Arriving at the Fairgrounds and doing my usual song and dance to get a good parking spot, I was just about to start my day when an ominous sign came upon me. A flock of geese heading south … presumably for the winter, passed overhead. I could almost hear them squawking, “hey jackass, enjoy the warm weather while you can … winter is just 2 months away.
Ladies and Gentlemen, do NOT listen to any of the local weather folks. It matters not if they are on radio, television, or newspaper. You have been given some very bad advice and as a result have missed out on some wonderful days at the Fair. Rain was never seen. There was some dribble and drool from the sky in the early morning, but by noon until this morning, there has been no rain. That cold wind that you felt did not exist at the Fair. With all the buildings and other obstructions, all you experience is a slight gentle breeze. There was just enough warmth and humidity to make yesterday a perfect weather day for fairgoers and a lousy day for business.
This is not a good sign for next weekend. With so many people staying away from the Fair because the idiots who “predict” the weather caused so many of you to stay home, I have this sneaking suspicion that you will make up for this lost time on Labor Day weekend when you join the normal crush of humanity trying to squeeze out the last moments and deals of the Fair.
Because so many stayed away, the Fair was totally glorious. I could just feel her warm hand sliding up and down on me, nuzzling me close, and keeping me warm in her bosom. There was total freedom yesterday at the Fair; no crowds, no lines, and no stress. Half the Strates rides were not operating because of no customers. It was not a typical Sunday at the Fair; but it was a great day.
The afternoon show at now “Chevy” court was Gary Puckett; whoever the hell he was. A helluva lotta women around me and over the age of 50 seem to remember him. Half way through his opening song about a girl and some heartbreak thing, I got up and walked away.
Within minutes I was transported from the sleepy drone of Puckett to the hot and wild energy of Letizia and the Z Band. Playing next to the Collesium, I know this local band and have seen them for years. Every time they take the stage, I have to be in the crowd. The lead singer has a voice to rock your world. The keyboardist has the class of Carlos Santana and Mark the lead guitarist can hit the licks just as well as Carlos. I sat there and banged my head until their last number.
I learned two things about my favorite local band: First, they are regrouping and forming a second band for just country music. (No thanks). Second of all, they have a new drummer. Throughout the entire show, Zach … the 3 year old 15 inch tall son of the lead singer … kept coming up to the stage to sing with his Mommy. More importantly than her, Zack wanted to play the drums and was joining in with the drummer on stage. Mom did not miss a note and Zack has the music in him. The duo made for some truly warmhearted moments.
After all that fun and the joy of the parade, the evening came upon me. Changing in nighwear and gearing up for the midway, I dragged some friends to go do Karioke. Well, the idiot restaurant (Hard Times Café) planned their karaoke from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. … which means if you want to sing and dance at night like most grown ups do, you have to leave the Fairgrounds and go to Stingers.
My joke of the day came on the midway. I was sitting down resting my weary bones on a bench near the snake exhibit. A recorded voice was booming from a speaker, ‘See the 300 pound vicious snake that will eat anything.’ I didn’t realize other people could hear me when I said, “sounds like my ex-wife”.
One of the lessons taught to me by my friend Christ is to always do something more than is expected. For example, if someone drops something, a good person will pick it up for them. By comparison, if someone comes up and asks for a cigarette and you give them an entire pack, that is the unexpected. It is so much fun to do stuff like that; seeing the look of total surprise and shock and joy that will stay with that person for hours or days. I got a chance last night and it was surely fun.
To the kid who came running up to me and told me I had dropped my wallet (and all its contents) about 20 feet behind me … I love you son, you are a gift from God. To the girl near tears who came up to the Rose guy and asked if he found her wallet … and he did, you are a truly lucky kid. People can and do surprise you. Do not underestimate the honor and integrity of your fellow human being. We are all in this together.
As the day turned to night and the few remaining fairgoers went to see the grandstand concert, I decided to call it a night and head home for a long and well deserved nap.
Tomorrow, Day 5, I rest. I have a hot date with young babe that night and we are going to ride the Midway like there is no tomorrow.
