Opening Day at the Fair

Once a year for 12 days,

Like Brigadoon,

Como and Snelling becomes a fantasy land.

All the grease you can inhale

And anything you can think of

On a stick.

A sea of people

Wade down the Avenue;

A baby stroller parade,

Toddlers running on sugar,

Parents following with weary smiles,

Teenagers being cool,

And old folks trying to keep up.

10 days to do it all-

From cattle barns to horse shows

From side shows to art shows.

And then just as suddenly

It disappears.

Summer's over.

It's back to school.

Still the memories linger

Like the sweet smell

Of Tom Thumb Donuts.