Culture Arrives to Vanilla City USA
Just when I think I am not giving my kids the cultural education they need living here in vanilla USA, I realize all I need to do is step outside my front door car door and look around to see the culture that surrounds us. Because there is nothing like the State Fair—on kids-get-in-free night, no less—to open your kid's eyes to the amazing differences that abound.
What's more fun that watching a sheep get a haircut? Eating deep fried fatPB&J sandwiches? Seeing all of those people who were too sick to be at a State Fair toting around oxygen tanks? (Aren't those for the ocean, mommy?) Looking at Wilbur and wondering what in the heck he did to deserve being carted to the State Fair if one of Charlotte's kids is there spinning words into webs? Watching not one, not two, but three cub scout dens walk by, wearing clown hats and red noses? (When will I get to wear one of those cool shirts, mommy?) Watching a fakehypnotist poke a needle in Mickey Mouse's bum and seeing five people on stage jumping and holding their booties in response? (What are those people doing, mommy?)
So much weirdness fun in such a small place. Who needs travel when you can go to the State Fair—even though the cost is remarkably comparable?
After, we went to Cookie's apartment and she took some lovely pics. Thanks Cook! 
Posts
September 9, 2008 at 3:44 AM
Sounds like an interesting and fun night! I love the fair :) It's weird, fun, sugar and rides all in one.
September 9, 2008 at 6:42 AM
Love the post ... and the photos! That last one especially is fabulous!
September 9, 2008 at 6:54 AM
Love the fair food...the photos are adorable!
September 9, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Great pictures!
We go to the State Fair every so often and my kids love it. I have to agree with you about the prices though, yikes! $5 for a corndog, wow!
September 9, 2008 at 7:45 AM
First - I love the state fair! We have one in Richmond, VA and every year my parents would take us to see the smelly animals, sticky cotton candy (but yummy!) and weird, freaky side-shows. I agree - what better culture do your children need?
Second, I love the pics of you and your boys. I especially love the third one where your boys are rolling their eyes. Too funny.
Thanks for the tofu tips. I really don't think I can take it anymore, so I may have to break down and eat chicken instead!~
September 9, 2008 at 7:53 AM
Awww . . . those are great pictures!
I am continually amazed at the people that seem to come out of the woodwork for the fair . . . people who look like they haven't left their homes for an entire year and suddenly sporting their Sunday best and carting their oxygen tanks around with the best of them!
I enjoyed your post on culture, and am thankful that we live in an urban setting where the kids are exposed to those things. I have seen the flip-side quite close-up, having gone to school in Wyoming . . . I remember 18-year-old college freshmen who had never seen an African-American before, let alone exchange students from India and China! It was very eye opening to me, as well as them.
September 9, 2008 at 7:56 AM
Oh the fair....Fun and educational in a strange kind of way. Nothing beats the plethora of fried food options. Sounds like you all had a good time.
The photos are absolutely gorgeous! I would kill for a good photo of me and my kiddos.
Thanks for sending some bloggy love my way. I aways appreciate your sweet comments!
September 9, 2008 at 8:37 AM
When I was little and Clinton was in office, my parents took me to the NY state fair. Clinton was there and I got to shake his hand, he asked me what my name was and I said Georgette. His response: Hi Georgia!
Love the pictures, especially the last one. Their faces say "omygod mom, is THIS the last picture?"
September 9, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Super pictures! Look forward to getting to know you! (Thanks for popping by today) Glad to see SOMEONE got the Dong comment... (My all time favorite movie!)
September 9, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Nothing like a state fair to add a little diversity to your day. I love the pictures. Candid pics are the best!!
September 9, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Ha ha -- I have always LOVED the fai, even the crazy side of it. I can't wait to take my daughter.
Your boys are absolutely adorable; those are great pictures!
September 9, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I love fairs! The food, the crazy people, the farm animals...I love it all! Now you made me want to go to one asap!
Great photos!
September 9, 2008 at 11:06 AM
ooooo so sounds like the Tulsa State Fair BUT Jyl the food oh.my.gosh.the.glorious.food!
You gots yourself one beautiful family Jyl!
September 9, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Way cute pics!
I was actually just discussing the fair with some friends last night- half of them LOVED it, and the other half refused to go. Period.
I personally don't think I have gone since I've had kids. Although I did go to the circus 3 years ago-does that count?
September 9, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Hello Hello - Found you on MomBloggers and thought I'd stop by! I too love the fair, I think I spent atleast two posts on it. So when will the new blog be unveiled? Right now I too am under construction, I should be unveiling some time next week. Talk to you later.
September 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Haha the looks on your boys faces in the last picture is priceless
September 9, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Ah the pics turned out great!!
Thanks for coming to visit yesterday.
LOVE YOU
Cookie (haha)
September 9, 2008 at 4:00 PM
What fantastic pictures, and pretty great commentary on the fair!
September 9, 2008 at 5:04 PM
did you mean deep fried pb&j sammiches, cause if not, i think your on to something - get the patent office on the phone, quick!
those are such nice pics of y'all. cutesy
September 9, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Oh yeah, very beautiful shots. Now then, about these fried PB&J's - why have I never heard of THAT? BRILLIANT! :)
September 9, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Thanks for coming over to my blog the other day! It sounds like the UT State Fair was quite the experience. I traveled up to the Idaho State Fair a couple weeks ago, and man! What a great people watching experience! The fair hair, the fair food, and the fair fun! :) Hehe! Hope this gave you the cultural experience you desired!
September 10, 2008 at 12:20 PM
it's true about the cost! it's outrageous! but it's so much fun
September 10, 2008 at 2:39 PM
My goddness! You could be a model!
September 13, 2008 at 12:26 PM
OOh, you're so preeeettttty!
September 16, 2008 at 2:19 PM
I love the photos! Adorable