As a child, Ferris wheels and candied apples at the Palo Alto County Fair, in Iowa left me with anticipation as much as Christmas. I had the opportunity to perform as an Irish Lassie dancer at the Iowa State Fair for an entire week! That was probably the last time I rode a Ferris wheel.

Week long stays at state fairs burnt this cowgirl out! From dancing in the heat in 1977, to walking cattle in the mud in 1997, I wonder how people can make a living at the fair? What seemed exciting as a child became drudgery for this "carny" mom.