pilgrimage.

Arrived in Minnesota today and went straight to the State Fair. Of course, we're going all day tomorrow, but my sister-in-law Joy and her friend Rachel wanted to get a little taste of the festivities at night.


I missed my annual trip last year, and my mom was very disappointed. "You're breaking tradition," she told me. The scary thing is that, even having skipped a year, I can find my way around as if it was my own neighborhood.


But there are always new things to do, new foods to eat. This year I'm staying away from meat and all the monstrosities on a stick (I always say this). There's a lot more to Fair Food Fare these days. I'm looking forward to sampling the cranberry wontons and the eggplant tacos at the International Bazaar tomorrow. Plus, there's a new booth that sells Red Velvet Funnel Cake. Wow! Sounds inventive, but a little too Paula Deen for my taste.

And being that it is an election year, the crop art has taken a decidedly political bent. It was inspiring to see all the designs devoted to marriage equality in Minnesota. Lots of T-shirts touting "Vote No" on the initiative to ban same-sex marriage, too.


I love the Fair for many reasons. I love how everyone breaks out their favorite T-shirt for the occasion. I love the crop art and the scarecrows. My favorite was the Mayan 2012 creation...very scary! The Horticulture/Agriculture building is one of my favorites, although tonight it was mobbed with guzzlers at the beer garden. But that didn't stop us from nabbing some cider pops and honey nut fudge ice cream.

So much more to come...stay tuned!