Nebraska State Fair

      I have to admit that I am not much of a fair goer… and if I am being completely honest, I have to also admit that I am not much of a go anywhere type of goer.  I’m pretty much a homebody these days and quite content to sit in my shed, sip tea and write.   But I did, for the first time in a long time, attend the Nebraska State Fair. And when I say long time – it’s like 50 years… so ya it’s been awhile.
     For those not familiar with Nebraska, the fair was held for millions of years in Lincoln – the State Capitol.  I believe the University campus wanted to expand into the fair-grounds – but I could be wrong!  There was a whole big deal about moving the fair to Grand Island and there were people who supported the move and others who thought their hearts would break if the fair left Lincoln.  For some, traditions run deep!

---

For me it wasn’t a problem.  I was perfectly happy not going to the fair in Lincoln and I would be equally happy not going to the fair in Grand Island.  Actually, I might even feel a bit more relieved if the fair was moving a greater distance away – that would make me feel less guilty about my lack of desire of going… 
     But then I retired and I started writing.  I wrote a children’s story and then started a publishing company.  Pretty soon I had a book, a website, t-shirts, puzzles and various other products for sale.  A friend suggested I join the Nebraska Writer’s Guild – I checked it out.  I joined the guild.
     The next thing I know I’m getting information from the guild and they are asking if I would be interested in working some shifts at the Nebraska Writer’s Guild Booth at the Nebraska State Fair.  Suddenly I am a published author… a member of the guild… various books and products are stored in my basement… circumstances have changed… opportunities have arisen… I may have a reason and a bit of a desire to go to the Fair.  

         I talked to my oldest daughter Sara and asked if she and my granddaughter Gracyn would like to go to the Fair in Grand Island. Gracyn is only four years old and had never been to the State Fair.  Sara had often gone to the fair when it was in Lincoln but had not visited since the move to G.I. a decade earlier.
        I signed up for the first Saturday of the Fair and off we went.  When I left Fremont, the weather was fine.  When Sara, Gracyn and I were on the Interstate between York and Grand Island, we drove through a blinding rain.  I was glad that Sara was driving – blinding rain storms are so not my thing.  
         The drive into Grand Island from the Interstate was less blinding but still a steady rain.  The ditches were running full and, in some instances, encroaching into the roadway.  Fields looked like lakes and parking lots didn’t look much better.  
          The gravel/dirt parking lots at Fonner Park were actually closed off as water was several inches deep.  People were being told to park at Walmart and other locations and they would be bussed to the park.  I had a suit case full of stuff – and bussing that around didn’t seem like a great idea.  So, we went looking for parking elsewhere.  
        We parked in a residential area just two blocks north of the park.  We put Gracyn in the stroller.  I grabbed the suitcase.  We made a mad dash, in the rain, for the park.  A mad dash, for a 68 year-old woman, dragging a suitcase through puddles, isn’t exactly a graceful or even “mad” dash.  I’m not sure how Sara did on that mad dash – I didn’t look back… Finally, we arrived at the entrance and we waited in line to pay for admission.  By the time we reached the building, we were soaked.  Once in the building, I quickly entered the restroom to check my hair.  Sara told me to get out of the men’s restroom, and I did…
         We found the Writer’s Guild booth and I must say I had a delightful time interacting with the authors present during my shift. People were encouraged to come into the booth and view the books on display.  I was impressed by the diversity – so much talent in our State! I sold a few books, puzzles and book bags.  I handed out a bunch of business cards and encouraged people to visit the website to read my blog.  I saw some old friends and made some new friends.  My experience at the Nebraska Writer’s Guild Booth at the Nebraska State Fair was successful even though the rain had dampened things a bit.

---

       The rain did let up and Sara was able to take Gracyn on a few rides.  After I was done with my shift, we meandered through the buildings and got up close and personal with baby chicks, lambs, calves, bunnies and little piglets.  We saw some really big cows, goats, sheep, geese and horses.  I bought some amazing cleaner and signed up to win $10,000 worth of windows.  I didn’t get anything deep fat fried on a stick but found some great almonds and the University Dairy Ice Cream is quite delicious!
      I planned on going back to work a few more shifts but the rains continued through the week.  I decided to pack it in for this year.  I think I will sign up next year.  I may even stay overnight.  I know – weird!  It’s a whole year away and I may change my mind.  And it does depend on the weather…