florida state fair: t minus ten hours

Many of you know I’m in a band, and some of you are aware that Dad and I used to spin 45s way back in the day. Now and again, people have made derogatory comments about all that free money I was collecting for just “standing there spinning records,” or “memorizing a bunch of words.” They didn’t see us humping all the gear in, and will be long gone before you’re wrapping the first mic cord.

People often seem to have a similar impression of show workers. Before they kindly ask if you want an Elephant Ear, before they encourage you to try one dart for free, before they suggest you simply can’t miss the World’s Smallest Woman, the carnies must first build the fair. And can you imagine what goes into setting up for an eleven day fair?

I’ve been on the Florida State Fairgrounds for several hours now, walking around the Midway, The agriculture section, World Village, Equestrian Center, Cracker Country, the Expo Hall, and in, out, between, and behind all of those places. Everywhere I go, lots of people are picking up, delivering, putting together, repairing, cleaning (I took a few short videos), training (seals were practicing!), feeding and who knows what else. FSF Marketing guru Denise says there are well over a thousand folks here setting up. And I rarely saw someone stop for more than a couple of minutes.

Some have been here for a couple days, and many just got in late last night from a show in West Palm. Today, none look rushed or panicked, but they are all in a rhythm, and definitely all business.

The exception might be the Expo Hall, where people have been loading in all day, but none taking more than a couple hours to get set, and maybe a couple more to take their time setting up. The folks there are much more laid back, yet I can’t say they look relaxed. As opposed to the show, food, game, & ride workers, these people already seem worn out.

Tomorrow, they will all be selling, selling, and selling. Keep up with the Fair here on Sticks, and more often on the Florida State Fair 2010 Facebook page (become a fan!).