Thursday, September 18, 2008

A Fair to Remember

The cooler temperatures (fair weather) we have been experiencing in West Tennessee make this the perfect fair weather, and the timing couldn't be better. The Mid-South Fair begins tomorrow, September 19th and runs through September 28th.

I have fond memories (and a couple of nightmares) of going to the Mid-South Fair. As a kid, it was a treat driving to Memphis (how things have changed) to experience the sights, sounds and smells (we always entered by the livestock area) at the fairgrounds. I loved riding the rides (only the non-spinning ones) and seeing the animals.

It was the same with my own children. They loved the rides and we would stay until we got our money's worth on wristband day.

These were wonderful times.

The one bad experience happened when Drew was little and Cheryl was pregnant with Megan. The moment we walked through the gate, the aroma of "fair food" (which is usually so good you can "almost taste it") made Cheryl so nauseous, she "almost lost it." She sat in the exhibit area all day long eating crackers while Drew and I rode the rides (again, only the non-spinning ones .. Cheryl's head was doing enough spinning for all of us). A good time was not had by all.

Well, the kids have grown and things have changed. The rides are no longer appealing. The animals are just .. animals. The lights are not as bright (I think that one is age/eyeglasses related).

If we go this year, it will be to see the arts & crafts and eat (actually, I could leave off the arts & crafts). That's right. We will spend around $30 for gasoline, $7 to park, $10 to enter the gates, and about the same amount as a nice meal at the Peabody for corn dogs, cotton candy, and fiddlesticks.

I think I'll pay this month's utility bill, instead.

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