The Big Fantastic

We did the Puyallup today. I've gone every year since 1978 and must keep my tradition going. My cousin Kelley and her husband Paul joined us this year. I'm so glad it worked.. this was literally the only day that we all had free. And before I go further.. I must share a funny conversation about free fair passes that occurred on Facebook. (Quick background.. Kelley had posted a dorky picture of herself following my grandma around with a banjo.. the caption read "Everybody needs their own personal soundtrack. Gramma's is the banjo.")

Mandy: Everyone needs their own personal dork following them around with a banjo.
Kelley: I am pretty sure you're just jealous. I'm sure I could arrange for a banjo to follow you guys around at the fair on Sunday.
Mandy: You'd fit right in. The fair is pretty "country western". Have you learned the Puyallup Fair song yet?
Kelley: It has its own song? Oh geez.
(Then my mom posted the link to the song.)
Mandy: And.. I'm glad we brought this up. If you have a free ticket, they want you to sing the first verse of the song. Otherwise you have to pay. (Ask Chris.)
Kelley: Are you freaking kidding me?

I knew I had her fooled. Another Facebook discussion followed..

Kelley's status update: Wondering if I really need to sing the Puyallup Fair song tomorrow for admittance, or if Mandy is just trying to get me to make an ass of myself....
Mandy: "You can do it at a trot, you can do it at a gallup..." There is more, but that's all you need to get in.
Nancy (my mom): It is sort of a tradition to sing the song as you enter. It's really fun once you get going and start it. The people at the gate are so much fun. There are mostly retired and this fair is literally their life ;-) It makes them happy. Have fun with my Owen boy. Take care of him.
Nancy again: It's not that bad. You can get by with just the first few words. It's a lot of fun. I sent you the link to the words/song didn't I?
Mandy: If you sing the whole thing (and most people don't) sometimes they will give you a special prize. Like free ride tickets, or a bunch of scones.
Nancy: Chris got the bakers' dozen one year. He was mortified at first until he found out what the prize was. He'll do ANYTHING for a scone!! Or two, or three or THIRTEEN!!
Laura (my sister): And if you do a really good job and are creative, you get a free button.
Cindy (Kelley's aunt): And they might have scouts there from American Idol!
Nancy: We do have "Puyallup Idol" tryouts. For real ;-) She may get really lucky.

We met Kelley and Paul at the main gate and she learned that she was NOT required to sing the song to use her free ticket. It was fun messing with her.

So we spent about 5 hours doing Puyallup Fair stuff. We wandered through the buildings, made fun of the crap that people are trying to sell, made fun of Paul for trying some hand lotion, watched people ride the Extreme Scream, looked at animals, checked out the flowers and produce that was entered for judging, ate greasy food, etc. I made them wander through Hobby Hall. My Grandma Kreuger worked at Hobby Hall for years and we'd always stop by and visit her. She usually slipped us some money to spend at the fair, too! Even though she's no longer with us, I always make a point to walk through Hobby Hall for Grandma. So thank you Chris, Kelley, Paul and Owen for humoring me.

We were walking through the photography section and Chris said "Your pictures are way better than these crappy ones". I said "Thanks, but these were taken by 11 year olds". He replied with "So? Yours are still way better". Hahaha! I guess I can take that as a compliment.

So another year at the fair has come and gone. Next year Owen might be able to go on a few rides. I hope Kelley and Paul will join us again. We had a great day.