Tuscarawas County Fair-Day 1

I was able to park closer then usual. Was it because it was a Monday? Or was it just the beginning of a most unusual evening? I only had to walk a couple blocks to the fairground entrance. Dear sweet Julia said that the fair board was really clamping down on people entering without paying. I had always received free admittance for handing out my Christian newspapers in previous years. I asked if the radio station was covering me this year and the employee said that he highly doubted it.

I walked all the way back to the entrance and told Julia that I guess I was springing for admission this year. Julia was somewhat bummed at the thought of me having to pay and reluctantly told me that I had to go to the secretary’s office to buy the pass for the entire week. Off I went at a pretty fast pace because my purpose for being there was to meet people and hand out the newspaper that I publish not to be racing around getting this admission thing straightened around.

When I got to the fair board office I met with the secretary and she was equally upset that I wasn’t given free admission and she hurriedly tore off 7 tickets and gave me one of those over the counter top type of a half hug. I was delighted! For the hug, for the reassurance and for the saving of some hard earned cash! She had a most lovely smile as she realized that she made my day. I walked all the way back to Julia and she smiled as she realized what the secretary had done for me. I commented about the walking back and forth that I was doing and that it would be a good time to start walking every evening since I had already started the program tonight! We giggled.

I stood there and handed out my Christian newspaper for several hours. This is always enlightening. I spoke with all types of people. Some eagerly accepted this newspaper and some refused. I tried not to take it personally. The comment…”oh, I’m sorry…I just don’t feel like carrying anything” was quite common. My thoughts went immediately to Christ and Him carrying my burdens…carrying my cross. Suppose He didn’t want to carry my load?

I walked around a bit and met with several new advertisers and we filled the air with giggles and lighthearted talk. It was a good time, it really was.

The radio station gave me several coupons for fair food that I readily cashed in. I couldn’t locate one of the vendors so I stopped at a place with a similar name and asked if they knew where the other place was located. They had never heard of the place written on my coupon but readily filled the request of this coupon. I found that very odd. I told them to use this coupon before the end of the day. I snatched up my creamed chicken sandwich (for Jeff because it's his favorite) a diet pop and started heading to one of the merchant buildings.

I stopped for a moment at one of my advertisers booths and gasped in disbelief as I realized I had left my work portfolio somewhere. Oh no! But where? I had no idea. I started backtracking my steps and there it sat on a little stool where I got the sandwich and drink. I grabbed it quickly and thought….”what if I lost it, what if someone else had nabbed it…what if…..”? I detest “What ifs”. Dozens of people had walked by my binder in those minutes that had passed. Thank you Lord for showing me that You are in control even when I’m not!

I wonder what excitement is in store for me tomorrow!

Hugs, Happiness and Harmony,

Julie