Today's highlights:
I tried my best but I just don’t get it We have heard that the Monster Trucks and Tuff Trucks show is one of THE biggest draws at the Fair. Like the faux jousters the first weekend, the Trucks have four shows dedicated to them this last weekend of the Fair. (Yes, I said last. Tomorrow is the last day. Moving on.) For whatever reason, we had never attended a Monster Trucks show before today. I think one will do me.
We ended up sitting near some big fans. I tried to share their excitement and learn from their criticisms and appreciative arm pumps. But I ended up bonding instead with their 4-year-old daughter who looked at mom with confusion after a few trucks went around the bumpy track and was told, “That’s the whole thing, honey. That’s what they do.”
To be honest, I did applaud a few times for the Tuff Trucks. I actually thought they were just old SUVs and pick-ups but the program said Tuff so I guess that was them. Anyway, a few caught some air over the bumps and a number of them made impressive metal bangy noises as they raced over the big mounds of dirt on the track. By far the best moment was when a pick-up did a headstand and had a hang-time almost long enough for me to power up my camera. The truck eventually bounced back to normal driving position and the driver exited safely to wild applause. He didn’t get a score since he didn’t finish the track but I suspect he will be the run everyone will remember and talk about.
As for the Monster Trucks, ho hum. Yeah, they were big with huge tires and suspensions most first graders could walk under. But they really didn’t do much. They bounced around the track, ran over a few cars, caught some air, but it frankly wasn’t nearly as exciting as sounds. The monster trucks actually reminded me of a Wham! concert I attended back in the mid ‘80s (stay with me on this). George Michael was awfully pretty…and he knew it…and he expected applause and adoration just for showing up. The whole singing part seemed to be icing in his mind. So the trucks looked cool and all but, being new to this exhibition, I expected them to do something more than just parade around on stage.
We tried to stay for the entire show, we really did. I even asked the Super Fan in front of us what to expect in the finale. He said, “Well, the winner gets to do some free-style around the track.” The George Michael analogy is rich, I tell you! So that coupled with yet another dozen Tuff Trucks entering the arena…and one Vicodin already working hard to counteract the back-spasmy metal bleachers…was sufficient for us to determine we had enough and we went in search of steer for sale.
Always good for amusing quotes The Junior Livestock Auction has become one of our “must-dos” at the Fair. It is where 4-H’ers put their “projects” up for sale. In other words, it is where the cows and pigs and goats and chickens that the kids have raised get sold for meat. We never participate in the auction; it is just fascinating to be in the midst of people who are looking at live animals the same way Wile E Coyote occasionally looked at the Road Runner…as a tasty dinner with legs. The auctioneers do a good job pointing out the features of whatever animal is in the ring, using the universal language of hunger. Some of today’s persuasive commentary:
“He’s a good steer. Not packing a lot of waste.”
“Who’s got a big family to feed here? Raise your hands. And now this bid is up to $2.25. Do I hear $2.50?”
“He’s a poppin’ good steer, yes a poppin’ good steer.”
I’m not sure what poppin' refers to but several people seemed willing to pay extra for it.
Deep Fried Evangelist I am not doing it on purpose, I promise. I am just REALLY enthusiastic about the deep fried raspberry cheesecake and the deep fried peanut butter cups. And so it is completely by accident that I keep talking to people…friends, Facebook buddies, strangers in line…about these amazing offerings at the Fair. Just tonight I converted three strangers in two different lines at the Deep Fried Heaven truck. They were planning on trying Oreos and Twinkies. Instead, after sharing with them the good news on the menu, they each ordered the peanut butter cups. One thanked me profusely after taking two bites. I also discovered I have a disciple. Bonnie told me tonight that she overheard someone talking about where to find deep fried goodness and she directed them to The Truck with much enthusiasm and assurance. I have been calling myself "Your Fair Food Concierge" on Facebook for the past week. I’m seriously thinking I need to set up a booth near the Food Court next year. I wonder if the Fair management would mind? Better yet, I wonder if I could get a Staff shirt?
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| You can trust me. Really. I'm here to help. |
The Penultimate Food Parade With six days of decidedly unhealthy eating and interrupted sleep habits, I treaded a bit lightly today as my mind and body both started hinting that I am starting to get greedy. So yes, that is a salad down there in the parade. I know I said I wouldn’t do it again. And yet, I could almost hear my body actually sighing, “THANK YOU!!” as the greens and veggies hit my GI track. Never fear, though. I followed it up with my second set of deep fried peanut butter cups, hopefully keeping my reputation intact. Have I mentioned the cups are just about the most amazing deep fried gooeyness ever invented??
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| Back to basics with a traditional cheeseburger, fries, and a Pepsi. The Lions booth scores tops with burgers AND corn dogs, in my opinion. |
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| Nerd Rope!! I haven't had it since last year's Fair. I missed it so. Nerds make me happy. |
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| Dairy Wives milkshake #2 -- this time a chocolate-raspberry combo. I'll say it: it was BETTER than the peach one! |
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| Glancing around, hoping nobody sees me eating this healthy and unexpectedly delicious Greek salad from the purple octopus booth. My body thanked me. |
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| Thanking God in Heaven for inspiring someone to invent the deep fried peanut butter cup. I savored the last bite since it's gonna have to last me 356 days. (2012 is a Leap Year. BOO!). |
2 comments:
So the trucks didn't rate --- how would you compare the various flavors of demolition derby: "normal" (hah!), mini, and combine (not represented at the fair, apparently)?
As for the crew apparel, I'm guessing you're happier being on the borderlands between regular folk and paid folk. If you were staff, you'd be one of many; as it is now, you're one of a kind! Maybe shoot for a press pass next year ...
I'd say the Mini's were the most fun -- quick rounds but spinny and crunchy. "Normal" is second, and I'd put combine as third simply because they are slow and lumbering and there's not a lot of surprise.
Interesting point on the apparel. Thank you! :-) And a press pass would be nearly a dream come true!
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