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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 9, 1983)
Friday, September 9, 1883 t In M f : n J1 f j(S ' ' (13171 ' t i ..! I III.,... , 1 III! L I - IIHIWI II I 'I!' III I :r: 1 . 7 - s I . M "S - I K III' ' J j Dally Nebraskan Pago 9 o n i ir :.; i hi-- . . .. " -. 'I Fair invites us to become children at heart Analysis by Eeina Soderberg The Pied Piper calls all "children" to the Nebraska State Fair, but only those young enough at heart to hear and brave enough to respond fall into step. Mystery beckons marching feet of all ages through the grounds and into the company of other playing, tired, excited and questioning "children." Some treat themselves right away to corndogs, funnel cakes, nachos or ice cream from the concession stands. Others wait for "ofenfreische" (oven fresh) pizza, garnished potatoes or Greek gyros. Fair food is a treat, a change from dinner fare. There is something for almost eve ryone at the fair. Animal lovers can stop at the Nebraska Fish and Game Commission's exhibit or view farm animals in 4-H competitions. Compan ies introduce new machinery to farmers and ranchers. Health exhibits inform the public. Art exhibits catch wander ing eyes. Businessmen display their wares. Talent is displayed as welL Sheep shearers demonstrate their art Horses are shown in the arena. Marching bands from Nebraska towns perform on the streets while swing choirs enter tain in the pavilion. Professional enter tainers give nightly performances through out the week. Some of the "talent is questionable, however, and is difficult to watch. "Freak shows" seem to stifle human dignity. People become objects gawked at because they're "socially unaccep table." Barkers boast of "wild, homeless women," people with deformed limbs, a man who can pop out his eyes or a man on drugs. "Dr. Ruesben" lures customers to see his drug addict A sign above his pa tient's cage reads, "Due to the unstable psychological and physiological factors of B. Reed's condition we ask that you do not talk to him or attempt, in any way, to engage him in conversa tion." Games and rides appeal to the "child ren " who are often easily hooked by jeers from operators or the loud music "of the Octopus, bumper cars, ferris wheel or merry-go-round. To the child in everyone, no ride is the same. In the same token, no two visits to the State Fair are the same. Something big is happening that cant be missed. Photos by Craig Andresen Counterclockwise frcn tcp left: The bright lights cf ths Nebraska Ctste Fair light the nddwey lon3 citsr miiniIit; Cclscn Ilcklen cf nsti3 hzlits tor prizes ct cue cf the cissy 2i2e3 en the rzLiimy; Etephsnie Cksfer 3 end Hike ChsTer 4 ride the Llerry-Go-Eccnd with their Uncle Dsve GhsTsr; Keren Andersen tnd Cnr Fyre prepare fsr the terse shcTr; Jeff Lcsee end his ' wife Sylvia t&ke tine to est a potato ct enrbside. ' w .( 1 , J