Fair Observations

The Kern County Fair 2008 is off and running, but at first glance, it doesn't appear many people are joining in the race.

Yes, there was a good crowd the three days I attended out of the first five, but it was missing the feeling of suffocation.

You know, where you walk down the midway, doing more side-stepping than forward motion.

The crowd of people so thick you could stop walking and move with the flow of the crowd.

Not that I mind, mind you.

But it seems like something is missing. Actually, a lot of somethings.

Even the exhibit halls seem a little bare.

I understand we're still reeling from the economic downtown (recession, did I say that?!) and people might be trying to save a little as we head towards the holidays.

I mean, the fair is expensive. No, really, it is.

You can actually save money by going to Disneyland. No, really, you can't.

There was one incident that did irritate me just a bit.

My two sons and I visited one of the many BBQ shacks at the fair on Sunday.

It's the one that looks like a red barn.

My older one wanted some pit beef with sauce and a little shredded cheese on top.

That's all.

I scanned the menu and the only thing that came close was the pit beef sandwich minus the cheese.

I saw a container of cheese sitting on a ledge by the grill and asked if they could just sprinkle a little on top.

I was told no.

I asked for a side order of cheese to go with the sandwich.

It wasn't possible.

I walked one building south and my son opted for the tri-tip sandwich, which the good folks made to order.

C'mon, a little flexibility this year.

After all, it's not like there was a long line of people waiting to eat.