Fairgrounds
Scott Mclean
Up a lot tonight so here goes.
Our parents would take us to the fair every year. We had to go through the livestock barns and exhibit buildings first every year. They always looked at Highland’s FFA booth which was a perennial favorite.
Roy Hallstrom knew his stuff and taught Gary Slagg. When other schools started winning the instructor was often a Highland grad.
We watched the rodeo a few times and once or twice saw the musical headliner. There was always the requisite corn dog (often called pronto pups) or other fair food.
The stupid plastic souvenirs or shirts happened as well.
One year Steve and I got what were called chameleons but were really I think some form of gecko. They had a string tied around their neck and then to a safety pin you attached to your shirt. They wouldn’t get away with it now. They did change from green to brown, but mainly because they died that first night.
After that it was midway time! We had to try the newest rides and throw away our money at the games. One year I was told I couldn’t play a dart game any more after winning three bears in quick succession.
We had to use the restroom one year and a guy told Steve he was in the wrong bathroom. The dude laughed as he went into the stall. We were at the urinals and Steve saw his opportunity. The man’s foot was visible at the edge of the stall. You guessed it, Steve peed all over his foot and ran out the door. The angry adult came out and only saw me. I quickly exited as well! When I got outside I saw Steve hiding behind the corner of the building and laughing his butt off!
As I have said before, Steve used urinating as a weapon.
The neighbor kid had irritated him and he came up with a plan. He peed in a can an balanced it on top of one of the inner barn doors. When the neighbor kid came over Steve told him there was a litter of kittens in the barn and whispered “Watch this!” to me. When the kid opened the door, the can of pee drenched him.
I laughed at the time but later asked him what he would have done if one of our parents opened the door instead. He didn’t hesitate but stated “Blame you!”
More adventures with Steve later.