State Fair

Nearly every September, my husband and I go to the Western Washington State Fair. It's the largest state fair west of the Mississippi, I believe. Everybody around here calls it the Puyallup Fair because that's where it's held. People from out of state wouldn't call it that primarily because they have no idea how to pronounce Puyallup. Anyway, the fair boasts the usual attractions: exhibits of 4H animals, produce, flowers, hobby crafts; the midway, where you can pay to play for tacky prizes; overpriced rides and overpriced food; vendors selling everything from blenders to hot tubs; and the grandstand shows featuring rodeo and a parade of "B" list entertainers.

It's pretty much the same every year, and yet every year (as long as the weather's decent) the place is packed. Traffic in the area is hopelessly snarled, parking costs a fortune, the crowds are daunting, and all the walking is murder on the feet (especially if you've chosen the wrong shoes to wear). So why do we keep going back? Maybe it's because it is the same - the same as when we first experienced it as children. I remember I always got to take a friend with me. When we arrived, my parents would designate a rendezvous time and place, give us each some money (maybe $10?), and turn us loose to spend it however we wanted (rides, games, fair food, etc.).

I never played the midway games; I considered them a waste of money (although secretly I hoped some dreamy boy would win a teddy bear for me). I always bought cotton candy and a caramel apple (my teeth hurt just to think of it now). The rest of my cash went for rides, my favorites being the scrambler and the giant swings. Finally one year I got up the courage to try the big roller coaster (actually pretty modestly sized, but it seemed mammoth to me as a kid). Not only did it mean overcoming my fear but conquering my natural frugality (a ticket was an exorbitant $2.50, I think). What a thrill! It was worth the long line and the price, and I've been hooked on roller coasters ever since.

I could ramble on and on ... but I won't. I'll spare you a longer stroll down my memory lane. It's funny. When I started writing this post, I planned to take it in a different direction. Instead, it sort of took me. I guess I didn't realize what nostalgic feelings lay just below the surface.