From time to time I have gathered up some thoughts that just wouldn’t have enough material for a full article. So for only a second time since I started this column here’s Potpourri II for you.
Hat’s off again for the annual Streets Alive event last weekend. Three miles of downtown Fargo and Moorhead blocked off to motorized traffic and left for everyone who wanted to walk, bike, skate, scooter, run, and even a mocked up set of skis complete with ski poles as well. The course was lined with activities from music to gymnastic demonstrations for the kids, pole vaulting on the bridge, massages, even a rock climbing wall was brought in and set up in Moorhead. Spokesman Rory Biehl said the number of participates was one of the largest he’s seen. Get ready because there are two each year. Next one is August 24th noon to five. Dogs on the route were welcome, just be sure to bring your scooper and/or plastic bags. Sponsored by the Cass Clay Healthy People Initiative-Dakota Medical Foundation.
A true coup for Rob Sobolik and the Fargodome for bringing in Sir Paul McCartney and from what I understand it was a fantastic show. Who’s the “biggie” to go for next? The Dome has had: The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger and Kid Rock, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Pink, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, plus many others and coming up is Cher and Katy Perry…But who’s left that you want to see? Drop me a note, I’m curious.
The Red River Valley Fair was another big success this year. There was little rain expect for the Kellie Pickler stage show. It was delayed, but the show went on. A couple of thumbs up for the security at the concerts. From what I saw and heard, things spotted by them were taken care of swiftly and with little or no problems. Most incidents involved a little too much alcohol.
The most bizarre item of the week also came from this year’s fair. Not from the concerts or the midway, the food was great, and a good time was had by all. Except a few in the….AG Education Center. This is the building where you learn about the products that we eat, or use in everyday life. On Friday at the fair the decision was made to paint one of the pigs on display with pig paint (and there is such a thing) to designate where the various meat products come from on the animal. Well apparently that didn’t sit too well with some parents. Here is a quote from Jodi Buresh, Assistant General Manager of the Fair: “It is amazing at how many parents do not want their children to know that bacon comes from a pig, which is disappointing. We brainstorm many ideas while planning this exhibit. We want people to have a realistic look at our food production.”
Come on people! Let me guess. You tell your children that there’s such a thing as a “bacon” tree, right? What will happen when your child finds out that the potatoes they eat come from out of the ground? The same place where we get our worms for fishing.
There was a great magician in the building and I’m sorry, I don’t recall her name but she explained to the kids in the audience that every item that makes up a baseball is a product you get from a farm. She said a cow can provide enough leather for 11 basketballs. She went through a number of things we use and eat every day that come from the farm. And guess what folks…not one of those children in the audience got up and ran, not one cried, and I’m pretty sure not one had nightmares that night, but instead they were getting an education in what our farmers provide the world. Just loosen up. Okay?