Minneapolis Farmers' Market Annex, Scariest Clown Ever.

I really was scared of this man. If I had kids, I would stop attending this farmers' market, just on principle. I don't know how he stays in business...must be amazing balloon animals.

Lions Tap, Eden Prairie, MN

If you want a good burger, friendly service, in-house brews, all wrapped up in a slice of Americana, this is the place. Places like this are becoming more rare everyday in the US...and I'm not talking about the beef.

 

Speaking of beef, the double bacon cheeseburger was a great way to start of this new restaurant relationship, washed down with their Oatmeal Stout.

 

One of the cleanest menus I've ever seen... but you may not be happy if you're a veg.

Yes, that's the good china.

This was a beast but delicious... and don't ask for medium-rare, IMO

The Responsible Economy, Patagonia

Paracord Bracelet

I made this over the weekend...now I need to find out what I'm going to do with it.

  

MN State Fair, Odd Balls

No public event of this size is complete without some wack-a-doos from the general population of the US and, in this case, Minnesota specifically.

And this fair did not disappoint. I escpecially liked/was frightened by the woman smoking and drinking beer, while intoxicated, and while using a walker down the streets! Then again, maybe she's really on to something... Why not use a walker when you know you're going to get stumble-drunk at a public event? Smart.

Plus, plenty of other "fun" things to see at the fair:

 

Though I may never fully understand this, I think I have it figured out. They make sculptures, out of butter, for each of the women in the "court" at the fair. You can see the sculptor's legs behind this "butter bust" as she's in the chilled cooler scultping another woman, who is also sitting right there in the cooler... winter coat on and all. This is NOT a joke.

Gander Moutntain, smart as they are, decided to set-up a "Relaxation Station" in their area. Boy oh boy was it well-used. 

This guy could have slept through a snowstorm.

And were you in the market for a beer bottle night light? You know, so you can find the toilet when you get up to hurl...

You're right, I needed one more butter sculpture pic!

MN State Fair, Horsin' Around

One of the people I was seeing the fair with wanted good shots of horses for her own image collection (she's a painter). So, we spent some time hanging around the barns and stalls and even at the competition area. I don't think I'm the only one that thinks horses are pretty magestic creatures and really enjoyed sittin' for a spell and watching them "work".

This is "Prince", he's about 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs 1900lbs - Duke was in the stall next to him, btw

MN State Fair, Entry & Foods

I made it!

The Minnesota StateFair, or as they like to say, "The Great Minnesota Get-Together". I had a great tourguide and her mother too. It made for a helpful and less stressful day overall.

 

A quick look at down some of the concourses.:

In case you haven't heard about it - All You Can Drink Milk during your Fair visit for only $1! "...Milk was a bad choice!"

The throngs of pasty and soft Americans...

Here's my own food list as the day went on:

- Breakfast Sausage Pancake-Wrapped "Corn Dogs" with Maple Syrup, $5 for 3pcs (1 had 2pcs)
- French Meadow Chocolate Croissant, just a big bite from a shared purchase
- Red Velvet Funnel Cake, $8 for a 9" wide, 1" thick monster funnel cake
- Mancini's Meatball "Chicetti", $6
- Mancini's Original Steak Sandwich on buttered foccia, $9
- Peroni Beer, $4.75 for 12oz.

I know O could have done much worse and am proud of myself for not doing so... and also a little disappointed.

Yes, this was one of the best stand-up breakfasts I ever ate... syrup included.

Can you say, "Red Velvet Funnel Cake"? This is worth finding and trying if you ever get the chance.

Not enough Fair for you? No problem. Stayed tuned the next two nights for two new posts. Thank me later.