We all completed the Defeat of Jesse James Days 5k Run/Walk and had a grand time. Tiffany and I walked the course in 57 minutes. Everyone else ran it and Tammy and Mazie put in better times than they expected! Tyler had some cramping that made him have to take some breaks.

Five people wearing Outlaw Run race bibs and finisher medals pose together on a downtown Northfield street after a 5k race.

In our neighborhood the Taschler’s host an annual Fry Party. What is that? They fire up multiple fryers and the guests bring fun things to fry. We brought Twinkies. Fried Dill Pickles were popular. I tried a Fried Peppermint Patty. It was a fun evening and Tyler and Mazie got to help the hosts!

See also 2012 Fry Party.

Person using a red-handled basket to fry food in a commercial deep fryer outdoors, with paper plates and spice bottle nearby. Outdoor patio table covered with labeled plates of fried foods including pickle dip wontons, fried chicken bites, a veggie tray, cheeseballs, and flowers. Outdoor fry party setup with two electric deep fryers, a bowl of batter, and an open bag of food on a folding table in a backyard. Spicy chicharrones piled on a paper towel on a dark plate outdoors, seasoned with chili powder and hot sauce

We went to the Minnesota State Fair three times this year, a record for all of us. Are we becoming “fair people”? Maybe. People complain about the crowds, but that is just part of it. The sea of people every way you look is what makes it the fair. We’ll be back again next year! 🎡

Dense crowd filling a wide tree-lined avenue at the Minnesota State Fair on a sunny day, with vendor booths visible on both sides.