Summer in the City…

It’s the season of summer festivals and we’re very big on them in the Midwestern part of the U.S. Friday marks the beginning of Independence Day weekend and many nearby areas will have huge celebrations.  Chicago and the suburbs boast lots of music events and many things going on over Independence Day weekend.  Not sure what we’re doing yet, but for sure it will include grilling and fireworks!

We also have our county and state fairs and I’ve gone to my share of those over the years.  We often went to Wisconsin for their state fair or Summerfest music festival as the Illinois State Fair is in downstate Springfield, a much further drive.  And the Milwaukee area is a nice size compared to driving into Chicago.

It’s all brought back fun memories of a time several years ago when my parents and their crazy little dog, Sparky, drove up to the Milwaukee area for a day trip to the state fair.  Apparently they had planned to take the little terrier onto the fairgrounds with them but, not having checked beforehand, found dogs were not allowed.  It was too hot to leave Sparky in the car, so they debated what to do and finally decided they’d take turns going onto the fairgrounds.

Mom went to the fair first, leaving Dad and Sparky resting under a shade tree by the entrance gates.  Dad had his ever-present ball cap on, along with sunglasses, and he’d had a cup of water for the dog in case he was thirsty.  Mom was horribly embarrassed when she returned and found people walking by the entrance had assumed the worst when they saw my sleeping dad and his dog and had been throwing coins in his cup!

 

Photo credit:  Wisconsin State Fair