I also remember really hating to have to pay to get into the fair. It was probably a quarter back then but, hey, every quarter counted so why give one to the gate, eh? My grandparents lived on the river near the back of the fairgrounds then so we (probably my sister, Lisa and I) went to their house, slid down the very steep riverbank and climbed over the fence and slithered into the back of the fair. I'd like to tell you that we did that all the time cuz we were kid- rebels but I'm thinking we only did it once; it was a strenuous and icky way to sneak into the fair. Yuck!
My other memory and I assure you it's mine and not someone elses: sitting in the Rocko Plane, stopped at the top while they continued to load that shaky thing with more unsuspecting kids, and looking down at the "girlie" tent. As we watched the men saunter in for the show, we saw OUR DAD in line!!!
I was a fearless ride rider. Nothing scared me. Twirl, spin, swing - I was all over that. What happened to me? I can't even stand on the ground and look at that pirate ship swing back and forth now without getting all verpy. You remember verps, right? I explained them in a earlier blog. Ok, you didn't read that one, I'll forgive you. It's a combination of burping and vomiting. Not a pleasant experience but it's better than tossing your cookies on your shoes.
Now, as an adult, a retired adult, my favorite thing about the fair is this:
Gibby's have been at the fair since Hector was a pup and they have maintained their reputation for "the best french fries in the universe." There are several fries vendors at the fair but these guys make the best. I promise. I would have added a picture but I ate them so fast I didn't have time.
I'm sure I'll be blogging a bit more about the fair so look for other pics and observations. But for now . . .
think about a french fry with vinegar and salt. Oh, baby!
I remember that dad was the doctor in town for the fair folk - including the "girls". I also remember when there was a problem needing the doctor, they came to the house office not the one downtown! I'm sure he was in line just to check on a patient....
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're right, Stace. We'll just keep telling ourselves that.
DeleteI went to that Girlie show once and ....well....it's 40+ years later and I still remember that experience!
DeleteMy uncle spent a lot of years in the Grand Rapids food business. He always said that it was Gibby's or no fries. We still honor that tradition.
ReplyDeleteI end up at the Kalamazoo County fair every year. I'll look for Gibby's there next summer.
ReplyDeletePhil, I don't know if Gibby's goes to the Kalamazoo Co. Fair or not. What I do remember about that Fair is the time I was listening to the radio (WKMI?) broadcasting from there, and they interviewed a teenager from Allegan. When asked how she liked it the girl enthusiastically replied, "It SUCKS!!"
DeleteOkay, all readers--Name That Girl!!!
Ann - put me out of my misery - who was it?
DeleteAnn - put me out of my misery - who was it?
Delete