Thursday 1st Day of Fair 2015
All photos courtesy of Cindy Goalder
The actual festivities started the day before the fair when the Budweiser Clydesdale's and the local distributor celebrated the 82nd Anniversary of the First Delivery of Beer to the White House. It was definitely an experience to have that many people on one street and see the larger than life horses make a few stops along the way.
We were able to attend some of the actual opening parade for the beginning of the State Fair. Although it didn't seem as organized as a few we had seen in the past, the day was beautiful, not to hot and no rain which is always a plus for fair goers. The picture above showed off the colorful sunset at the end of the first day.
It was definitely interesting to observe and or hear some of the people and comments about the week. The first concert was old rock and roll Def Leppard,Styx and Tesla. Apparently it was a sold out crowd and I know just living blocks away we could hear them pretty clearly. That seemed to be the norm for all the concerts the air and weather was just right for just about every concert for me to sit out on my front steps and sing along with most if not every act.
Thursday was MO Women in Agriculture, Governor's, Legislature and Judge's Day for which ladies had free admission to the fair. The weather was again very beautiful (I have a feeling we have been spoiled for spring and summer and that fall and winter may not be so kind to the Midwest). Starting off walking down the midway and wondered why everyone was just standing around, only to discover they were playing the National Anthem (rather softly from where I was standing) for the start of the day.
I made it a day, not really what I had planned but got a early start with my daughter and granddaughter. I actually thought I would save space in my bag and leave my keys in my daughters' car, NOT A GOOD IDEA. I was surprised that the crowd that day was rather light. The first sighting of the day was our MO Governor, Jay Nixon and his group of dark suited guards. I don't know if he thought he was hiding out from the front gate admissions crowd but he looked as though he was ready for a long day of meet and greets and handshaking. We later saw the Governor's wife at the pie judging contest at the Home Economics Building.
It is always entertaining to just people watch at the fair. Young, old its something that brings a smile and a chuckle to my face. I know the food during the fair is greasy, fried heaven for most people but since I have tried to stay away from such gastronomical cuisine, we chose a newer trendy food. The AgriMissouri Bistro and Market had a delicious lunch. Anyone who asked I pointed them around the horse stalls and near the cow pens to savor this wonderful food. One such couple had indicated to me that they were tired of eating the usual fried, fattening food for the past three days and wanted something real. This was definitely the place. I hope the fair continue the bistro for years to come, just move it to a better location.
Braised Short Ribs, polenta corn and green beans-Agri Missouri Bistro
Butterfly hitching a ride
We couldn't go without stopping at the Floriculture Building with all the beautiful plants and flowers. Of course by Thursday some of the flowers had already stood the test of time, but the winning ribbons still sat proudly on the table. I also was able to finally locate the type of mystery plant that appears each year in front of my windows. Who would have thought that a Mimosa wasn't just a brunch drink. Another peculiar sight was this tiny butterfly attached to this plant entry. As I always say a butterfly comes from out of nowhere at any given time.
The Trash to Treasure Division was also something new for me. Who would think you could recycle used kitchen ware and sports items into works of art. I wonder how many you might find around town hanging out in yards? Isn't recycling and grand!
Trash to Treasure Division
At the end of my over 8 hour day and 14,000+ steps walked on Thursday, the funnel cake stop just as you leave the Midway was calling to me. I decided on the Red Velvet Funnel Cake as my last stop of the day. I walked home with it so that was all the justification I needed. Unfortunately, by the time I got it home it slightly resembled an early Halloween decoration. Admittedly great tasting.
By the last day of the fair, hubby had returned home so we made another trip. As all the last visiting customers attended the Amazing Anastasini Circus, not without controversy this year the Amazing Rainforest Experience, or any of the other fair attractions it was a little sad that another fair had come and gone. One bathroom attendant in the Family Fun Center said it best. "I have worked in several areas during the fair and this place is my favorite". "I usually strike up conversations in the weirdest place expected, but I hope every year that I can work in the Center" she said.
In clicking my last picture as we were leaving, not until I got home and looked through the pictures did I notice the 10 day fair had come full circle with almost identical pictures from the beginning to the end.
Last Day of Fair 2015
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