WRAL.com is asking people to send their favorite memories from the N.C. State Fair. The best story will win a WRAL.com T-shirt. Read some of the entries below or submit your own by clicking on the link to the right.
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My best memories with the state fair was going on the Slider with my friend Jessica and feeling so sick that the ride felt like it lasted for an hour, when all we wanted to do was get off.
Another memory was meeting David Crabtree because I have always thought he was a big teddy bear...it was a dream come true.
- Laura Surtees, Wilson
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Well, I went to the State Fair the first it opened and I had a blast!! I went on the Zipper, Zero Gravity (twice). It was just so much fun and I ate a frozen banana and a carmel candy apple and I went with a bunch of friends. I just wish I could go everyday!!
- Jennifer, Durham
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For as long as I can remember, my Dad and I have gone to the NC State Fair together. It is our tradition. As a little girl growing up in Raleigh, my family went to the fair each fall. We made a day trip out of it, leaving early in the morning and staying until well after the fireworks were over. As my brother turned into a teenager, he eventually stopped coming with us. Then, when I was in my 20s, my Dad and I realized that the two of us were really the ones who enjoyed going the most. It seems that we have the same rhythm when we are at the fair.
Now, my Dad is in his 70s, and I am in my 40s. We are now going on 20+ years of our special NC State Fair tradition. We usually go together on a weekday (to avoid the crowds), and we get there as early as we can - usually just after the gates open. We stay until mid-afternoon, when I have to leave to be home in time to meet my kids getting off the school bus. Although we do some of what most folks would consider “normal” fair activities, we don’t ride any rides! (But, we always make just one trip down the REAL midway, just to be a part of that hustle and bustle.)
While we are at the fair, we walk and walk and walk and WALK and look at all the exhibits. We look at the 4H exhibits and remember the things that I exhibited when I was in 4H. We look at the handicrafts and talk about the quilts that Grandma used to make and the cakes that Mom used to decorate. We visit the Village of Yesteryear so that Dad can talk to all the folks from Canton (where he was born). We walk around the gardens and daydream about the types of gardens we would like to create. We watch exhibitors create things and try to sell us stuff. We learn about new technology and old antiques.
And, as part of our day, we eat LOTS of food! We always get a ham biscuit and coffee for breakfast. We eat corn of the cob and foot long hotdogs. We go by the Kerr Scott Building to get plastic cups of cold, white milk and then lament the days when it was free and then when it was just a nickel a cup. We eat free hush puppy samples (and then we turn around and weigh ourselves on the official NC scales). Then, before we go home, we buy fudge and peanuts to take home to my Mom. We used to always go to the same places and eat the same foods. But in recent years, we’ve started to mix it up and try new things. I’ve begun to take kettle corn home to my kids, and my Dad tries the newest fried food on a stick each year, just for fun.
Mostly now, the day is more about being together - about being a dad and a little girl again - than anything else. Dad talks about the way things used to be and tells stories. I listen and remember what it was like to be 10 years old. I know that in the blink of an eye, times like this with my dad will be a memory too. I think about my kids and about the NC State Fair traditions that my husband and I have started with them. My 8-year-old daughter wants a frozen, chocolate covered banana (with nuts) as soon as she walks through the gates, even if it is 9 AM. My 11-year-old daughter wants to ride every thrill ride (with her dad) and play “Fool the Guesser” (as many times as her allowance will let her).
I don’t fault them. They come by their enthusiasm naturally - passed from grandfather to mother to daughters. When my oldest was born on October 13, 1996, we took her to her first NC State Fair when she was just a few days old. I had to go, it was a tradition.
So, I walk around the fair with my Dad. We take in the smells, the sounds, and the colors. We talk. We share. We laugh. And, I am thankful. I am thankful for our time together and for the traditions that he has passed to me. I am thankful for one more year at the NC State Fair with my Dad.
- Debbie Brown Willmschen, Raleigh
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Our 8th grade went to the state fair today, and it was amazing. The last time I went when I was 5. We rode rides, played games, bought things, and looked exhibits. I would do anything to go again. It has been the best trip I've ever taken.
- Brandon Andrew White, Tabor City
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Last winter, my 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, and found out she had to wear a brace. She was quite discouraged by this news. Her grandmother, in an effort to lift her spirits, sent her a gift - a pattern and money for fabric. My daughter loves to sew, and enjoyed making the project, a suit, immensely. As the year progressed, so did her scoliosis. Despite her diligence in wearing her brace, doing the specific exercises she was given, etc., she was in constant pain and her doctor recommended she have major spinal fusion surgery, with rods placed in her back. We were all quite devastated by this news, but after much prayer, believed it was the right decision. As the surgery date approached, anxiety grew. Again, my daughter took to sewing. She and her sister and their friend spent the week prior to her surgery making Victorian rag dolls. They had a lot of fun, and it helped funnel the nervous energy into something constructive. My daughter had her surgery the last week of September. A few days after she got home from the hospital, she was still putting the finishing touches on her sewing projects while recovering in bed. A few days later, I brought her sewing projects to the fair to be entered in the competition. The first day of the fair, we went to the education building to see if she had won anything. At first, we couldn't find her suit among the garments displayed, so we asked one of the ladies working there. She asked what the garment looked like. As we began to tell her, she smiled and said "follow me". She led us to the end case, where my daughter's suit was displayed in the "Best of Show" case! We were surprised beyond words! It was so wonderful to see her receive such an honor after overcoming so much this past year. Both of my daughters and their friend also received first, second and third place ribbons for their Victorian dolls! The Fair was such a sweet culmination of this past year, and the challenges it has brought, and we will remember it fondly.
- LoriAnne Melton, Wake Forest
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It's not often you get a chance for a mother and son day when your kids grow up. I took my 23 year old son to see the fair and Paula Deen. We spent the day visiting all the exhibits and having fair food. My son became a chef about 2 years ago and loves to watch Paula Deen because she is not afraid to use butter. The greatest moment was looking at his giant smile as his eyes lit up when she came on stage. He laughed with every funny comment. After the show we were outside the arena and watched as the limo left with Paula waving out the window. We watched the fireworks and had roasted corn together before heading home. As we headed home he told me he had a really good time together and it would be a memory that will last a long time.
- Tammy Sofield, Durham
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This is really two stories … Last Saturday we took my three children ages 4, 2, and 1 to the fair. Of course they loved it! As soon as we got near the food, my four-year-old son Jacob got a blissful look on his face and said excitedly, "Mommy, Mommy, what's that great smell?" I just smiled and told him that it wasn't one smell, but all the smells of many yummy foods mixed together. Later, after a great day and as we were leaving, he said wistfully, "I wish I could live at the fair." Don't we all, Jacob. Don't we all.
The other story involves my two-year-old daughter Katie. We were walking near to the WRAL tents and saw an amazing sight: A duck on a motorcycle that moved and talked to people. Actually interacted with them! We watched for awhile and then walked away. A few minutes later, Katie wanted to go back to see the duck. So I took her, and she timidly stood next to the duck. Her eyes grew wide as the duck talked to her and asked what she was drinking in her sippy cup. She answered, and just continued to stand there, incredulous. She had no idea that ducks could talk! I finally pried her away. Later on the ride home, we talked about all the rides we went on and everything we did. When we failed to mention the duck, Katie yelled out, "And I talked to a duck!" Ever since then, whenever we talk about the fair, she brings up the duck. I can only imagine what is going on in her two-year-old brain about that duck. I mean, it was really an incredible sight, and I could barely figure out how the duck talked to us (something about a person on a cell phone?). I hope that she always keeps her innocence and can live in a world where it is possible for ducks to talk to her.
What an amazing thing the fair is to bring such magic to our world once a year!
- Lisa Springle, Raleigh
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I painted an egg representing the state of North Carolina and entered it into a contest being sponsored by the American Egg Board. It won! Every state is running a similar contest. The fifty winning eggs will be part of a display in the White House next spring, in time for Easter. I will be invited to visit the White House when they open the exhibit. My egg is on display in the Hobbies building at the State Fair.
- Leen Elnaccash, Chapel Hill
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I attended the fair on Monday morning. I was very excited because I read that the fair set a goal of getting one million people to go to the fair. I was glad that my friends and I could help.
Since I attend Hargrave Military Academy (a military boarding school in VA)I had to spend my last day in town at something special, the fair.
I went with my two friends and some other people I don’t know. We went on a few rides and had a great time. One of the girls that was with us won a small little guitar. I was very jealous of her. Then as we were walking around, she decided to give me the guitar. I was so happy I almost cried. Not really, but I was happy. Then we stopped for lunch and I got a good old fashion corndog. It was great! Then we decided to go on one last ride so that I could make my 5:00 deadline at school. The ride we chose was the zipper. It started out great, then I started feeling a little sick. Then I vomited everywhere. It was terrible. For future fairgoers, ride the zipper because it’s the best ride ever, but beware of car number one!
- Mercer Reeves, Durham
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My years since a child is no comparison when I took this year my niece and she at the age of 7, looked up at me and asked, can we come here everyday Aunt Jackie. And of course she broke out in tears when I told her that the fair is only here for few days.
- Jacquelyn Alston, Knightdale
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I have not been to the state fair in about 4 years due to having surgery in 2006, and the year of 2005 not feeling very well. In 2004 I had just had a baby the end of September. So I was in my six week recovery. I got to take my three children and watch them enjoy all the rides and food, especially my 3 year old who has never been to the fair or even seen anything like the rides. So I loved his reaction. He even was able to get on many rides due to his height. He is a very big boy for his age he is 37 inches tall weighs 47 pounds. I loved to see his expressions while riding and looking at others. Especially my 11 year old son who wants to try everything and decided he wanted to get on the 200 ft freefall. I suggested no but then I did not want to ruin his fun. So he got on. When the ride dropped his facially expressions looked as if he seen a ghost and while walking off he was walking real slow. Then I stated are you ok and the he bursted out crying, and I said well Thomas, you’re on the ground now. So I hugged him for a minute or two then he was fine. He said I won't do that again. That is something I will never forget nor will he.
- Terri Singleton, Raleigh
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Since moving to Raleigh in 1980, I have only missed the State Fair 5 times--the four years I was out of state for college and the year that I was on bed rest while expecting our nearly 12 year old daughter. We moved away in 2000, but have returned every year since just to attend the greatest state fair in the nation, and plan on continuing the tradition as long as possible!!
- Valerie C. Everette, Lancaster, S.C.
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My favorite state fair memory is slipping the game attendant a $20 for the big stuffed animal for my girlfriend at that time. I never think she ever found out.
- Robert Creech, Selma
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My husband Jim and I had our first date at the NC State Fair on October 22, 1977 which was exactly one week before his 21st birthday. Therefore he was 20 years old and I was 18 years old. Jim lived in Angier, NC and I lived in Durham, NC which meant he had to come 39 miles to pick me up for our date. When we got ready to leave my house for our date my Mom told me to be back home at 8:00p.m. The bad part about having to be back home at 8:00 p.m. was that the time we were getting ready to leave for the fair was 5:30 pm. That means we had to be back home in 2 1/2 hours. I asked and pleaded with my Mom for us to come home later than that time. She said be back at 8:00 pm or you do not go. So Jim assured her we would be back at 8:00 pm. Needless to say we did not have time to do much of anything at the fair. Jerry Reed was in concert that night at the fair and we wanted to hear him. However the concert was starting late and having to be back home at 8:00pm made it impossible for us to attend the concert. Believe it or not we were back home at 8:00 pm. Each year now that we attend the NC State Fair we laugh about out first date and I always remind Jim that I have to be home at 8:00 p.m. Of course we stay as long as we want at the NC State Fair. I can truly say that now 30 years later we still enjoy going to the fair. Our love was strong enough to endure the time limit on our first date and people cannot believe that we had to be back home at 8:00pm. However, that was truly our first date.
- Martha Winders, Durham
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I have been going to the NC State Fair for 50 years. I turned 50 this year. My grandmother started taking me when I was still in diapers. It was a special event for us. We always had to see the exhibits first, especially the flowers. All I wanted to do was to ride the rides. I loved going with her until I was a teenager. Boys, ya know? Once as I was older, I started going with her again. I have no idea how she could go on a Saturday at 9am and not leave till after the fireworks. She was in her 80s when she went to the fair for the last time. When she was frail, my mom rode her out there by car just to let her see the lights and sounds and she died the following May in 1987. I still love going to the fair and I have to see the exhibits first, especially the flowers. This one is for you Ma Wood.
- Annette Dorman, Wendell
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One of the most enjoyable times I had at the fair was about 40 years ago. My family, consisting of eight children and two adults had gone to the fair. Money was tight but we were all given about $1.00 and sent on our way. My sister and I were walking around looking when we stopped at a ride. There was a man a woman and a little girl there. The girl was handicapped but wanted to go on the ride. The man asked my sister and I if we would ride with her and he would pay for it. We said ok. Times were different then. We rode the ride and had a good time. When we got off we thanked the man and started to walk away. He asked if we could ride all the rides his daughter wanted to ride, of course we said we would. We rode everything. When we finished at the end of the night and met back with our family we still had our money and we told how we got to ride everything. I don't think they believed us. But we had the best time.
- Debbie, Selma
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I remember taking my daughter to the NC State Fair when she was five, it was her first visit to the fair. I will never forget when the fire works started as we were leaving out, she was standing looking up at the fireworks not really knowing what she was watching, but just at awe about it and dancing around and watching the fireworks explode. I remember a few people watching her and laughing as she was so amused by it all, then all of a sudden she said; look at God working! I will never forget that precious moment at the NC State Fair.
- Andrea Coleman, Raleigh
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One of my most vivid memories of the State Fair was in the mid-1960's when I was about 6 or 7 years old and went with my parents and a friend. We ran into Ag Commissioner Jim Graham, who was a family friend, in front of the original waterfall. Mr. Graham picked me up to sit on his shoulders and then acted as though he was going to dump me into the waterfall pool with all the ducks. I think I almost ripped his ears off of his head trying to stay where I was. His big black cowboy hat took a swim with the ducks and everyone around was laughing except me. Now when I go by the new waterfall at the fairgrounds, I always remember that night and chuckle about it. There will never be another like Jim Graham.
- M Creech, Wendell
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This year will definitely be my favorite … ever since I was a little girl I don't ever remember missing a NC State Fair. Now I am the very proud mother of 6 month old twin boys and I will never forget seeing the looks on their faces as they experienced their very first NC State Fair. Their first fireworks, first time seeing all the animals, first taste of Mom and Dad's French fries...from Al's! It was just so memorable...too many memories made in one day to list them all!
- Amber Thomas, Archer Lodge
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I was a student at N. C. State in 1960, living in "Vetville" and having very little money left after paying our bills, my wife and I decided to "burst" our budget and go to the fair. After covering all the free exhibits and having a hot dog or two, I decided to waste a couple of bucks on the games. I stopped at a game that involved tossing a softball into a bushel basket. Somehow, I had a toss that was a winner. I won so many Teddy Bears that I was banished from the games for the rest of the fair.
- Bill Freuler, Littleton
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On opening day of the State Fair in 1989 I met the man I would marry a year and a half later. We were both cloggers and met at the Folk Festival. We have been married 16 years and now take our 3 sons to the Folk Festival to perform bluegrass music. It's like a family reunion, seeing the Folk Festival superintendent, since she's watched us grow up. I was on her clogging team when I was 12! So...the State Fair has always been special to me and my husband.
- Karen Hagwood, Durham
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I grew up in Cary and never missed the state fair. Before they paved the roads through the fair ground it was just dirt and you could always count on some rainy fair days. We walked through mud and puddles. I loved the mid-way, the Himalayan which played all the lasted tunes in the sixties. The smells are the same in all areas. The food and the animals. I still go each year and see it all. Best memories are of the Methodist Church booth ham biscuits and even though I hate it, my husband makes us go for the weigh in on that scale every year. I love the fair now for all the agriculture, exhibits, and still the food.
- Vicki Thompson, Raleigh
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I have been going to the NC State Fair off and on for 25 years. Needless to say the crowd has gotten bigger and the food and rides has gotten larger. One of my favorite memories is the 2006 House Autry Mills taste test I did along with Mark Roberts from the WRAL Trafficology Dept. My wife Cissie and I enjoyed the food that we tasted and seeing Mark's reaction to the crowd of folks there. We took in the fireworks display and had great time. The Tractor Pull was also a highlight for us too.
- Keith Chestnut, Kenly
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My most memorable (but not necessarily favorite) state fair was 18 years ago when our youngest daughter was 5 years old. Her birthday is October 21, so it was always special to go to the fair on or around her birthday. That particular year, it happened to be on her birthday. She and her dad got separated from her older sister and me, and this was in the days before cell phones, so for over 2 hours, we looked for them and had their names announced over the speakers, to no avail. It turned out that when they couldn't find us they decided to go to the concert, so they couldn't hear the announcement of their name. So I remember that particular fair because my daughter and husband were "lost", but my daughter remembers it because on her 5th birthday, she was walking around the fair and found a $5.00 bill!
- Beth Snyder, Raleigh
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My favorite memory of the State Fair was winning a beautiful black and white horse last year! I have wanted a horse for about thirty years but never could afford one. On Oct. 22, 2006 I spent my last fifteen dollars on buying raffle tickets being sold by Jeff Harris for the 4-H program. It was such an awesome feeling when I heard my name being called out for the drawing. The filly's name is Shakota and she is about 19 months old. I go to the barn everyday to be greeted by a sweet nicker! I'll never forget when I called my husband to tell him that I just won a horse. He thought I won a stuffed horse. His expression was priceless when I handed him the papers showing that I was the winner! Shakota has brought much joy and happiness to my family. She is so gentle and loves to be around people. Thank you NC State fair for making a girl's dream come true!
- Michelle Poole, Raleigh
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I just wanted to tell you that this coming Tuesday will be the first time my husband and I will be going to the fair. I just retired this past July from Wake County Public Schools Child Nutrition, and my first real enjoyment from retiring, is, Tuesday will be Seniors Day, and my husband and I are going to take advantage of it, and go to the State Fair, lol I always had to work, and never wanted to tackle so many people going on the weekend, so when the Fair was mentioned, I told my husband, wow, we can go this year because I don’t have to work, lol. This will be a special time for us. Thanks for letting me share that.
- Liz Gentry, Wendell
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I have had so much fun at the fair. I love the rides that they have chosen to put up. Also the food is good too.
- Yasmin, Raleigh
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The last time I went to the fair was on a date in 1977. I married the man, however, it ended in divorce later. I remember having the fair food back then wasn't much (corn dogs, fries, and cotton candy/candied apples). I remember riding the typical rides, swings Ferris wheel and the spin ride I bet there are more rides now. I am going back on Saturday to see how much it has changed for my 30 year reunion with the fair. Hope to see you there and have safe fun.
- Leslee Spivey, Sanford
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Well, I and my grown brother went to the fair on the last day 2007, we got on the Farris wheel. When we got high up in the sky he said when we get back down we need to ask to get off, LOL he was so scared he prayed the whole ride LOL.
- Deborah Evans, Raleigh
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A few years ago, my husband Howard grew bananas trees and he had one stalk of bananas. We carried a tree and the stalk of bananas to the state fair and fair-goers were saying, oh, look at the bananas, which should be grown in a warm climate like Florida.
- Barbara Stewart, Benson
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I was born in 1965 and my parents started taking me to the fair ever since I was a baby. My earliest memories always involved the preparation before the fair. We live in Roanoke Rapids, NC, which is an hour and half drive from Raleigh. To my dad, the fair was a major event every year. All year our car was dusty and dirty, but when the fair came around my dad frantically began tuning up, changing oil and washing and vacuuming our beloved 1964 Plymouth Fury. My mom spent days preparing food for our trip. She made chicken salad sandwiches and cakes and cookies and ham biscuits. We would get up at 5am on Saturday morning and head to the fair, along with thousands of other fairgoers. At lunchtime, we would get our hands stamped and head out to the car for a nice picnic lunch in the field beside the fair.
Once when I was about 4 year's old I was riding the paddleboats with my brother when we hit a shallow part of the pond, I started to scream, and one of the nice men pulled us back with a long hook. I used to love the paddle boats, but they are gone now.
Another time in 1983, my grandmother, who was around 90 at the time, insisted on riding the double Ferris wheel. I finally agreed to go with her. Once we reached the little basket, the kind attendant stopped the whole Ferris wheel and helped my 90-year-old grandmother get seated. Off we went for the ride of our lives! When we reached the top my grandmother held my hand and told me stories of all the times she had ridden the double Ferris wheel. She said that none of her brothers or sisters would ride because they were afraid. She leaned over and smiled, "See I'm not afraid of anything, pretty tough for an old lady" she said.
One time when I was around 13 I won a goldfish by pitching ping pong balls into bowls. I clutched that plastic bag around like I had won $500! On the ride home the bag started leaking and my poor fish was gagging for air. The only thing we had in the car was a plastic cup of watered down coke. We plunked the poor fish in the cup and prayed for the best. Luckily my fish survived and lived for another 7 years and grew to a huge size. My dad jokingly said that "Coke adds life!"
My grandmother passed away years ago, but mom and dad still make the yearly trip, always on the first Saturday of the fair. I have been going faithfully every year since 1966 and always have a wonderful time. The fair seems to get better every year.
- Charles Hockaday, Roanoke Rapids
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Well my wife and I didn't have a lot of money when we got married, so we went to the court house and got married in the small claims court room, then I took my in-laws, my folks to the state fair for our honeymoon. Every year we go and walk and talk, and visit all the booths we did when we were first married, and now we can share them with our kids. This year it will be 13 years married on the 21st.
- John Casner, Cary
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My whole family grew up in Wake Co. so we have always been to the fair every year. I especially enjoyed the year when my oldest son who was about 4yr (he's 8yr now) saw the old school house for the first time. We went inside and he was amazed that it was so small. Upon looking further, he noticed a picture on the wall. "Wow, mom! Am I going to still be in school when I'm that old?" That was my exact thoughts when my mother took me to see the school house. But what was even more precious, was that my son got to see a picture of his great-grandmother at the fair. You see, my grandmother and great-aunt are two of the people in the picture who actually attended that one room schoolhouse. Now every year we have to make a stop at the schoolhouse to remind ourselves exactly where we came from and how much times have changed.
- Tara, Wendell
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I am 26 years old and I have been going to the fair since I was about five years old. I will have to say that I can't remember a year that it didn't rain. This is what we have needed all year... The fair. The rain never bothers too many people but it may be the main attraction of the 2007 State Fair. I can remember the first time I went on the Zipper. It had been broken almost all day but I just had to ride. My mom tried to talk me out of it but she failed and what do you know, but it broke again while I was on it. They fixed it and got us all off but that is my most memorable moment.
- Steve, Raleigh
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The first time I ever went to the State Fair was 1981. I was so excited and had never been to the fair. The day we went it was raining but that didn't dampen my spirits. No, I was amidst a wonderful place surrounded by sights, sounds, and wonderful smells.
What I remember most was walking around, looking at all the rides and being so young, I wanted to go on everything I could.
The most memorable ride I went on was the Himalaya. My mother and I climbed in, the metal bar clamped down and off we went. It wasn't so bad until it slowed down. Well, I stood up, and it started moving backwards. I'll never forget that.
When it came time to leave, I was sad but knew I would be going back the next year.
- Bill, Raleigh
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I am 30, and have been to the Fair every year since I was born (you can confirm this with my mother). When I was about 10 years old, my great-grandmother took me to the fair. It was a very cold morning, and she was very happy to get a ham biscuit and coffee. After our breakfast, it was time to hit the rides. Usually, I would bring a friend with me to the fair, but that year it was just the two of us. Somehow, I coaxed my great-grandmother onto the Scrambler, a ride that turns you in all directions. As the ride got faster and faster, I was squealing with delight. However, my great-grandmother was not--she was hanging on for dear life! When the ride finally stopped and we got off, she told me she wasn't scared of the ride--she was just afraid her wig and shoes were going to fly off!
My great-grandmother is now 94 and cannot go to the fair; but every year, I try to stop by her house after the fair with a ham biscuit for her.
- Emily Lucas, Wake Forest
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My wife always tries to get me to go on rides with her at the fair. Normally, I refuse to go on any rides, but this year ('05), I gave in and decided to go on the "Mega Drop" with her. I decided to turn on my video camera (I always have it on me) to capture the moment. I like how the video shows me being a complete chicken, while my wife is the brave one. Every time I watch it, I can feel the suspense as we wait for the ride to start.
Here's a link to the video:
http://chrisdanielvideos.com/2005/10/17/mega-dropped/
Now, I will only go on rides if I can take along my video camera!
- Chris Daniel, Holly Springs
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When my youngest son was about 3 or 4 years old, our family went to the State Fair. My husband and I had purchased those little wrists harness to attach from parent to child to keep up with both of our sons. We wanted to stay at the fair long enough to see the fireworks. I, the mother, had been very busy keeping up with youngest son that day. While we were waiting for fireworks display, I had to go to restroom, so I detached my son's harness and gave him to his father. When I cam back from the restroom, I went back where my family was located and did not see my youngest son. Apparently he had slipped away. We found him just yards away from where we had been standing. He was soaking wet. He had jumped in the water fountain that used to be near where the restrooms are located! That was really memorable.
- LaVerne Cook, Lucama
