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Consider this quote from Abe Lincoln

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

 

 

August. It means so much to so many. For some, it’s the end of summer, the last few hot days until football starts. For others its kids going back to school, and that fight that comes as parents try to prepare the little ones for the few days of school that come on those days where it is still too nice to be cooped up inside all day. But for me…and a few other hardy souls it is the time we wait for all year long. It’s State Fair time! As I do every year I sit down and pen out a few helpful tips to get you through the Fair. Whether it’s your first trip there, or you’re a seasoned veteran I hope these tips will provide you with a roadmap for your day at the Fair!

  1. There’s always a way to get in free. This year on the first day of the Fair if you are an early riser and bring two cans of food with you, admission to the Fair is free, as long as you are inside the gates by 7 a.m.
  2. Eating your way across the fairgrounds is always a good way to spend the day. Find the Poncho Dog just outside of the Grandstand to start your day out right!
  3. Remember…go up the hill in the morning! It’s much easier to come down it while you still can feel your legs.
  4. Mornings are also the best time to catch the photography exhibits before the crowds roll in.
  5. If you go early in the morning you will notice that not all the buildings are open yet. If you go right at opening, you can catch the butter cow without standing in line.
  6. Everyone’s favorite rock painter Bubba will be at the cultural center on Aug. 15th. Stop in and say hello!
  7. The FFA building next to the West arena is also full of photo exhibits. And it’s air conditioned!
  8. Remember when walking through the livestock barns you need to remember to down where you are walking and up for those giant spiders!
  9. A clip on water bottle is a great idea for anyone spending lots of time at the fair.
  10. The hill up behind the Cultural Center and the boy’s dorm is a great place to take a nap. (another great spot is up behind Pioneer Hall as the chug chug of the old gas engines lulls you to sleep.
  11. Riding the Ye Old Mill with your Grandmother is ok, but way more fun with your sweetheart.
  12. Wear comfortable shoes. Flip flops, while comfortable, won’t protect your toes from scrapes or the occasional step in something left behind by one of our four legged 4-H projects.
  13. If you just have to sign up for everything, bring a rubber stamp with you, or some of those peel and stick mailing labels.
  14. Take advantage of the benches through out the fairgrounds. It’s great fun just to watch people as they walk by.
  15. Remember to dress for your day. It might be hot, or rainy, but regardless you will wear yourself out so remember to wear something light and comfortable.
  16. The Livestock Pavilion is a wonderful place to sit and relax, while still giving kids the chance to have something going on in front of them to keep them occupied!
  17. Take the opportunity to get involved. There are games and contests all the time. Take the plunge and sign up. Maybe you can whistle like crazy, have a ZZ Top beard or a voice that your hubby can hear from miles away. You just might take home the prize.
  18. There are plenty of free things to see and do at the fair. All it takes is a stroll to find them.
  19. If you don’t want to spend an arm and leg for lunch, pack one in the car and wander out to eat at noon. A hand stamp easily gets you back in.
  20. And last but least, remember that everyone at home loves mini doughnuts so don’t forget to get an extra sack that might survive the car ride home.

See you next week. Remember, we’re all in this together.