At One Alongside Big Tex!

Last year I really itched to go. I jonesed for almost three weeks and by the fourth week, the Fair was over and done. Common sense dictated that I wait until after the Texas-OU Red River Rivalry. Back in 2001 I went on a Monday and dealt with little to no traffic or headaches when I headed out to the Fair. Many changes since October 2001...

I am guessing the number one reason that people go to this Fair is for the history, tradition, the fact that the weather has finally cooled off enough, the food. the rides. games. arts and crafts, the acts, and of course the big-assed Ferris Wheel that says TEXAS STAR in big letters. That and a whole lot more.

Maybe I'm just getting older or times have become that much tougher. Security was tight at the entry way with the magnets sniffing out the beep caused by cellphones, carkeys, and loose change. It cost ten dollars to park, 13 for an all day ticket. If you chose to eat while at the Fair you bought coupons that were to be used as cash. Few things if any were on the cheap side.

I wrongly assumed that all the rides I noticed and witnessed would be the same five years later. Not so. I was a little bothered by the fact that there were a few games that were one and he same across the Fair. Namely the football and basketball tosses and Texas/Maverick/Cowboys pillows if you made the throw or basket. I believe these games were rigged for I saw no one win a darn thing. No big deal, I was contributing to Dallas' economy on a sunny 70 degree fall day.

Today being a Friday many high schools were in attendance. This might explain why I saw cops wearing GANG UNIT on their back tees. Cops on horseback, cops on foot, cops overlooking from a tower on high. I felt safe in a strange way.

The Canon that I use when I go places has been good to me for over three years. Compared to the Sony I abused in 2001 the picture quality this time around was awesome. The highlight of my day was riding the Ferris Wheel and getting aerial of everything toward downtowm Dallas and elsewhere. In the space of four hours I knocked out 490 pictures.

Some of the rides were a trip. The Kamikaze one is guaranteed to make you avoid eating altogether, you get spun around so much. There was also a Rock and Roll wax museum with some really unique artwork of famous rockers. That was a hoot! Bands that were scheduled to play seemed to be in intermission mode while I was there.

I could not believe just many decorations were involved in the Truck Alley section of the Fair. Between Ford, Nissan, Chevy, and GMC you had four barkers laying the smack down on each other. I felt like a courtesan getting serenaded in Paris at nightfall.

After taking a moment to hang inside the Cotton Bowl, my thoughts were the same, 'This decrepit building needs to be demolished. Take the game to Arlington in 2009.' 1960 I'm sure was a great time to enjoy the Fair. 2006 the Cotton Bowl needs to be shot out of it's misery. Fact!

The important thing about getting away for a day to take in some sights and sounds is to have fun. Had I not gone alone, I might have done a little more museum shopping and arts and crafts learning. As the crowd got bigger and dumber I knew it was time to make an exit and beat the traffic home on Friday the 13th. I'm glad I did. If I wait another five years to go back to the Texas State Fair, I'll go on a Monday, bring more money and stay longer. I cannot tell a lie-I ate two corndogs. They called out my name. They were good too!

Remember, once there you are Fair Game. Especially amongst the parents who let their children run wild so they can run into you! So glad I am single with no rug rats...

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will