I feel about as fried as the fair food, yet I’m getting ready for round 2 at the fairgrounds today.

Anyone have good “strategies” for getting the most out of your experience without feeling like you’ve been run over by a tractor by the end? 

It’s awesome - and exhausting. I had both kids with me this morning, helping blow up balloons and greet visitors at the RTV6 tent.  They also did their best to clean out our candy dish, as well as the sugar-coated mini donuts they talked me into.

   I was out early, with Stacia, Rafael, and quite a few helpers who work behind-the-scenes.  Lots of really wonderful people stopped by to say hi and tell us why they like to watch our station, and exclaim that “you look so much different in person!”  I hope nobody was too terribly disappointed. 

  Eventually the little ones dragged me onto the tram. We escaped the midway only because the rides weren’t open yet (blessing in disguise), and we headed over to the kids’ area.  All Clara cared about was getting her hands on some animals, so we made sure to visit one of the barns.

Here they are in aprons at the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit (I called it the “basket game” and that seemed to get their interest).   Very, very cute - and they get a treat at the end! 

Getting back to the car after everyone was worn out was the toughest part of the day.  These “angels” fought pretty visibly over who got to ride in the stroller. I tried unsuccessfully to give Clara a piggyback ride while pushing Cal. No good. I was about ready to pay one of the miniature ponies to ride them all the way home.

  Now I’m back at it, minus the kids, plus Todd (who is admits he is a big kid - just look at this old photo I found!)  

 We are heading out along with Kevin and Stacia for live broadcasts from the fair tonight at 5,6, and 7.  I’m sort of looking forward to the evening hours - there’s something strangely magical about a Midway when all the lights start coming on.

   I hope you all get a chance to make a State Fair memory or two this year (or live vicariously through our broadcasts from the comfort of your couch!)

Trish