Given how much I love the Fair and have spent a great deal of energy writing about my experiences for the past few years, I thought you too should enjoy some of this fun reminiscing with me. On the right hand side of The MarkBlum Report, you will see links to Mark’s 2003, 2004, and 2005 State Fair experiences. Culled from all those tales are the following questions.

Answer them all correctly, send us your answers by email along with a name and address, and one free Fair ticket for the 2006 State Fair will be sent to you courtesy of MarkBlum.com. PLEASE one entry per mailing address. Quantities limited. First come first served as long as supplies last.

1. Who is the local author who penned a book including several Fair stories by Mark David Blum?
2. What was Mark Blum's job at the 2002 Fair?
3. What was Mark Blum's job at the 2003 Fair?
4. What was Mark Blum's job at the 2004 Fair?
5. How many bars at the Fair serve alcohol other than beer or wine?
6. Who took the time to stand in line to sign a petition and wrote nothing more than a first name?
7. What, according to Mark, was the worst stupidest food booth at the 2005 Fair?
8. What is written on Mark’s shirt that he wears most days to the Fair?
9. In front of what long time Fair vendor did the owner screws a wallet to the asphalt?
10. What is the first name of the 'Spray Paint Lady'?
11. What were the ingredients of the drink concoction Kramer made and sold for $1 each.
12. What does the Charmin Bathroom lack and why?
13. How did cleanup crews know someone slept in the ReconsiDer tent during the 2004 Fair?
14. In what building did Jeff Kramer spend a night in during the 2005 Fair?
15. At twenty five cents a cup, what is the cost of a gallon of New York State Fair’s milk?
16. What group did Kramer offend that caused him to get all sauced up?
17. How much money did Jeff and Mark raise for Katrina relief?
18. What is Jeff Kramer’s waist size?
19. Name three reasons why a Butter Dad was not with the Butter Family in the butter sculpture.
20. What was the Marines' slogan at the 2005 State Fair?
21. Upon what ride did the hypothetical man puke up his guts?
22. What is the name of the piece of art that should have been Best of Show at the 2005 Fair?
23. Whose clothes were on display in the Horticulture Building at the 2005 Fair?
24. What idiot said, "while I sympathize and agree with you, I am not going to commit political suicide for you."
25. How many pounds did Mark Blum lose in 12 days on his Mark Blum State Fair Diet?

*** IF you get all the above correct, we will give you a second ticket if you can tell us the correct year that the following products were introduced to the Fair.

Deep Fried Cheesecake
Deep Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs
Deep Fried Oreos and Snickers
Deep Fried Alligator bits.