indiana state fair day 8

I left work early and soaked in the sun at the Indianapolis Indians game. I forgot to take my camera with me, which was too bad. My brother, J.R. had one of the party decks to entertain clients and his hanger-on family. I was introducing myself to someone when I heard a voice behind me say, “And I’m her Godfather.” I swung around to see my actual Godfather. Which was quite a surprise since he lives in Decatur, Illinois.

I had really been looking forward to this night at the fair. Garrison Keillor’s Rhubarb Tour was in town and I’d invited my friend, Kipp to go with me.

Believe it or not, but there was a building I had not been in yet. The Farm Bureau Building housed this giant diorama of farm scene.

We had a grand time looking at tractors, eating grilled cheese sandwiches and corn on the cob and pointing out our favorite things about the fair.



I always enjoy the Garrison Keiller Rhubarb Tour variety show. This year’s version featured the very talented singer Suzy Bogguss.

The real highlight of the evening for me was how wonderful the weather was. I was really enjoying hearing the sounds of the fair layered with the music from the show. The sunset was amazing and there was a nice breeze wafting through the grandstand. It was defiantly one of those close to God moments for me—the overwhelming feeling that washes over me occasionally, realizing how amazing this world and my life is.


We were pretty far from the stage. I realize how spoiled I am about being able to see bands up close. Not because I always have great seats, but because I’m usually only a handful of people in the audience. The pedal steel player, Joe Savage was excellent. I was happy to see such a big crowd – and I challenge them to go see live music in the next month.

I’ve never had a funnel cake and we searched the Midway for a funnel cake stand. The one we found had a funky smell surrounding it. I can justify the smell of poo near the swine barn, but not on the midway.

My column in the Broad Ripple Gazette is called Buzzing Around Town. I've had my photograph taken in the bee ride at the fair before, but I've never been happy with them. I always feel too self-conscious and the photographer always only takes a few pictures. Kipp did a great job of snapping a ton of photographs.

I know they guy running the ride thought we were a little nuts. A woman on a kiddie ride and a guy taking photos at 11:00 at night.

We wound up with an elephant ear, instead of a funnel cake, which was just fine by me.

Fried pillowy doughy goodness.


Slathered with butter and dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

And when I say dusted I don’t mean the delicate dusting of your great-aunt’s Hummel figurines; I mean crop-dusted, laying it on thick dusting. And it was delicious.


I suggested that we get an extra elephant ear to take to Lana at the Red Key.

Once there, I suggested a post-fair drink. Kipp drinks a very sophisticated cocktail, a Manhattan. I decided to have one too. As much as I like whiskey, I did not love the Manhattan. Which was unfortunate, especially for Kipp.

I was telling a story, ironically about talking with my hands and someone who openly mocks me for that. As I was making the point that I don’t really talk with my hands I knocked my drink – with a sweeping hand motion, into Kipp’s lap.

It was a perfect shot.

Kipp was charming and didn't make a big deal about it, but I know that I’ll be apologizing for that, well, forever.

I've been practicing sitting on my hands and talking.