College Preparedness

I did not go to the Fair Saturday or Sunday.  This was the only weekend we had to get Stella ready for College.   The weekend was filled with hair appointments, shopping, cleaning, packing, intermingled with tearful moments and moments of silliness and laughter.  Stella decided these were everything she needed to take to college!

Fire & Pie

I arrived to a very quiet house at Simpson Street around 6:45 am after dropping the youth at work. Dad made a dawn run to the grocery store and coffee shop, and mom was crashed out after her late night waiting for the last parking customer to leave.   Good thing she fell asleep, because dad woke up when the driver was leaving and it was 1:30 am! 

  I sat down at the computer and started blogging and no one knew I was there until around 8, when the house started stirring.  Dad returned with coffee for mom from the local Underground Music Cafe, which is under newer ownership.  This might be his first year dealing with the fair.  He told dad his only issue has been trying to get his supplies from his main local supplier......The Restaurant Depot....next door to where Stella works.  Traffic is a bit tight!  Dad suggested walking with wagon would be faster! 

I blogged away, sort of waiting for the rain to come that had been forecast-ed all morning.  I realized I was losing valuable time at the fair.  

Mom & I got our act together and headed over....and the rain never came.

Governors Fire Prevention Day!  We got a schedule, and headed for the Grandstand before it got too crowded.  

Had to stop for pie on the way.

This was the State Fair exclusive "Honey Do". Strawberry, rhubarb, blueberry, apple, baked with Honey Do wheat beers from Third Street Brewhouse.  Another thumbs up!  I shared a bite with mom.   

We started at the bottom of the ramp and hoped to get my Mini Donut Chapstick from the Star a Tribune booth.  Sadly, they have gone to the timed giveaway distribution method.  I don't understand how this helps anything except for creating massive lines and traffic snarls on the street and in buildings.  I get it that people come to the fair at different times.   But they could adjust inventory behind the scenes.   Have a set number for mornings, afternoons and evenings.  If they run out, tell people to check back after a certain time.  This is my advice for the U of MN, St. Thomas and anyone else with limited distribution. The places that do it hourly, "top of the hour" etc, are doing Ok.  

The grandstand vendors have not changed much.  Mom had a navigation plan to ensure we hit every spot.  We headed to the northwest end to find Martin Wholesale to see the selection of shirts and coats this year.  They have some nice fleece coats for $15 if anyone needs one!  The coupon this year gets you a ladies jacket for $5!  I looked for shirts for Randy, but the selection was limited.   Hopefully he'll bring more inventory as the fair wears on. 

We walked all the way around the upper level and on  the opposite end and there is a new vendor in the southwest corner.   Modern Envy Apparel.

They are a brand new company, three months old she told me!  They have beautiful socks that are combed cotton and 3% spandex.  They have a compression like effect the way the socks are designed in the foot bed. The company is based in San Francisco.  They look like a Scandinavian design wool sock, but are cotton.  She told me they learned they got into the fair too late for a new color production run.   She wished they had blue & red and purple & gold.

The owner/designer was there and she loaded me up with a pair of socks and some cool stickers and I told her I would wear them and let people know!  Apparently her most lucrative demographic is 16-20 year old males, and "older" women who appreciate the compression.  I think that is my category :)  (*I wore the socks all day Saturday packing and running errands for college preparedness and they feel great!). 

There is a huge Halloween store up there this year!  Lots of fun masks and glasses. Mostly kid/youth costumes. I am not a big Halloween shopper, so I am not sure if the deals are deals. 

There is a funny spot that sells dish towels with great sayings on them!  These two caught my eye, but there are many, many more!

I bought a new "SinkTastic" drain strainer and stopper.  I have been frustrated by the one I have, hopefully this will help!

We made our way downstairs and only got half of the ground floor done.  We found a Inge-Glass, German glass ornament shoppe (across from the sewing machines)  They have this beauty that will be the first in a series.  

She had me at "hello".  Next year will be a Walleye and I can't remember the next one.  I found a couple secret ornaments for Stella too.  This must be my year for Christmas at the Fair.

We were not attracted to any other lower Grandstand booths (but we only got through a quarter of the east end)  I did find another "dollar" special has gone up this year!  S'More on a stick is now 5/$2.  I thought they used to be 25 cents each!

One of my charges Dads asked me if the SPAM place was still at the fair.  I thought so, and I found it down under the Grandstand ramp.  Chris this one is for you!  

Mom & I found Michael hanging out listening to a friend broadcasting at KFAN.

 He joined us and we went in search of food and fire stuff!

 I asked a nice fireman where all the fire trucks were and he told me they were all on the north end again.

Michael had never been on the Sky Glider, so we decided to use that transport up there.  I told Mom to just get a round trip ticket and share it, since I still had my return trip.  She proceeded to ask the ticket lady if she could do that.....of course the answer is no, but if you split your ticket....how do they know?  It is $6 for a round trip and $4 for one way.  I save a buck where I can since things are going UP this year!

I always love this shot on Governors Fire Prevention Day!

 Let me tell you though, other than spinning the wheel at the Regions Hospital booth (to get my water resistant bag) Michael is not as much fun at Fire Day as Stella was.

I got some new hot pads, the nice Sprinkler bags (they have a flat bottom for groceries!) and I texted a nostalgic picture to Stella as she worked on the other side of the fair.  

We walked on looking for a bite to eat before I had to get to work.  Kemps booth was giving away an orange dreamcicle. It was a little freezer gooey, but I had a few few bites.  

No luck at the cow today.

There was a line to try The Minnesota Pickle, free, but Michael said he needed to "be in the mood" for one.  I remember when he would eat an entire jar! It used to be his nickname!

Mom snagged a Rutana Hot Apple Dumpling ala mode and I used my coupon for a Gyro from machinery hill.  They cost $8 and $10, but with a coupon you can get the $10 (Giant Gyro) for $6.  It was tasty, but not quite as good as my Dimitri's

We went in the back door of Eco Technology Building and I found this.  

I took the picture, but now need to research why I should be looking for him!

Eco has many new interactive exhibits.  Another spot to keep kids cool, in the shade and having fun for quite a while!  The Bagnado exhibit is quite impressive too!

There is this fun little experiment (that no one was participating in) where you get people to stand on the platform scale and make the lights rise on the "Village Meter"  I chose not to climb on, since no one needs proof that I can do the work of 2- 3 people!  

They may not have been as fun as Stella going through the fire stuff, but Mom & Michael did honor my request to stick their heads in stuff!  

The Whole Paycheck, I mean Whole Foods exhibit is gone this year and instead there are different exhibitors discussing sustainable food sources.  Today it was a Native American Catering company called Sioux Chef.  They were offering all natural granola bars.  

Honestly, I chose not to eat it.

There is an exhibit by YOXO recycled toys that gives a gift to the first 800 kids each day.  Wish I had a kid....

We stepped outside just as the parade started.  We found a shady spot under a tree and watched for a bit.  I needed to get to work and Michael came with me to see where I did my thing every day!  We stopped quickly to say "hey" to my dear friend Jeannie 

 And her pal Jade, 

volunteering at the Children's Hospital booth.  Lucky me, I *won a color changing water bottle!

I took up my post in the photo booth with my friend Kathy working at the station next door, helping kids make alphabet necklaces!  Kathy and I share a propensity for OCD tendencies, and I wasn't sure if the random letter printing and the boxes of letters that can easily get out of order would be a fun thing, or simply frustrating.  She later assured me it was OK!  

Stella ended up with a little time on the grounds, mom stopped up, and I had a few friends drop by during my shift!  

Stella and Mom stopped over to see all the signs she made for the new Math on a Stick activity area.  The guy who designed it all was there and was super appreciative and asked to give her a big awkward hug!

Stella Made ALL the signs in this area!  

I was going to make a blog post called "STUFF STELLA MADE" but as we go through the grounds, I realize just how many things she had her hands on and was a part of developing, it is almost overwhelming!  As I come across her handiwork, it will just get noted in a regular post as "Stella Made This"

Stella Made This:

Bottle neck wraps (she made about 200 of them)

I was so happy that Stella and my Mom got to have a little State Fair time and share a Kiwanis Malt!

This is a picture of the two guys I worked with every night last year and hope to work many with this year.  Dan is there every day with me, but Tom is only working a few shifts.  

Here they are quizzing kids and awarding blue ribbons!

When Kathy & I were done working, we had some time to kill, so I made her come across the street with me and pose for silly pictures!  She is a GREAT SPORT!!!  The swing one,  we were coerced to do in an effort to win a swing of our own!  If I win, we might need to share it!

I half jokingly said we should try to get a pic with Clifford.... Kathy gave it a college try!  We laughed at the image of her walking around the fair for the rest of the night with a mini Adirondack attached to her butt!

There was a little girl who was in the photo booth who was reluctant to smile.  I started asking about her favorite things at the fair, and she smiled as she told me about her Blue Ribbon winning quilt in the Education Building.  I told her I would go find it!!

Kathy & I stopped by the St. John's booth to send a post card to Ethan and wish him a Happy Birthday!  Kathy was keeping her eye on the clock and pointed out that we had wandered around the Ed Bldg long enough to get in line for a St. Thomas bag!  score :)

We were both hungry for something, but were a bit overwhelmed with food options so we just started walking and had some deep discussions regarding cheese products and their effects on your stomach and which cheese product vendors were the best!  I told her to try the Mac & Cheese cupcake when she was able to share it with her iron stomach daughter Ellen.  

I needed a restroom and decided to show Kathy my super secret relaxing spot, the Blue Flame Building.  Sadly there are signs on the restroom doors this year that say STAFF ONLY.  The facility still has lovely benches in a cool inviting atmosphere with the chilliest drinking fountain on the grounds!  We picked up a couple yard sticks and headed out to look for food. 

I got a message from my friend Gayle that I needed to find a coupon for a free travel, My Pillow, that was in the Sunday supplement last week.

 Kathy & I walked around the corner, down to the Star Tribune booth and asked if they had any of the supplements remaining.  They did not....and we were way too late for the 3pm chap stick giveaway...grrrr.

I had a coupon for the El Sol Burrito and I knew it was big enough to share one.  

With a little dinner under our belt, we decided to look for something sweet. Kathy suggested Chocolate Salami (a new food in 2014)  I had to walk her by Sara's Tipsy Pies and I was happily surprised to see Sara had run out of all but two flavors!  As I was explaining the different ones to Kathy, Sara herself, approached from my rear flank, patted me on the shoulder and corrected my erroneous information and smiled!  She told us that they are still working out how to get their total act together and figure out the baking schedules, etc...   I told her that as her first time at the fair, they seemed to be doing great!  I want her to be my new best friend!

We proceeded to the Sausage Sisters booth, the whole time Kathy assured me that this dessert offering did NOT contain any sausage!

It is a salami shaped loaf made of melted and blended chocolate, butter, almonds, walnuts, graham crackers, orange oil and coffee.  Sliced up and served on a savory cracker.  

It was delicious!  Kathy told me they ate something like this in Italy and it as very much the same.  The guy at the stand told us a story of the recipe and I think it had something to do with his own trip to Italy!  I was taking pictures, Kathy might remember better!

It was time to meet up with Stella on the yellow bench in front of Admin.  She was again tired and hungry.  We retraced our steps, and went to Dimitri's for the finest Gyro....I stole a few tastes and Kathy tried a bite too.  

She is a believer!

Stella thought her tired legs might get her all the way to the West End for a hot waffle, but we spied the Caramel Apples in a Dish (and I had a coupon!)

On the way there was this....and she did it!  

Kathy captured the glimpse of sadness as we realized this was our last week for a while hanging out together!

Stella & I were spent and offered Kathy a ride home, so we all walked up to gate five together and got a picture of Stella with her handiwork!  

I have always loved these beautiful floral sprays

and the sun setting over the Gate Five arch is always a nice view!

Tomorrow we begin "College Preparedness Weekend".  I will miss the 9am chap-stick distribution, but we'll also miss the "Black Lives Matter" march up Snelling Ave.  

I just hope Stella packs!

Irish Sandwich

Dropped Stella off in the sign shop at the junction of Como & Stella St. at 6:45 am and the traffic was already building.

The Simpson Street parking facility map has changed this year as Mom & Dad have upgraded and downsized to one new vehicle.  I get preferred parking in the garage now!

I snapped a picture of the super secret parking plan too!  If you don't get on the list early, you might lose out!

First day selfie,!

I missed the opening of the gates, but still got to the fair around 8:00 with Mom. We had to stop and get a schedule and get our sunscreen, admiring the lovely boxes that Stella assembled!

I lined up to get my "Friends of the Fair" swag bag, only to find out, the donation we made to the foundation this year went to the History & Heritage campaign, so I just got a calendar.  I decided to just make my donation for next year on the spot, and then I got my coupon book!

Mom settled into her Gazebo for her shift as a "Friend of the Fair and I took off for parts unknown.

 I was on a mission to find Tipsy Pies!  Walking towards the food building I heard a "Hi!" and snapped a picture of this lovely lady working hard and moving fast already at 8:15am!

I found the Tipsy Pie crew next door to the Lefse stand on the south wall of the food building. Sara had just left for an appearance on a news channel.  So I chatted, got a little back story and got my first Tipsy Pie.  "Bapple" which I thought was just for boozy, blueberry apple...is really this "apples and wild blueberries baked in a honey stinger mead from Winehaven, with a honey wine glaze".  I just know it was a great breakfast!  I wanted to tell the people in the really long line at the cinnamon roll booth to go get a Tipsy Pie instead!

I walked through the Ballpark, but the curtains were still drawn and no one I knew was in sight.  I would check back later!

I decided to go see if I could catch a glimpse of Sara on the news, and as I walked toward the station at about 8:30 am I saw this line for footlong hotdogs.  It was going to be a record setting day!
When I reached the news station, Sara was already gone, but the crowd was participating in a dance contest to the Taylor Swift song, "Shake It Off".  It would not be the only time this day that that song would get stuck in my head!

I quickly made my exit up the Dimitri's Gyro path back to the Food Building.  On my way, who should I run into but another hard working friend, Dan, owner and chief operator of another favorite stop Juanita's Fajitas.

He was toting a cart full of plants for his patio seating area.  He said, and I quote, "it's never all quite done on day one".  I would get a better understanding of that as the day rolled on!

At the top of the path with a lovely view of the Ball Park Cafe there I found "The Bench!"

There was one lady sitting on it that I promptly displaced as I asked to take a photo!  She offered to take a picture of me, but I just wanted the bench.

I headed back to the food building and Sara had returned. Earlier I was so eager to eat my Tipsy Pie, I failed to get photo record of the data and statistics for the blog. This time, I got a pic with Sara and her absent mom Norma. whose crust recipe she uses.

I knew there had to be something special about the crust!  On a side note I returned later to get a question answered for a friend and I was told that Tipsy Pies, while made with local wine and beer, once cooked, have no more alcohol content that you would find in vanilla extract! Child and AA friendly!

Buildings had just opened so I found myself in the Merchandise Mart looking for anything new.  Nothing new really, but I still covet the "By The Yard" outdoor furniture (some day) and then I found the Gator Smooth booth.  This is a "60 second pain relief lotion" that I became a believer in a couple years ago.  One bottle lasted almost two years, until we found it was the only topical treatment Stella found to work on a systemic itchy rash caused by the adhesive on bandage tape that developed on her legs this spring.  I was the first customer, and they were having "day one issues" with the cash registers...it took seven people to figure out how to ring up my sale. I quickly decided a cash transaction was best with a "keep the .17 cents change" response!  I hope the issues resolved for them quickly!

I rounded the corner and ran into more friends from church!

Joel shared his secret State Fair snack with me...a honey crisp apple from his backyard, and a homemade bacon caramel...He told they need to be eaten together for full taste effect!  I was full of breakfast pie, so I promised I would enjoy it later!

I picked up a couple State Fair Christmas ornaments, only to realize as I was paying, that this is not the place that so graciously helped me out last year.  (At the end of the 2014 fair,  a friend (Lynn) posted her new found ornament on Facebook, it was too late for me to find my own, so I did some research and found the vendor information and called them and they kindly sent me five ornaments COD in time for Christmas!) I paid for these ones from Callister's Christmas, a store found at MOA.

She assured me that these State Fair ornaments would not last long and they would not be for sale at MOA.  I vowed to head to the West End and patronize the other ornament shop!

I got a text message from Steve & Karla with their location and told them I would try and meet up.  I mentioned that I wanted to see The Willis Clan at the Bandshell at 10:00 and we decided to meet there.

I decided to check out Creative Activities before the crowds moved in...whoops too late!  I could not believe the number of people that had already filled the grounds by 9:00am.  

There is a beautiful Sailboat in the entry way and as I moved inside the first quilt to catch my eye was this beautiful rendition of the Kiss by Klimt. (one of my favorites!)

I found some beautiful cookies,

quilt squares on a stick the theme this year is great entertainers at the fair.

 I heard four ladies discussing cakes and what makes one better than the other, how some judges prefer a crack on the top, so flipping the cake can sometimes hurt your point score....and all the things they will try next year so they might get a ribbon.  Some of these ladies must be entrants, since one lady asked the other "Do you get your cake back?"  She said no, but I wanted to tell her that, in fact, the staff of the maintenance, grounds crew and sign shop get to eat all the "losers".

I shot through the vendor annex of Creative Activities and watched Larry the Swiss peeler hawker,  a true State Fair entertainer. I asked him and he told me this was 30th year at the fair!

I saw the my wine slushy friends but it was only 9am...I'd be back later!  There are few new vendors back there, but nothing on my "not to miss" meter.

It was almost show time at the bandshell, and getting close to snack time, so I used my first coupon and got a bargain footlong hot dog for $4.00!

I forgot my water bottle. (I know REALLY??) so I would be taking full use of the Culligan Water services today!

There were lots of seats open for the Willis Clan show and I found Steve & Karla taking in all there was to see and do at the fair.....

I did not realize the show did not start until 10:30, but it turns out we were in time for the opening Flag Ceremony and the declaration of "Official Opening" of the Great Minnesota Get Together,  Never done that before!  Three flags were raised, American Flag , the Union Jack and the Australian flag in honor of the visiting groups from these places that are learning about how to run the best fair in the world!   The Willis Clan led the crowd in a goose bump producing National Anthem.

Jerry Hammer, General Manager of the fair, opened the event and he walked out on stage and said (I kid you not) "Here's the deal....."   He is my people.  The fair was declared officially opened and we settled in for a great show.

Stella and the sign shop crew made the "now appearing" signs weeks ago for the bandshell and when I sat down I noticed the sign holders were empty!

I texted Stella and she informed me that her boss was on his way with them, but nobody checked before today and the sign dimensions they were given were 1/2 inch off.  She had to trim them all so they would fit!  Halfway through the show, the signs appeared!

The Willis Clan is an Irish family band composed of 12 kids and Mom performs with them.  They dance, sing, play great instruments and are free concert not to be missed.  They perform every day at the Leinie Bandshell at 10:30 and 11:45.  The shows are not the same!

We walked over to the Gazebo to see Mom and Michael & Kathleen showed up!  This is a great photo of us all, but all it tells me is I really need a better bra!!

After the show, we walked into the Ag/Hort Building.  I told them the African Violets are on display today and tomorrow, but I wanted to see the Gladiolas this weekend!  Karla told me she has African Violets that came from Grandma Olga's plants.  Glad she got them and not me.   Karla & Steve went on their way, as I was too easily distracted by shiny objects and plates on walls,  they would never get things done if they stuck with me!

I wanted an Apple Cider Freeze and had my dollar ready, but beware people!  

The freeze is now $1.25!!!  The line was 30 people deep and since I did not have a quarter or anything smaller than a $20, I left empty handed.

I walked into the Crop Art display to find a line of people starting at the entry point, waiting to see the art.  I am no fool.  My Mother's wise words ringing in my ears "go to the left.." I veered down the other side and walked into the display backwards, snapping a few pictures as I could, of the funny. Beautiful, political and politically incorrect

I will be back on a slower day to get a better look.  I did see the marriage proposal in crop art and wondered if it was real and then saw the news story about it later!  She said "Yes" apparently!

I got a few pictures of the center floral displays.  This year my favorite is the Assistance Dogs display.  

The "Make -A-Wish" sparkling tree is beautiful too.

There is a new plate wall in the "Food" Wing of the AG/Hort

  Not sure it's purpose, but I was a little disappointed to find there was no Red Wing or Frankoma Pottery plates on the wall.  The stuff of my childhood.  I think this plate with wheat and blue flowers might have been one like Grammie Kelsey had.

I got a text from Stella letting me know she was on the grounds working on her first sign installation run and we could meet at the Admin building around noon.  I found her, her "gator" cart and her supervisor Jordan working hard!  We stopped to chat with Jerry Hammer and I told him the story about the first time Stella missed the fair, she was two and a half and had a fever. Randy told me I could't take her to the fair.  I told him he could stay home with her, and I went to the fair!   Jerry said he might use that story next year at the opening ceremony!  LOL

We found Don & Carol lunching at The Peg

and then as we waited for Stella's ride back the sign shop, we took some fun pictures.  I sure miss having her with me to do this all day!  She does not.

After Stella and parted ways,  I waited in a very long line to use the restroom right inside Gate 5.  There is no "going to the left" in a bathroom line...one must be polite and wait.  This line was indicative of the crowds growing today!

Steve had graciously given me his extra water bottle.  I filled up at Culligan and walked straight down the hill to the West End.  I was hungry for lunch so I got myself a Hot Waffle from the West End Creamery.

Seemed like a good choice!  I looked for Sarah at "I Like You" and I saw her daughter Talulah working hard, but I would stop another day.  I was happy to see the shop so busy!

I found the Holly's Christmas shop and got this years ornament. I was able to give him a personal thank you for fulfilling my order last year!

I knew Kathleen & Michael were here for Trader Joe's Day at the fair and were participating in a scavenger hunt.  I remembered they needed a picture of the historic map with original buildings in it. When Jerry Hammer spoke to us at the Set up day on Sunday, he told us that cities are spending millions to tear down and build new, better buildings, and state fair is spending millions to preserve the old ones!  I am grateful!

 The Eco Hall and Fine Arts are original State Fair structures, as well as the Grandstand.  The history rich environment is part of what makes the fair so special!

I took the obligatory pictures of the log cabin

and I found the placard stand thanking people who donated to the History & Heritage campaign, which is where our money went, just apparently not a enough money to get us on the board!

It is STEM day at the fair and I went to look for anyone I might know at the Boston Scientific booth.

(I did not) This year it was amazing to see all the booths!  It has grown double from last year!  Robots, and experiments, puzzle and games.  It was really impressive!  My friend  Martha works at The Works and they had a fun activity building with dots and sticks!

The place where Stella used to make lego walls to withstand a flood or Tsunami had a bone splint experiment this year!  How much pressure can your stabilized bone withstand.

Too bad this stuff is only a one day event.

I already had 12K steps on my pedometer and my feet were a little sore (even with the new walking shoes) so I decided to take a chance on the Sky Glider to get to the north end.  Lines...again.  I don't ever remember waiting in a line down the sidewalk outside the ticket booth to get on this ride. I got to read ALL the rules as I waited.  

Clearly they have been sued for knee damage.  I got a round trip ticket, hoping against all hope that I would not get stuck again this year.

The ride was uneventful.  There was already a bra deposited on the roof of the Little Hands Farm shed.  I wondered if the ride staff drops it, to just get it over with, as if to thwart a stripping free for all on the ride.

The Giant Sing Along is celebrating five years at the Fair.  

As I departed the Glider, I could hear ABBA blaring and as I looked at the new sign board (that I wonder if Stella made) I see "Shake It Off" is a new one added this year!  It was playing as I left the area, stuck in my head once again!

I walked past the Kemps Cow booth where Stella Stella did make the signs and tried my luck at winning a cow.  No Luck.  There is a second chance option this year by tweeting your picture.  I might need to figure out how twitter works now....

As I approacehed Randall Ave I realized the parade was in motion!  Stella was possibly going to be riding shotgun in the Princess Mary Kay float.  I asked a parade watcher and she informed me I missed it.  I found out later, she was too busy to leave the shop.

I walked the edge of the crowd and saw the Eden Prairie marching band coming up the street!  A shout out to Heidi and her family as her last daughter heads off to college after many years being a part of this band family. 

I had a few minutes before my shift at the Forest so I popped into the Fine Art building.  I got to see a few cool things and get a picture of the artist studio signs that Stella made, before the parade ended and the building began to flood with people. 

I checked out "Math On A Stick" and there are LOTS of fun activities for kids.

 A family could spend hours just in Baldwin Park, between the Giant Sandbox, the Math , the entertainment and the Alphabet Forest!

The Coke display this year is offering free sample cups of Coke Zero.

 I asked and it contains aspartame (which I am allergic to and should be avoided anyway!)  So no feee samples for me.

I got to the Forest and donned my apron and immediately went to work in a very busy photo booth!  I not only forgot a water bottle today, but I also left my special name tag and the "hashtag" sign I made at home on my table.  My phone was dead and added a charger to the list of what to bring tomorrow and messaged everyone and turned it off.

 I love to see kids reading here!

The crowd thinned out a bit and I got a few minutes to relax on a bench in between photo shoots.

I was done working at 6pm and was feeling tired!  I turned on my phone briefly to message Stella I would meet her on a bench at 7:30 outside the Admin building.  It might just take me an hour and a half to walk down the hill!

The old Gloria Dei Lutheran Church booth has been replaced by tpt Public Television.  I want to get a picture in the canoe!

 I got a chance to walk through all of the Education building and was too early for the 6:30 St. Thomas bag distribution, but there will be more days.  There is a booth promoting "Diff-Abilities" where a blind artist created this beautiful work of art.

I did not have to do a college research tour this year, so the the Education stop went quickly!  I checked out the new fall catalog at the Pampered Chef booth and found a few reasons to have a party this fall!  I stopped by the Wine Slushie shop and the gal remembered me.

 Just got a small shot, but it was enough.  Any larger and I might have tipped over!

I was early, and found a bench in from of Admin and realized I was a little hungry.  I remembered I had the special snack that Joel gave me early in the day!  It saved me and eaten together the bacon caramel and apple were really tasty!

With no phone power I just sat and watched people for a bit.  Shortly, I saw Stella appear on the horizon!  She needed a short rest and filled me in on her busy busy day and then we were off in search of dinner.

We agreed that the Ball Park cafe was our destination for a protien base before dessert.  We walked up and got a table, and ate a great cheeseburger and enjoyed my first beer of the fair.

 It is sort of sad that I sit in the mecca of craft beer and can only drink rice beer made by the good people at Anhueser Busch.   It'll have to do!

Mom showed up unexpectedly with an ear of corn, and joined us for a bit.  Stella, having only been on the grounds for a short time all day, wanted to have a treat.  I told her I wanted a destination plan before we moved, and she decided on a brownie!

Gaelic Storm was the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Tonight show and we found a bench at the back and sat for a song.  We were all pretty tired and Mom was afraid she might fall asleep on a bench, so we decided to call it a night!

I started and ended the day with Irish music....with quite a bit sandwiched in between!

Winner of Best Dressed today was this couple! 

Best inflatable so far 

And BTW, the Minnesota Highway maps are new! Found in the Education Building 

Carry On!