How many sit-ups does it take to burn off a 9-inch cream pie?
I would be willing to walk it off, if that’s more effective. But either way, I need a plan of attack. You see, at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, I can be found face down in a cream pie at the intersection of Meridian and Meeker.
It’s not like this is a diet gone extremely bad. It’s Meeker Days and everyone knows that the downtown Puyallup street fair, the largest in Pierce County, is a time to cut loose and have a little fun.
Not everyone’s idea of fun is wearing a garbage bag, having their hands tied behind their back and plowing through baked goods. But it is an opportunity I can’t resist — sweets and public humiliation — all for the honor of being able to say I can stuff more pie into my mouth in two minutes than the rest of the contestants.
Armed with cameras, my parents and my husband will be there to offer me encouragement — and a change of clothing. It’s not every day they get to see me make a fool of myself in public; I usually do that in the privacy of my own home. I’m sure some of The Herald’s reporters will also be around to make fun of their fearless leader. You don’t have to participate, but come check out the action. I promise not to take it personally if you cheer on my competition.
Perhaps you would prefer a cleaner method of eating. Not a problem. Meeker Days will have two food courts where visitors can try gyros, chocolate dipped-fruit and barbecue. Go ahead, mix-and-match your meal, no one will mind. That’s what the festival is about.
Once you are well nourished, take a stroll through the vendor-filled streets. There you can find doggie beds, bird houses, flower bouquets, embroidery, cartoon portraits and jewelry, to name a few of the items.
As much as I love the wide variety of food and the 200-plus vendors, that’s not what brings me back year after year. There’s a buzz to Meeker Days.
Adults giggle as they dodge children darting from one place to the next. Children crowd the KidZone, filled with inflatable toys. At the Main Stage, rockers catch acts like the Deluxe Reverbs and the AdVentures with Nokie Edwards. Car buffs can check out the Buicks and Pontiacs, and the antique tractors if they are really adventurous.
And you run into friends you haven’t seen since last year’s Meeker Days.
For me, though, the best part is planting myself in the middle of Pioneer Park to watch the kids dance. I love watching the faces of parents as their children climb the steps, ready to dazzle the crowd. Some of the kids may be a little nervous but most are simply ready to strut their stuff, young enough to be carefree. After my pie eating contest experience, this is where you can find me.
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