Ohio State Fair - 2008

Category: Mad Ramblings |

So where’s the Rev been, you ask? It’s been a bit silent in the ole’ Rim lately. Well. . .yes. The work of the wicked is never done, is it? hehe.

Friday night, most of the family & I attended this year’s Ohio State Fair - which never mind the rides and fair food, I’m happy to say it also had a full blown sideshow attraction (World of Wonders) prominently placed and in full regalia. W00H00!

The talented, sword-swallowing lass on the right (who’s name I never did catch) is joined by reputedly one of the few remaining original Oompa-Loompa’s from “Willy Wonka”. His stage name is Poohbah but in reality I believe he goes by Tim Turhune.

Inside the tent, for a mere 3 dollars, I was treated to sword walking midgets, 100 lb. pythons, women being electrocuted, two headed mummies, women being sliced/diced on stage, and the mysterious antics of one Dr. Frankenstein - among MANY other acts. NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT, MY FRIENDS!!

Seriously, it was amazing to see the old sideshow traditions being humbly kept alive and to me, at an incredibly reasonable price. I watched the entire 30 min. loop, plus paid to see the “Spider Woman”, the “Snake Woman” and the “World’s Smallest Woman” (notice a theme here?) - all at just an additional dollar each.

So yeah, my kids abandoned me about 10 minutes into the show to go ride some rides - that generation doesn’t necessarily appreciate this level of lowbrow fun. But to me, I hope this troupe keeps touring for years to come, with increasingly disturbing illusions & tricks to display.

After all, that’s what fair’s are all about, aren’t they?