The Defeat of Jesse James Days

We tagged along with Bob to go to Northfield, Mn for DJJD. He had to march in the parade, and Diane and I went just for fun. It is a historic little town with the Cannon River running right through it. I'd do it again next year.
First of all, they had stands like at the State Fair set up in the park right in the center of town. Pronto Pups, cheese curds, ice cream, french fries, tacos...you name it. And, unlike the Fair, you didn't even have to walk far to get everything you wanted.
Secondly they had both an Art Show with a capital A featuring lots of pottery, jewelry and photography, and also an arts and crafts fair with assorted pottery,jewelry and photography. LOL. I didn't see much of a difference between the two, myself. I bought a charm made from an old map of St. Paul for my homemade necklace. They also had shops in town that were a lot of fun. One of them was a guy who makes jewelry and household things out of old recycled junk. Really cool. And he drilled a hole in a dime for me to wear on my necklace. He will also be at the JUNK BONANZA the end of this month. It is right up my alley! So creative.
Thirdly, was the re-enactment of the James Gang robbing the First Bank of Northfield and the townspeople taking up arms to defeat them. Ergo, the aptly named Defeat of Jesse James Days.
And last but not least, the aforementioned parade. All two hours of it. I kid you not!

So, to recap: Food.Check! Shopping.Check! and a Parade. Check! What's not to love!

From Minnesota With Love

Ask and you shall receive...

Via a Facebook plea from Hannah:
"Can somebody please go to the fair and eat/do the following for me?I haven't been home for the last 2 fairs and it's heartbreaking. Tell me about the fun things you've done/seen/eaten so I can enjoy the fair vicariously through you, please!"

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[ ] "deep fried pickle slices with cream cheese (the "gourmet pickle")"

Yeech,...... breakfast! CHECK

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[ ] "Australian battered potatoes with ranch"

Meh. CHECK

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[ ] "cheese curds"

With pleasure....Twice! CHECK

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[ ] "chocolate shake from the dairy building"

What's to say? Bonus: We also gaped at the butter-heads. No, not the one's pictured. CHECK CHECK

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[ ] "a beer & people-watching at that one bar near midway where the staff put on giant heads and dance to greased lightning"

Sorry, they don't wear heads anymore. But they were just as enthusiastic to do this every hour. Haha CHECK

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[ ] "a beer & people-watching on those long colorful benches in front of that bar where reggae bands always play"

A classic. LOL. They were playing pop tunes from the 70's. CHECK

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[ ] "watch that corny, scripted lumberjack show"

They weren't having a show then, but two girls were log-rolling. Don't know why Zach took a pick of them after falling. EPIC FAIL

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[ ] "pet fluffy baby chicks"

*No one is allowed to touch them anymore, because it caused them too much stress. BOO! CHECK WITH AN ASTERICKS

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[ ] "be in the crowd for Kare11 news at 5 or 6"

WAY BETTER! BONUS! CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK

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[ ] "watch kids skate/bike at the 3rd Lair skatepark"

Too damn hot for most normal people. Just one lone kid and two people watching. But cool effects in the pics have to count for a bonus. CHECK FOR TRYING

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[ ] "wander aimlessly until feet are bleeding"

Enough said. CHECKCHECKCHECKCHECKCHECKCHECKCHECKCHECKCHECK

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Added Bonus for your viewing pleasure. . .

Dad shoveling eating his Peter's wieners.

Visiting Grandma.