The Fair Starts Tomorrow!

I think one of the fondest collective memories of my childhood was going to the Mississippi State Fair each year. I can remember coming around the bend of I-55 North and seeing my first glimpse of the Farris Wheel. What a thrill! Neon lights bouncing off the gloriously hideous orange and yellow of the Coliseum. I could practically hear the carnies yelling, "See the world's smallest woman!" or "She speaks, she sings, she crawls on her belly like a reptile! It's Snake Woman!" In mere moments, I'd be going 500 miles per hour in the Matterhorn and the Rock and Roll Express or eating my weight in footlong corndogs and onion rings.

It seems like every trip to the Fair included my best friend, John. When we were little, we would spin ourselves (and my Dad) sick on the rides. When we were 10 or 11, John provided expert advice on which cheap piece of brass jewelry I should get the girl I was "dating" at the time. I want to apologize to the many wonderful young ladies I knew at Carver Elementary and Jr. High School. Each of you meant much more to me than the tarnished trinket I gave you. It was a gift from my heart, though!

In our teen years, John was the best double date pal around. He was nearly a year older so he could drive long before any of our friends. A non-chaperoned ride to the Fair or anywhere else was a big reason I had any dates at all when I was 14! He always had a cool car too. It was either the Chrysler with the sunroof or the Jaguar. Thank goodness his sister's GMC Pacer burned to the ground before John was able to drive. Can you imagine trying to pick up chicks in a fish bowl?!

My daughters are very excited about going to the Fair again this year. They've asked me to drive by the Fairgrounds each morning so they can watch it being built. Every time we make the crest on the Pearl Street bridge, I feel a little twinge of excitement in my stomach. The air seems a little cooler this week and, from my building, I can see the Farris Wheel standing high above the hundreds of workers hurriedly building their city of lights.

It's true what they say. You can't go back and relive your youth. But you can sure enjoy the faint memories from time to time.

"Step right up and test your arm, son! Knock over these bottles and you could win this beautiful charm bracelet for your girl back home. It's only one dollar!"