For as long as I can remember, I have looked forward to last two weeks in March. That is when the Miami-Dade County Fair comes to town for a bit. It used to be called the Dade County Youth Fair, this was before our county changed it's name, and I suppose when the organizers realized it's not just "youths" that attend (or "yuts" as Joe Pesci says in "My Cousin Vinny"). The rides arrive at the grounds in early February, and for a little over a month, the anticipation mounts until the second Thursday in March, when the first day of the fair is finally here.
With the exception of 2003, during which our favorite little guy was just two-and-a-half months old, Brandon has gone to the fair every year of his young life. The first year consisted of simply walking around. As we'd walk past the rides, he'd imitate the screaming victims...er, I mean riders. Last year, it was all about the food. This year, however, was most exciting since there were many firsts. Kiddie Land was the main stop, where Brandon and Rebeka taught us a thing or two about driving. Then off they went to the Super Slide with their daddies. I shared a mid-afternoon snack with the little man, his first Icee, and he was all smiles when we took a walking break. As if all that wasn't enough, the kids also enjoyed their very first concert! To our surprise, Freestyle greats Cynthia, Erotic Exotic, George Lamond, and TKA were in concert this evening at the Fair, and Brandon, Rebeka, Eric, Gonzo and I watched the last 20 minutes of it, enjoying most of the TKA performance. I absolutely LOVE freestyle music, so this was quite a treat! The kids were dancing up a storm, so I guess they have love it too. Heh.
BTW, I learned this evening that freestyle music is not popular everywhere, just an East Coast "thing", so if you don't know what I'm talking about...well, you're missing out. Freestyle is my kind of dance music!!
To recap: First fair rides, first Icee, first concert. Quite a busy day for our little guy!
Oh, how I miss the youth fair!!! Did you have corn-on-the-cob and elephant ears?
Posted by: Chantel at March 20, 2006 11:46 AMSounds like fun. The fair here is in the fall....
Posted by: caltechgirl at March 20, 2006 1:43 PMOh I LOOOOOOVE the fair. I love it so much I couldn't wait until Sunday to go. I had to go on opening day! I had me some saratoga chips with cheese and bacon bits and an elephant ear...yum! I can just hear the cholesterol gurgling about in my arteries now.
I wish I could've seen the freestyle show though, I would've enjoyed that very much. That music always brings me back...way back.
I don't remember if you told me, but are they playing again on any other day?
Posted by: Claudia at March 22, 2006 11:38 AMnext year Brandon can go with his Titi and we can take his 2 cousins and our 4th nephew or 1st niece.
See you in a few days.
Posted by: titi at April 6, 2006 12:12 PMThere was a period of time in the late 80s when the fair was full of seedy characters and I'm not talking about the carnies that run the rides. I went a couple of years ago with my wife and some friends and had a blast. Don't forget the cinnamon rolls.
Posted by: conductor at April 7, 2006 12:49 AM