The other night, Kathy and I went to the Ionia Free Fair. It was a typical fair event. We ate food that we would not normally eat, walked around for about two hours and then left.

When I was a kid, we would go to the fair every night after supper. I went my way and my parents went their way and we would always meet at the grand stands for the fire works.

The fair has changed a lot over the years. And while I realize that my perception of the fair has changed with age, I think that it is only a 1/10 of what it used to be.

In the old days, a double ferris wheel greeted you at the entrance. Like a glowing neon sign it said “welcome!” “come on in!” “we are having fun here!” Even if you were just passing by on the road, you knew that something was happening.

And right next to the ferris wheel was farm equipment; tons of farm equipment. Tractors, combines, manure spreaders, you name it, it was on display.

Well, the ferris wheel has been replaced with portable boutiques selling clothing and assorted junk. And the farm equipment has been replaced with hot tubs.

The Merchants building used to be a place that was packed with vendors of all sorts of needed stuff. And there was always a music store selling organs that practically played by themselves. And lets not forget the juice machines that turned vegetables into strawberry milk shakes, yours for $49.95. And the summer sausage and cheese merchant who gave out free samples. The Merchant building now looks more like a flea market.
The Floral Building used to look like a county park, compete with grass and pine trees and a working drinking fountain. And, in keeping with its name, it had floral arrangements on display. But the park look is long gone and what used to be floral arrangements has been replace with a square yard of sod with dolls playing in the grass. And people win ribbons for such displays.

But, there is one thing that remains the same about the fair and that is pregnant woman waddling down the midway.

Every year for as long as I can remember, there have been pregnant women at the fair. And we are not just talking pregnant, we’re talking ready to pop. It is almost like they were on their way to the hospital when they got this craving for a corn dog and an elephant ear.

Out in the hot sun, and due any minute, they can’t be comfortable. Yet, there they are, just a waddling away, and rubbing their belly as they go.

Maybe the father of the child has split and they are out looking for a husband. “Hey, look at me, I’m a package deal. Two for the price of one.” After all, it pays to advertise.

Well, anyway, at least some things stay the same.