PRE-FAIR 2025!

With a nod to the '80s hairband Europe (I had to look it up – one hit wonder?), it’s the FINAL COUNTDOWN to FAIR 2025!!!  WHOOOHOOOOO!!!!!

As usual, I am full of excitement and nervousness. I know the next 10 days are going to be busy, jam-packed, delicious, fun- and friend-filled, and utterly exhausting.

As with any big event in my life, I’m a little nervous about my body (back, knee, foot…pick your favorite surgical site) betraying me along the way. But I also know from experience that adrenaline, distraction, and denial can carry me quite a ways. Not to mention lots of water, pain medication, sturdy walking shoes, an inflatable cushion, a portable back rest, and the very best Fair Buddy a Fair Fanatic could hope for. And sugar. So much sugar!

BRING ON CLARK COUNTY FAIR 2025!!

This year is going to look a little different than prior Fairing Forays. Although Rob and I are still volunteering, we have bumped it up a notch.

A few months ago, the person who typically manages the Passport to Fun Gazebo that Rob and I have a BLAST working in every year announced his departure. One of my favorite Fine Fair Folk reached out and asked if Rob and I would be interested in managing the program this year while the new assistant learns all the other Fair ropes. Eager to help – and envisioning many opportunities for spreadsheets – we quickly said yes. Well, OK, I said yes and Rob just looked amused, understanding his fate.

Gazebo Fun from Fair 2024!

I’ve spent the last few weeks reworking info sheets for the volunteers and nailing down the schedule of 60 volunteer shifts for the Gazebo. Blessedly, a sponsor (the American Red Cross) does the huge bulk of work finding folks willing to spend 5 hours talking with kids, handing out prizes, and answering questions about the Fair. With just hours until Opening Minute, we have only 3 slots left to fill. Fingers crossed we find volunteers. If not, guess what Rob and I will be doing??

If all goes swimmingly without any issues, our Fairing won’t look terribly different this year, other than us likely arriving earlier than normal to make sure the Gazebo starts off well each morning. But, what ever goes according to plan without any issues?? Ah, age and wisdom. So I will be praying I feel my phone vibrate with whatever constitutes a Gazebo Emergency, and I will likely circle back to the Gazebo many times each day just to check in.

Rob and I aren’t quite sure what’s ahead of us in our commitment to be 100% available for All Things Gazebo. So, I don’t know when I will be blogging. Sleep is a priority (and MUCH improved but still a little wonky at times). But I also know I will be bursting to share my Fair with y’all. So blogs and photos will happen – just not sure when or how often.

So with that, my spreadsheets are updated, my how-to signage for the volunteers is laminated, and I prepped the Gazebo this afternoon, feeling like a total insider as I sauntered through the fairgrounds carrying the surprisingly light Raffle Barrel. My Fair Bag is packed, my Fair-themed earrings are lined up, my 10 days of Fair-themed t-shirts are stacked on my dresser, my stomach is grumbling, and my spirit is giddy with anticipation. 

FAIR! FAIR!! FAIR!!!

I thought I needed help carrying it -
I remembered it being much bigger
and heavier. Turns out SUPER easy!