Carnival

Each year the first week of August, the Middlesex County Fair arrives in town. There are rides, food and animals. The day before the fair, mama took me to see Dr. Manfredo for my two year check-up. The only good thing about this check up was the fact that I escaped alive and without having to be poked. Dr. Manfredo made it quick and painless, but not until after the nurse tortured me. She attempted to make me lay on the baby scale whereby I refused to sit still. Thank god my mother intervened and suggested that we try the big scale. Showing that nurse how big I was, I stepped right up on the scale to be told that I weighed 28 pounds exactly. Back in the doctor’s room she forced me to lay still, yeah right, to be measured head to toe and around my big head. I am now 35” tall.

This leads right into my story about the fair. The minute we pulled into the fair I saw the big ferris wheel and was so excited I couldn’t help but scream, “get out!” We walked around analyzing what rides I could go on and how many tickets we needed to purchase, twenty to be exact. I rode the motorcyles, boats, a train, and everything in between. Or at least I attempted to. Here’s the kicker, most of the rides require you to be 36” or taller; remember I’m only 35”. Did you know that Carnies actually invest in PVC pipe to create measuring sticks? According to this fancy device I am no where near the 36” threshold which prevented me from riding on some of the rides. I was clearly upset and if I had the wherewithal to tell that carnie exactly what I thought of his measuring device I would have told him to buy a real yard stick! My mother even attempted a white lie for me saying I was 36” inches. What difference would an inch make, seriously! Needless to say, I still enjoyed myself on the rides and visiting the animals in the barn. On the way out there was a fire truck just waiting for me to climb on in. I got to wear a fireman’s hat which was way too heavy for my big head! Sitting in the front and back of the truck I was able to explore what it would be like to head out on a call. As I was leaving the fairgrounds, I made sure the carnies heard me screaming that I would be back, an inch taller at least, so be prepared!