Bangor State Fair 2009

Sunday, August 2, 2009 was a day that I hope will nest itself in Jasmine's memory for years to come. Each summer we revisit the age old habit of going to the fair. The Fair is exciting, fun, and stirs all the senses. The noise of laughter and screams coming from the rides that shake, roll and completely upset any sense of balance that we have. The aroma of fried dough, sausage and onions, and cotton candy all work together to complete the experience. Okay, we ride before we eat. It is the rule of the fair. Otherwise, ewww.... We went to the Bangor State Fair. For the last two years we have been too busy and out of money to be able to go. This year we made it.

As we came into the gate we were greeted with an assortment of Bengal Tigers. There were eight different types there. They looked to be well fed and comfortable. I don't like the circus because I worry about the animals. I hope these guys were well cared for.

We were in line for fried dough and someone pointed out that one of Bangor's famous residents was in line for the Ferris Wheel. Mr. Stephen King was there chatting with folks in line. The King's support many charities in Bangor. He owns a radio station. His house is so cool. He has a big Victorian mansion with a mansard roof. The fence is about 8ft tall and has bats welded in the wrought iron. It is really interesting.

The Ferris Wheel was a great experience. It allows for a great view from the top. Bangor is a beautiful city. Alex took pictures, walked around and people watched. She isn't much on rides.

Jasmine is a speed demon. We took our turn on the Spinning Strawberries.

The Carousel was just my speed. Jasmine wanted the biggest horse of course.

Time out for a serious moment here. I love those moments when she seem lost in thought.

Now a not so serious moment. All smiles.

A little faster here. She is a big girl at six and didn't need Nana to ride the swings with her.

This is where Nana drew the line. The measuring device noted that Jasmine is over 48" tall and able to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl. I told her that I didn't want to ride this one. She said "that's okay, I will ride it by myself". After asking "are you sure" about 15 times Jasmine boarded the ride and chained herself in. I knew with the centrifugal force she would be safe. I did ride this nausea inducing ride when I was younger. She did great and seemed to love the ride.

She got off fine, didn't miss a step. Notice that all of the other riders seem to be 13 or over.

Jasmine was doing just fine. After about 4 minutes, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said "I"M GONNA PUKE". Needless to say that this was about the end of our trip to the fair. We did not eat fair food. We headed for the car. Jasmine was not very talkative but did get over her nausea. I asked her if she was hungry. "Nooooo" she wailed. Okay, the rest of us were hungry. We headed over to the casino to have dinner. I pulled two chairs together and Jasmine slept through the dinner. She did feel good enough later that night to eat some cotton candy. All is not lost. These memories will be safely nested in Jasmines memory as the first time she almost puked on the ride that Nana put her on. May you have a wonderful fair season. Much love and prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.

Kelly