The fair hadn't changed a bit (does it ever change?) There were the usual packs of performers on stilts, outrageous getups, drummers, little girls with fairy wings (we got some for Melina), painted breasts, quirky performances, and beautifully detailed costumes. We spent most of our time near Chelamela Meadow, a big open space where people practice juggling and poi. I bought some new practice poi and was inspired to start working with fire again. Jeff got a 15-minute massage that was so intense that he actually fainted for a moment and woke up not knowing where he was. It passed quickly, but apparently he really needs to get some bodywork done. He got another massag the next day (he didn't faint) and decided to get regular massages in the future (he has a lot of problems with his upper back and shoulders). I got a short massage too, which was nice after carrying Melina around all day.
It was a challenge trying to feed Melina without a high chair or booster seat. I did carry a spoon and sippy cup around with us, and Melina got her share of rice, beans, smoked salmon, ice cream, and other treats. She kept up a steady refrain of "aiiiith? aiiiith?" (ice? ice?) and probably sucked down her own body weight in ice cubes.
We ran into quite a few people that we knew this time, including our friends Richard and Chris (who always go), two friends from IFCAE, Richard's son, my coworker Stuart, Becky's husband Dean and their daughter Lena, Becky's brother Mike and his fiancee, and probably others that I don't remember. Erica also ran into lots of people she knew from working at the Saturday Market.
As I said earlier, the fair was pretty crowded. There was a bigger crowd than usual on Friday, and we spent most of the day wandering around without ever settling on anything. On Saturday we waited until after Melina's second nap and headed over to the fair at 3:00. It was sold out (20,000 people!) but we had three-day passes so we got in. By that time, it was less crowded and more manageable. Sunday was pretty pleasant, too. I think the key to enjoying the fair is to pick an area (like Chelamela meadow) and stay there instead of wandering around all day.
By 5:00 Sunday we were ready to go home. We made the long walk through the dry grass back to the car (with a brief forays to retrieve a lost binkie and walk the baby around so she could burn off energy). We squeezed ourselves and all of our purchases, camping gear, and dust into the car, waved at the parking volunteers with their crazy hats and costumes, drove past the handpainted signs, and made our way out onto the road and back up I-5 for the slow transition back to everyday life.
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