2014 All Star Game Fan Fest: The Negro Leagues

Long before black players would be able to play in for any major league team, the Negro Leagues started forming.  I found the jerseys, photographs, and write-ups fascinating...and touching.

I can scarcely believe the culture that would have prevented people from playing a game, regardless of race. 

These men were wonderful, passionate players.   I would really like to do some research on the various teams and players.  They deserve to be known and respected.

To the players of all races over the years, my sincere thanks!

2014 All Star Game Fan Fest: Jack Morris

Below is Jack Morris.  In 1991, he pitched 10 innings of shutout baseball in game #7 against the Atlanta Braves.   The Twins won in the bottom of the 10th.  He was 36 years old.  And, I remember it well.  It was one of the most exciting series ever played.  

I don't usually hang around to get autographs.   The wait was much too long!

 

Thanksgiving 2014

I have much for which to be thankful.   And, as I thought about which photos to post, one came to mind.  But, I didn't feel quite comfortable sharing that image.  It is close and personal.

So, instead......I give you this.

It is a good thing we have global warming, or think how cold it would really be.  And yes, that was sarcasm. 

Keep warm.  For those traveling in the NE part of the US, be safe.   For those facing severe cold weather, find someone to cuddle up with next to a fire.

And, if you have a warm place to be and food, you are better off than most of the world.

Be thankful. 

 

2014 All Star Game Fan Fest: Signed Memorabilia: Baseballs

If you are going to get a signed artifact for major league baseball, you really need to start with the ball!

Yogi Berra!

Whitey Ford!

Pete Rose!

Pretty impressive.  I actually thought of looking for something for my dad.  But, I couldn't find anything from the 30's and 40's that I thought he'd like.
 

2014 All Star Game Fan Fest: Signed Memorabilia

If you wonder what a  game-worn, signed Derek Jeter jersey is worth, this should help.

Wow....a Hank Aaron signed bat!

I felt I was with the stars of my youth.   It was pretty impressive. 
 

2014 All Star Game Fan Fest: Guitars!

When the 2014 All Star Game was played at Target Field, Minneapolis, I happened to wander by.   And, I have posted photos of various fans that I took that day.   But, earlier that week, I stopped by Fan Fest.  It was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  And, it was a HUGE family friendly event.

Photos this week are of some of the things that caught my eye.  Not so much people.....but, things that meant something to me.

First, who knew you could get a guitar with your teams logo!

And, with an accomplished player, too.

It wasn't my thing.   But, I did consider it!
 

Color Fun Run: Finishing Up

As people passed through the last gate, they were able to stop running and chat and laugh about the experience.   The cars were just another few blocks walk. 

If I decided to photograph this next year, I will need to get closer and get some portraits of the runners AFTER the run.  

But, it was a fun experience to photograph.  And, I saw several parents with kids.   I just may see something like this with the grandkids one day.

Color Fun Run: Green Stage!

If memory serves me correctly, this was the final stage.

And, runners were pretty much coated with different colors when they crossed this point.

Clearly, it was time to get rid of any of the extra colored dust.

Yeh..the runner with the scarf over his nose and mouth....probably doesn't help much!

 

Color Fun Run: Orange Stage

This stage was further away and as I saw people running, I realized I needed to hustle over there to get photos.  And, to be upwind, I had to be a bit behind the runners.

You can see the colored dust covering the road!

And everyone was having a great time!

 

Color Fun Run: Pink/Purple Stage

I was very curious about the Color Fun Run from a photography perspective.  Well, I was also curious about just what it was.  So, it seemed like a good idea to get there early and get a few photos.

Rule #1:  The color dust is VERY fine.  It will get into your camera equipment and it will make a mess if you want to get clear photos..  I got there early enough to look at the containers of dust and quickly realized that being upwind would be a very smart thing to do.

So, I stood upwind...and kept some distance.

As I recall, there were three stages through which the runners passed.  And, of course, getting colored with the dust was the objective!

This was the pink/purple stage!
 

Support for the Aspiring Musician

Making it as a musician is hard enough.  It is nearly impossible without parents who are helping and encouraging.

Meet Tammy and.....

Bob!

Thanks for letting me know Megan would be playing.   I was glad I got there in time to grab a few photos.   She sounds great!

An Aspiring Musician

Meet Megan!

 

I've known Megan for many years.   We actually live near one another.  And, there have been a number of warm summer nights when I've heard her singing in the backyard.

 

She is venturing off on a career.   It's a tough, long road that many have gone down.  Few make it "big".   But, many have a wonderful time doing what they enjoy.



Judging from what I heard at this coffee shop, she is well on her way!  Maybe one day I will be able to say, "I knew her when!"

Nicely done, Megan!  Nicely done!

Steam Tractors

Meet Dan!

Dan LOVES tractors.  More specifically, Case steam tractors!  And he loved showing this 1/4 sized one off.

 

The photos don't do this justice.  It was an awesome piece of machinery!  And Dan was there with an oil can and water, caring for it. 

Thanks Dan!

Everyone needs a Mandolin

Meet Paul!

He was in costume with his mandolin.

He regularly performs at various Renaissance Festivals!   He told me that he left the swords at home for the day.

Wise move, Paul! 

Thanks Paul!

Anyone need a Reading?

Meet Angel!

She was available for any readings of your future, past, relatives and I don't know what else.  

Thanks Angel! 

Cribbage Anyone?

I grew up listening to my parents, especially my dad, playing cribbage.  I had heard 15-2, 15-4, 15-6, and a pair for 8 about 1,000 times before I knew what it was.

Meet Michael!

 The creator of LARGE cribbage boards.   These were 30" long!

And had some hefty pins!

I liked these a lot.  I may need to take up playing cribbage again!

But, he also made crayon holders that were awesome!

Ammo Jewelry

Meet Terri from Retro DeNovo Jewelry

Want a very cool necklace made from spent ammunition?  Here is the base of a shotgun shell made into a necklace.

 

And, if you fancy handgun ammo jewelry, I believe these were earrings.     Not the spent 45 Colt brass!

This was very cool.   Thanks Teri!

Bailey's WireBugs!

Meet Kelly of Bailey's WireBugs!

She and her husband were the creative genius behind the creation of small sculpture made of wire.

Take a look!   First, I thought the display was wonderful.  It was a great combination of color that caught my eye.

And, now for a couple of close ups of the wire insects.   Very cool.  Wire....pliers...and whatever else it takes to bend it into a shape.

Add a polished rock and a foam ball....

Or a bobber!

Very cool indeed!   I am continually amazed at how creative some people are. 

Thanks Kelly!

River Fest: Music and Dancing

Nothing like a warm, summer day with music.

And dancing!

For ALL ages!

My sincere thanks!

River Fest: Metal Sculpture

I am always amazed and how artistic people can see "things" out of stuff that you may find in your garage.

I really liked his work.   Thanks Doug! 
Yes, I know...no portrait of you!   But, thanks for letting me take photos of your work!