This week I went to the Indiana State Fair with my family and it was a blast. I honestly don’t think I have gone to the fair since I was six years old or younger. It was such a great way to spend time with my parents, grandpa and brother, and I recommend everyone in Indiana go for at least one night. Attendance records were actually set at this year’s fair.
One of the highlights of the trip for me was riding a train to and from the fair. Train rides were provided from the station near my house in Fishers, Ind. to the fair and back. I’ve never been on a train before, so it was a pretty cool experience. One of
the conductors even came into the railroad car we were riding in and played railroad songs on his guitar for us. I wanted him to play Casey Jones by the Grateful Dead, but I settled for some more historic tunes I’m not familiar with. Once we arrived, my first stop was at the corn dog stand, naturally. I am a huge corn dog fan and it was delicious. Then, we made our way through petting some of the animals, riding the carnival rides (I just watched everyone else) and playing games. That brings me to the purpose of my blog post…
My grandparents used to take me to the fair when I was very young and every time I would have to play the game where you can win a goldfish. You know the game- there are a ton of small fish bowls on a table and you have to throw a ping pong ball into one. Well, since I hadn’t attended the fair in so many years, I decided I had to play this game until I won a fish. And, I did! I was ecstatic! Seriously, I was so happy. But, that feeling was very short lived.
I remember many years back when I won a fish, by the morning following the fair it was dead. I was determined not to let that happen this year. So, as soon as I arrived home, I went to the store and bought fish food. I fed the little guy, who I named Phelps the Fish after the Olympic record setting Michael Phelps, before going to bed. Then, I woke up this morning, got ready for work and went to his bowl. I was going to make him the mascot of Dittoe Public Relations, but he was dead. Our time together was cut far too short.
Seriously, can someone please tell me what the deal is? I have NEVER won a fish from the Indiana State Fair and had it live longer than 12 hours. I have had goldfish as pets in the past that I did not win at the fair, and they lived for a very long time. Any insight you have is much appreciated. I need to know ASAP, so I can go win another one before the fair ends.
