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
