Minnesota State Fair...here I come!

On Sunday, I did it.  I officially turned in my breads to the Minnesota State Fair!  I woke up early after a bachelorette party evening (I'm pretty serious about this) to collect all my breads and do double checks on all the rules for turning in baked goods.  Everything was in line, so Ross and I set out for the fairgrounds.  As we rounded the corner past the kiddie rides being set up, we saw it.  A line that snaked out of the Creative Activities building down the block!  I've never been so excited to see a line.  It just filled me with energy.

All of these people were bakers who took time out of their weeks to bake a few, sometimes more, treats to be scored at the state fair (I saw more than a few people with wagons or laundry baskets full of goodies)!  I was giddy.  These were my people.  The wait was fast and I was soon getting my breads checked in.

I immediately told the ladies helping me that this was my first time and how excited I was.  Ross proceeded to document the entire event like a proud father.  As I left they handed me a button to signify that I had entered.  I have been wearing that button everyday since and will throughout the length of the fair.    

I was so happy the rest of the day.  It's been a long time since I took on a goal like this.  I registered in June and did my planning and baking throughout the summer and then turned it all in.  Sounds easy, but it's amazing how easy I can let things like this pass by.  So, I don't even care if I only receive a participation ribbon.  I feel so good just being a part of the Great Minnesota Get Together!

Further news...I turned in my bread in the honey division today.  Just one little loaf.  There was no line, but as I was being helped I turned around to see this little lady who was about the height of my shoulder walk up.  It was Marjorie Johnson!  She is the infamous blue ribbon winner of Minnesota and has written a book about it.  I think my mouth was hanging open.  Yes, I have an idol who is in her 80s.

She had a box on her hip and said, "I stayed up all night and just finished at 9 this morning!"

I didn't introduce myself, but I love the fact that there was a girl turning in one loaf for her first fair experience ever right beside a lady who is has been entering the fair for more than two decades and considered an icon of the baked goods.  I took it as a good omen:)