By Mark David Blum, Esq.
Other than Centro’s inability to plan a sufficient number of busses running the Shoppingtown run, the bus ride to the Fair is that best deal around. Just because I never did it, I was there to catch the first bus out and indeed I did.
An amazing ride it was. Everyone was so relaxed and collegial. Sandwiched in the very back, I was teaching the people around me how when I was a kid, our version of X Games was to Bus Surf; namely standing up without holding on and not falling. Almost falling on a mother and her daughter, she said that, “we almost became best friends” … to which I responded without hesitation “forever”.
Ultimately no State Fair bus ride can be complete without an Octogenarian rider who happens to have his 87th birthday as we drove. The driver led the entire bus in a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday Dear Whatshisname, Happy Birthday to You.”
As if things were not already off to a great start, I had the good fortune of having a chatty 9 year old fourth grader seated next to me. Her grandparents were roaring as I taught the child that if we rock the bus it will tip over. She and I bet $100.00 that the bus gets off where the rides are. Knowing that there are no rides visible from the bus’ approach, I made sure we shook on it. The moment we arrived and for the rest of the day, whenever I saw that young girl, I would insist on my money. After a while, I was not sure if she was still playing or getting scared that I really did want the $100.00. (Well, I DID. A bet is a bet).
I also never knew that a bus ride could such a learning experience. As the bus left Shoppingtown and drove by a cemetery, the little girl grabbed her nose and looked away. I asked her why she did that and she said it is to keep spirits from getting into her. (soft easy pitch right down the middle). I demanded to know who told her that and she said her BFF did. “Your bff is nuts”, I said. She replied but the bff is her bff to which I said yeah, and she is also nuts. “Anybody who knows anything knows that if you walk by a cemetery, a ghost will follow you home and holding your breath and looking away only makes them mad.
