I have been wanting to go to the Iowa State Fair for several years. I had not been there since the early 70s. What a miserable trip that was. We walked and walked and walked and then walked some more, which would not have been bad if you could actually see something when you got there but the crowds were so large it was difficult to look at anything. The only building we actually enjoyed was the Agricultural Building and we were there about 9:30, so the real crowds had not started yet. I really wanted to see all the photographs in the cultural arts building but there was no chance of even getting close to see any of the photos. The same with the arts and crafts, I never did find the quilts, needlework and baked goods etc. The information booths were so busy you couldn't get to one to ask any questions, the map I printed out off of their web site was for the most part worthless, it listed the various buildings but not what was on display in the building. We were sitting on a bench, having a lemonade, three buses stopped right in front of us with police escorts, Senator Grassley got off the bus with a foreign delegation, I wanted to give him a piece of my mind (he was only 3 feet from me) but my husband suggested that was not a good idea :). I did get a funnel cake, which turned out to be the highlight of the trip. Never again!
9 comments:
Oh! I'm so sorry your trip to the fair was a disaster. I haven't been to the state fair in about 30 years myself. We go to the Clay County fair in Spencer instead. It's almost as big but you can see everything in one day. You got some good photos, though.
State Fairs used to be so much fun. I used to love all the exhibits, especially the hobby section. Now, it's all about the carnival and rides and commercial booths. I stopped going when the exhibits got so small.
Aiyana
You are correct No Rain, all they do is sell cheap trinkets at high prices and food that is way overpriced.
Bummer! Your produce photos are wonderful - I especially love the last one - grapes??
I've been to the Minn State Fair a few times - you're right, way too many people. My parents grew up in the Spencer area, and they often go to the Clay County Fair.
Ah, yeah - just clicked the pic (it is late!!) - I love the basket with the different colored grapes - cool.
You need to go the first day! That, here, in Minnesota is the slowest day - it gets busier as the time goes on - 12 days for the fair, here!!
I don't go visit any thing because of the crowds - I just sit in my little cabin and talk to people and let the busy world go by outside the fence!!
I'm sorry you had such a sad experience. Your produce photos were wonderful. Obviously some people have had great gardening years! We haven't been to the Iowa State Fair for quite some time. We almost made it this year. As I was growing up (in northern Iowa), we'd attend every few years. We spent a lot of time looking at tractors! ha.
Somehow, I just have to give it another try. Maybe next year...
Sorry... I meant to say, "obviously some people have had a great gardening year" (!)
Sorry your experience was a bad one. I try to go every year. The agriculture building is my favorite. I always like to get a glass of honey lemonade and look at the bees. Across the way I stop and buy some jam. The discovery garden outside is always a delight. This year we took Austin and it was fun seeing the fair through his eyes.I love to people watch so the crowds just don't get to me. Early in the morning and after five is always the best time to beat most of the crowds:)
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