Urban Boatbuilders: Fund Raising!

Meet John!

John was supporting one of the beer vendors at the Urban Boatbuilders  fund raising.  He was with Lake Monster Brewing.  He's been helping re-build and restore wood and canvas canoes for 5-6 yrs.

Thanks John!  It was a sincere pleasure meeting you!

Minnesota State Fair: A Personality

Meet Barry ZeVan, the Weather Man

I recognized Barry right away.  He was a local weather man for Channel 11 here in Minneapolis in the 1980's.  Before that, he did the weather for Channel 7 in Washington DC.  He is an actor and writer and is best known for The Best of Hollywood (1998), Television: The First Fifty Years (1999) and Hiding Victoria (2006).

It was a delight chatting with you, Barry.

Minnesota State Fair

I love going through the grandstand shops!  You meet the funniest people!

They were selling sweets!   And they were having a great time interacting with the crowds!

Thanks ladies!

Minnesota State Fair

 Meet Bessy.

Yes indeed. we are the fair.  I really believe urban dwellers don't understand or appreciate the ag life.  4Hr's get attached to their animals.  And, often at the end of the fair, they are auctioned off.

It's hard work.   Often unappreciated.   But, those who farm love it...love the land...take pride in their work.  

Well done to all the farmers and those who support farmers.  Without you, we would be hungry.   Without you, a lot of the world would be hungry.   

And that is not lost on me.

Minnesota State Fair: Operation Sight and Soul

Meet the members of Operation Sight and Soul.  This organization consists of veterans from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam.  Many are dealing with health or mental issues.  

The organization gets them out of the homes or care facilities, gets them together with their peers, and they sing. 

It was a delight listening to them.   They clearly enjoyed the time together.   And, the guitarist was wonderful, as well.

My sincere thanks to all of the men and women who served.

Minnesota State Fair: In the Grandstand

I always like going through the Grandstand at the fair.  There you will see all kinds of people engaged in the free market, selling slicers, dicers, license plate art, furniture, massage chairs and god know what else.

I loved seeing the booth that was selling artwork, jewelry and t shirts out of guitars and items to do with guitars.  There was a lot of jewelry made out of guitar strings.  

I didn't get this gentleman's name.  But, he had the right personality for selling guitar stuff!

And, I did chuckle at this t shirt.  For those who don't get it:  the Gsus is a G chord with an added 4th.  In this case, a C.

Very creative!

Thanks for visiting and letting me get a few photos!

The Minnesota State Fair: Scarecrows in the 4H Building

4H is a program designed to help youth learn and appreciate their rural heritage.  Besides caring for farm animals, there are a number of creative and craft things that 4H'rs do.

There was a very creative section on homemade scarecrows.   I rather liked these.

I have no idea if it actually works.  But, I did chuckle at it, and many of the others.

Well done!

The Minnesota State Fair: Urban Boat Builders!

Urban Boat Builders is a non-profit organization that teachers inner city kids how to build boats, canoes, and kayaks, out of wood.

They did some beautiful work. They were giving away a beautiful canvas kayak.  I entered.  But, I wasn't successful. 

However, I am planning on attending their fund raiser later this week to do photos.

Nicely done, all.  

The Minnesota State Fair: The Versa Slicer!

I love watching people hawk their wares.   It is a time honored tradition.  And, watching it in person isn't any different than watching it on TV.  Except, I can get a beer when I want a lot easier at home.

People who do this are well practiced.   They have the routine down.  They know every step, every word, to help draw in potential customers and get them to part with some cash.

I have to admit, the Versa Slicer was pretty cool.  It was possible to slice and dice anything!  

Check one out!  

Thank you, Sir!  I didn't get your name.  You were making the sales pitch.  So, I didn't want to disturb you.   But, it was fun watching you work!

The Minnesota State Fair: The Shooting Gallery

I remember being a kid and looking at the fair's shooting gallery.   Almost every kid I knew liked to shoot at something.  We all asked our parents for BB guns.   And, it was a big deal when we got one.   Maybe this is one of the reasons I like the Christmas Story so much.  Ralphy is me...and almost every little boy.

But, shooting galleries have changed.  We used to shoot BB's with compressed air.  Now, we can do it with laser beams!  Hit the bulls eye and you get some motion out of the target.

I loved the old west saloon theme.   So did some of those trying their luck.

And, we need someone to keep order.  Meet Keith!

Thanks Keith.   You did a great job keeping the line moving and helping those who didn't have an experience with BB guns in their youth. 

It was a pleasure meeting you.

The Minnesota State Fair: Deer Stands!

I like going to the fair.  It's true, not a lot changes from year to year.  But, it is a nice place to walk around and people watch.  And, you get to see what people are selling.

Meet Lisa!

She and her husband sell deer stands. They've been at the fair for 6 years now.   They are Packer fans, of course.  But, we won't hold that against them!

For those of you who think this is a stand for a person to walk up and order a deer or two, to go, you would be wrong.

This is an example of a deer stand.   Raised platform.  Nice, strong, stair/ladder with guard rails and a side railing, a bit camo and plenty of glass to look out and see the deer approaching.

So, yes, if you were wondering, this is for hunters to stay inside, out of the wind, rain, or snow during deer hunting.  The windows open.  The hunter stays nice and dry, and can shoot from inside.

I wish I would have had one of these when I was a kid to use as a fort.  They were AWESOME!

Thanks Lisa.

The Minnesota State Fair: Ice Cream!

Meet Jerry!

Jerry has been selling ice cream at various state and county fairs for a while.  And, he loves meeting the people and getting a smile out of the kids...and some adults!  He is from Phoenix but gets to travel all over the US.

Nice meeting you, Jerry!  Good ice cream, too!