So yesterday I went to the state fair with the Mrs. and the daughter. We had a nice time, but it got me to thinking that I really have a lot of history with the place.
I have vague memories of going to the fair with my family when I was a kid. I can remember being in one of the old horse barns reading all the names of the horses (or having them read to me), and I remember some kind of acrobats performing in the mall area on these all sway poles, and I remember the old coliseum, a dusty old musty building that stood about where the present day building is. It was white and hot and you sat on folding chairs. It had character. I am pretty sure it came down in 1971-2. I remember seeing Kenny Rogers and the First Edition in 1968 I believe it was, they wore shinny silver outfits. Ol' Kenny and I go way back. I remember shaking hands (more than once) with Senator Proxmire at the Flower building. I also remember going to the auto races with my Dad in the 60's and 70's. He knew Ted Lake who was the flagman, so we always had nice seats.
I believe it was in 1972 when I was first turned loose at the fair on my own. I mean totally alone--dropped off, and then walking the 18 blocks to my grandparents house to spend the night. It must have been cheap, because I know I couldn't have had much money. I remember looking at the animals, eating a sidewalk sundae (still a favorite), and watching some veil dance at the brand new International Amphitheater. It was quite an adventure for an 11 year old, but I remember a lot of it like it was yesterday.
And then in 1979 I got a job at the fair park working in the building and grounds department. And not just for the fair, but the entire summer. There were Western Days, horse shows, rummage o rama, auto races, all kinds of stuff going on. I learned how to drive standard transmission, tractors, fork lifts, how to fix small engines, build stages, the difference between hay and straw, and how to drink lots of beer. I worked there for 5 years during the summers while I was in college, and also spring and winter breaks. It didn't pay much, but I was glad to have it.
I met lots of interesting people while I worked at the fair. The grounds department was mostly the 10 or so full time people, school teachers and students. And it seemed like most of the people were related, either somebodies kid or cousin or brother or sister. I know I got my younger sister in, and Mom worked for fat Eddie one summer (I had nothing to do with that), and the Mrs. even spent a summer in a information booth. She loved it (ha).
I had lots of good times taking my kids to the fair when they were young. They got to experience many of the same things that I remembered doing, and it always made me happy being there with them. I remember them doing all the activities on children's day, making stuff in the Youth Expo and the DNR area, eating corn and what not. And of course checking out all the animals! Nothing but good memories there....
....but much of the fair park is just memories for me now. I'm old enough to remember the old buildings like the Youth Building and the Women's Building and the old exhibit halls. I remember the Pine Hut, and the Ag Products building. I remember the old grandstand and all the character it had. And the old swine barn and Mexican Village. I remember before all the food stands were permanent buildings and were mostly trailers and tents. I remember the Lutheran Diner and the Red Circle Inn and the Tavern on the Mall (great turkey legs). I remember the cow with the plastic hole in its side so you could see the digestion and the smell. I remember the midway being on the southwest corner of the grounds and the sideshows they had, and the carnies. It seems like there were more things to do at the fair back then. I realize time moves on, but I miss the old stuff.
I always say have fun at the fair, and I mean it, and I do have fun. And I always say I love the fair, and I really do. So many memories with family and friends, and making new ones every year. And so many stories, but they will have to wait for a latter time......
No comments:
Post a Comment