Halloween
October 28, 2015
Saturday is Halloween and the time of year we decorate with spider webs, carve pumpkins and pass out candy to Trick-or-Treaters on beggars’ night. Maybe you will visit a haunted house, watch a scary movie or attend a Halloween costume party.
As a kid, I remember planning my Halloween costume all month. My favorite year was the homemade clown outfit my grandma made. The costume was complete with a rainbow wig and face paint. As an adult, my creativity isn’t quite at the same level. I’m more focused on comfort. This year, I thought I could dress up as a Fairgoer!
I would need comfortable walking shoes (to trudge across the 445 acres that make up the Fairgrounds). I’d wear my State Fair t-shirt, visor and a fanny pack. I would definitely need to carry a map to find my favorite food-on-a-stick and the butter cow. I could have my bag filled with free stuff from the Varied Industries Building and first place contest ribbons.
The costume wouldn’t be complete with a “Fairgoer on a Stick”. The Blue Ribbon Foundation sold selfie sticks this year (they are still available in the State Fair Store). I may be slightly exaggerating the stereotypical Fairgoer but it sounds like fun to me especially since my days as a regular Fairgoer are over!
If you love the Iowa State Fair but costumes aren’t your thing, think about taking a drive around the Fairgrounds this weekend. With the excitement of the Fair in August, it is easy to miss how beautiful the Fairground’s landscape is. This time of year as the tree’s leaves are changing colors, the historic buildings really stand out. There won’t be the huge crowds, but you will most likely see some joggers, people walking their dogs, or for instance this weekend – people attending the alpaca show in the cattle barn.
As you cruise around the Fairgrounds, be sure to check out the construction projects underway. Crews continue to expand Ruan Plaza to the east and south. The paved pedestrian walkway will improve traffic flow on that section of the Fairgrounds. Construction of new public restrooms in the Youth Inn's auditorium has also started. You can see your donation and support of the Blue Ribbon Foundation at work.
Enjoy this weekend because once Halloween has passed, we head into the holiday season. Time seems to speed up as you prepare for cold weather, family gatherings, and last minute things to accomplish before 2016.
Dressing up as a Zombie for Halloween:
Fairgrounds in the Fall:
Ruan Plaza - phase two:
