Dollars to Donuts that Our State Fair is the Best State Fair

One of the first questions my husband asked me when we met:

"How do you feel about the state fair?"

I responded that I felt this was a trick question.

What if I love it and he despises it?

I mean, it's either one or the other.

You can't just phone it in when it comes to the fair.

Turns out we both are fans.

Saturday was this year's chosen day--and what perfect weather.

Here we go.

In Iowa, after age 11, one is an adult.

Margaritas: not just for breakfast any more.

Take that, Ace of Cakes.

Everyone in the cow family seems to be on their own wavelength somehow.

Visor wearing ice cream cone robot.

Not something you can see just anywhere.

The state foods of Iowa.

I never even thought of bouncing off the sky glider till I read this.

Then I could think of nothing but.

It was worth the queasiness just to see how much these food stands

look like Christmas village houses from the air.

Money well spent.

This is what it's all about.

See the dahlia post below too-they blew my mind.

The Cultural Center is seriously fantastic.

See the dollhouses in the post below.

It's truly reassuring to wander the fair each year.

People out enjoying all the sights and sounds, eats and treats.

Mostly smiling and being friendly.

Many people wear their t-shirts pledging their allegiance

to their favorite Iowa school.

I was thinking how some people on the coasts

don't even know where Iowa is.

They think it's Idaho, or Ohio.

Nope. It's the place where gay marriage is ok.

As long as you serve funnel cake at your reception.

ps:

Back to the fair.

After you get your strawberry ice cream at the dairy building,

walk down the hill, sit on a bench and watch this.

Dollhouses at the Iowa State Fair

The dollhouse display at the Iowa State Fair is one of my must-sees each year.

And each year, the incredible details mesmerize me.

Kids have the best view, tall people have to bend down to see in.

I decided to let my camera do the peeking.

It could see much better than I could!

The plants and the brick steps are perfect.

Porches are great on dollhouses.

Dolls really know how to live.

Hot tub, check.

Bird bath, check.

I'd seriously live here.

Wait till you see inside.

Drenched with light!

Telescope for star gazing.

Stone fireplace, spiral staircase up to an office.

Check out the baseboards.

Even a heat register.

Good taste in art too!

Child's playroom in the house next door.

The curtain blowing in the breeze is awesome.

Absolutely stunning barn.

Made from old barn wood, mind boggling details.

This pic could totally pass for a real barn.

Comfy little upstairs room in another neighbor's house.

Had to go back and visit my fave again.

Towels waiting for post-hot tub.

Hose even has a nozzle.

Leaves and meter on side of house, crazy stuff.

The office or loft in my fave.

See, it's even got a blogging spot.

And my coffee's ready.

Another gorgeous front porch.

Love the transom over the door.

Pretty posh trailer.

The more I look at this, the more amazing it is.

Note the worn paint on the door, the tile, the hat on the top of the desk,

the vase by the door, the light fixture, the pictures on the floor,

leaning against the wall.

Very very keen observers, these Iowans are.

Wanna See Some Dahlias?

It was judgment day at the Iowa State Fair yesterday.

The dahlias blew my mind.

Each one looked like a painting.

I might've gotten a little carried away.

But it was for you.