after several years of not being able to attend this Minnesota gathering.  

Everything is available at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Scandinavians can purchase their favorite food, lefse, a traditional flatbread made with potatoes, flour, butter and milk or cream cooked on a large round griddle. Alpaca socks, caps and mittens are available from folks raising soft wooled alpaca. Dice and slice guys hawk their knives and miracle machines which save you time and money. If you get to the music venues early, you can sit and enjoy the comfort of wooden lawn chairs and rockers while listening to the music of musical favorites like the Tonic Sol Fa guys from St Cloud.  

A highlight for us was the music. Teea Goans sang her heart’s wishes to the accompaniment of a fabulous guitar player. The talent show was impressive with the amazing teenage piano players, singers and dancers who had the stage presence of a much older adult. The strength and flexibility of what the dancer could do with her body astounded us! The performers’ gowns were glamorous and their smiles endearing.  

Driving home in the darkening evening, we were smiling and content after enjoying our day at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

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To contact Pat, email: pat.spilseth@gmail.com.