THE GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER

Last weekend I went to the State Fair with Lindsay. It was a great afternoon. I can't say that we did anything out of the ordinary, but we just enjoyed walking around looking at everything from art to animals. The International Bazaar, the Miracle of Birth building and the Arts building were especially fun and all swarming with people. The food, of course, was a highlight. What did we eat? Well...there was the old standby pronto pup to start with, a caramel apple, Australian potatoes, a raspberry shake from the dairy building, a strawberry and cream filled crepe, and my personal favorite, a fried Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. Lindsay and I talked about the success of the Minnesota State Fair. Not all states have such a great event. Why is it so popular in our state?? Maybe it has something to do with the people in Minnesota...? I'm sure some of it has to do with the organizers. I personally like the idea of capping off the summer with this great tradition. We plan on taking our Filipino kids next year, but I appreciated the chance to go with Lindsay because it was relaxing to not have an agenda. As fun as it is to go with a group, it becomes a bit more complicated. Anyway, thanks LIndsay for a fun afternoon!

My friend shared a funny story with me about the fair. I didn't exactly ask her for permission to share this, so I will do my best to protect her identity (if it matters). My friend and her family were in the Miracle of Birth building. This is where pregnant animals (i.e. cows, pigs, sheep...) are brought to deliver their young. People who might never have the opportunity to watch a live birth can witness a delivery first hand. There are many newly born babies to look at as well. My friend was trying to get a good view inside one of the pens...which is usually pretty challenging with the crowds of people. She bumped into a man who was also trying to see what was going on. She notice that he was wearing a Bethel University shirt and started to make small talk with him. She explained that she had attended Bethel College and knew several students attending Bethel. Of course, she asked this gentleman if he was a Bethel alum or had kids going there. He smiled, hesitated as he looked over at his wife and said, "Well...actually... I am the president of Bethel University. My name is Jay Barnes." In that instant, my friend recognized him from newsletters and mailings she had received in the last few months. He was very gracious about the whole thing. I suppose they chatted for a few more minutes and went their own way. I love stories like this! Moral of the story: You never know who you might bump into at the birthing barn AND really, it doesn't matter who you are, everyone LOVES the Great Minnesota Get-Together!