to be (at the) fair

I’ve only been to the Wisconsin State Fair once before. Nine years ago, my daughters had some commitment there and I tagged along. I was overwhelmed. Thinking that fairs were, well, small things – with maybe a few prize pies and pen of fat pigs – I wasn’t prepared for any of it.

But I have learned. Based on that one experience, I can say this much: fairs are really a composite of three things: animals, carnival rides and fried foods.

My daughters love all three.

(For latecomers to Ocean, my daughters are 28 and 24 years old. They're home for a vacation break.)

Animals, rides, food: I can deal with it. I can photograph animals, nibble on foods and say no thanks to every ride. If they beg, I'll cave on the Ferris Wheel. I can handle a slow descent.

We set out for the State Fair on this warm and partly sunny afternoon (the fair is in Milwaukee). Yes, yes, it is the opening day. We’re enthusiastic. We’re also swayed by such draws as discounted admission on the first day for those who bring food for pantries, collected by the Hunger Task Force.

I wont write more. It's past midnight and I am absolutely fried. Let me run you through our State Fair pictorially. Remember, you're here to see animals, rides, and (fried) foods. Blissfully consumed by two young women (with a supporting cast of other Fair attendees) who love all this stuff with a passion.



fried jalapeno cheddar





the Fair's signature dish: cream puffs





the finishing touches





let me tell you something: people are odd





the youngest Fair attendee?





waiting for the race of the pigs





shaving the goat legs





the ribbon for the "most attractive swine"





a break from the animal world





mama goat, nuzzling





one incarnation of a potato dish





another incarnation of a potato dish





State Fair means corn (I demonstrate the art of eating it)





daughters demonstrate the art of wolfing down deep friend mac and cheese





others show off a common State Fair dessert





fried dough tootsies are supremely popular





from each county: prize winning cows





and hens. and roosters.





don't forget about the rides: daughter in yellow dress laughs loudly





ultimately, though, the Wisconsin State Fair is about the cream puff.