Dairy Princess in ButterThis is really hard to explain, but true. All of the people who run for Dairy Princess get their heads carved in real butter. I'm not making this up! The butter head with the crown is the winner.
... [more]And now for something completely different!
I've been contacted by people from all over the world who have read my blog and I'm now up to 8700 hits. So I'm taking a momentary break from Saudi Arabia blog entries, to give you some photos from where I live.
There is
nothing more Minnesotan than the Minnesota State Fair, which takes place at the end of August. Here are some photos that my daughter took while we were there.
These photos are the essence of being Minnesotan. In fact, these could be used in an anthropology class at the University of Minnesota to help explain the psyche of Minnesotans. What they stand for, what they eat, what's important.
And please note: in NONE of the photos will you see snow (well, maybe snow cones, but that's different).
I hope you enjoy this Minnesota commercial break from our regularly scheduled Saudi program.
Giant TomatoYou have to have giant fruit at the state fair. Also giant pumpkins (not shown). It's just what you do. It's tradition.
The Turkey BoothYou can buy a turkey sandwich, but the sad part is that it's right across from the poultry barn, which you can also see in the photo.
TV NewsA big thing at the State Fair is to attend the news live. Newscasters in Minnesota are local celebrities.
Al FrankenIf you want to be a REAL politician, you show up at the State Fair. This is Al Franken, who was FINALLY elected US Senator, after 10,346 recounts of the election. Sorry Norm Coleman. It's over. Re
... [more]
Garrison Keillor 1If you've ever listened to Minnesota Public Radio or have heard of Lake Wobigon, you know that Garrison Keillor is practically president of Minnesota.
Garrison Keillor 2If you've never heard of Garrison, you have no idea what I'm talking about. It's too hard to explain. Go Powermilk Biscuits.
Ted and LindaIt's the fair. We're happy. We've eaten mini-doughnuts and Sweet Martha's chocolate chip cookies. Who wouldn't be happy?
Hotdish on a StickHotdish is Minnesota speak for casseroles and it's practically the state food. And everything at the fair must be on a stick (state law). So hotdish on a stick is really appealing. We even have dee
... [more]
Giant SlideYou can see the Giant Slide in the background if you double click on the photo. You slide down on a burlap bag. Don't ask why, just do it!
French FriesIf you go to the Minnesota State Fair, make sure you get the fries at one of the yellow booths. The others aren't worth the calories. Trust me on this one.
Brett FavreOK, you have to be either from Minnesota or Wisconsin to appreciate a Brett Favre scarecrow. You should have one. Really.
Part of trip:
Saudi Arabia - October 2009