# DFW Dopers - State Fair Time! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 24, 2001, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569 "2001-09-24T22:37:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/41 "2001-10-11T17:54:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grace \* > \*\*El Arroyo, the Ditch to the dopers, is very casual. It’s a casual mexican restaurant. Good food and not too pricey. It’s practically the official restaurant of the DFW Dopers since we’ve met there three or four times. > \*\* It’s a apparently known as “The Ditch” to more than Dopers, I did a search and found their website at [http://www.ditch.com](http://www.ditch.com) Not sure if I’m scared by that or not. :eek: \*\* > [@](#): > > Chef Jr. should be in attendance, but Cheffie hasn’t been in here to confirm that they’re coming. I’ll email him to verify. I could call him if he ever turned on his mobile phone. ☹ > \*\* That would be nice, do we know of anyone else? \*\* > [@](#): > > BTW, it was very nice meeting you and your family last night. I’m sorry I was so late getting there. \*\* It was nice to meet you as well, don’t worry about being late, we’re pretty informal. [sub] well **I** am, my wife is horribly anal about being places “on time” whatever that means.[/sub]🙂 Steven ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/42 "2001-10-11T18:05:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chickenhead \* > \*\*The NC State Fair is great fun for the whole family, too. > > [sub]If you don’t mind getting raped in the port-a-johns. It was somewhat of a fad last year.[/sub] \*\* :eek: How would someone get away with raping someone in a port-a-john? Any struggling/screaming would be immediately noticed, and there are tons of people not very far away, se even after the act they would either have to leave her unconsious or dead so she couldn’t get immediate help becore they could get away. This boggles me.😕 Steven ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecccb3/32.png) [@Lord\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/43 "2001-10-11T18:23:58Z")
“The Ditch” is fine with me to meet and noon works too. I have a slight posibility of not making it, but I think I can get around it. Mtgman, to relieve any fears of The Ditch, you can take a look at [pictures](http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1313699&a=9755293) of our gathering there after last year’s fair. [sup]This may increase rather than relieve.[/sup] Grace, darlin’, you’re doing a wonderful job of taking charge. I’d never ignore you. Jim ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/44 "2001-10-11T18:26:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mtgman \* > \*\*It’s a apparently known as “The Ditch” to more than Dopers, I did a search and found their website at [http://www.ditch.com](http://www.ditch.com) > Not sure if I’m scared by that or not. :eek: > \*\* OMG! You just discovered the answer to the [really bad Elvis portrait](http://www.ditch.com/meetour.htm) on the wall. We thought it was a cross between Elvis and Schneider (from _One Day At a Time_). ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/45 "2001-10-11T19:27:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grace \* > \*\*OMG! You just discovered the answer to the [really bad Elvis portrait](http://www.ditch.com/meetour.htm) on the wall. We thought it was a cross between Elvis and Schneider (from _One Day At a Time_). \*\* Hmm, sometimes ignorance really is bliss.[sub] can you say that on the Straight Dope?[/sub] Yeow! I bet there is a story there, maybe we can ask on Sunday. The original is in Austin, I bet the crew down there has some stories to tell. The meeting time and the dinner spot are fine with me, now where are we going to meet AT the fair. It’s a big place. maps can be found at [http://www.bigtex.com/info/maps.htm](http://www.bigtex.com/info/maps.htm) with a detailed map(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) at [http://www.bigtex.com/img/fairmap.pdf](http://www.bigtex.com/img/fairmap.pdf) Steven ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/46 "2001-10-11T20:56:00Z")
I’m just bumping. **BUMP** Steven ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/47 "2001-10-11T21:02:54Z")
I usta (lue’s word) work two blocks from the original El Arroyo. The best part of working (too close to) downtown was driving by and seeing what new sayings they had on the board. If you follow the link Mtgman put up, you’ll see the sign. As far as where we’ll meet… I’ve only been to the fair one time. I ate a corny dog, had a Mug O’Wine, and I rode the ferris wheel. I don’t think that qualifies me as an authority for picking the meeting spot. ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/48 "2001-10-11T21:32:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grace \* > **I usta (lue’s word) work two blocks from the original El Arroyo. The best part of working (too close to) downtown was driving by and seeing what new sayings they had on the board. If you follow the link Mtgman put up, you’ll see the sign.** That sign does look pretty funny. They even have a web interface where you can suggest new things for them to put up on their sign. \*\* > [@](#): > > I’ve only been to the fair one time. I ate a corny dog, had a Mug O’Wine, and I rode the ferris wheel. I don’t think that qualifies me as an authority for picking the meeting spot. \*\* [Whiny Voice]But Grace…[/Whiny Voice] Somebody has to do it, I don’t think it should be me because, quite frankly, I’ve never met any of you, except Grace, and think that would be a little forward of me to presume to pick the meeting spot. If I were to suggest some place, I’d suggest by the feet of Big Tex, kind of a good landmark. Steven ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/49 "2001-10-11T21:43:43Z")
Big Tex sounds like a reasonably good place to meet; however, we need to plan on a certain flexibility of meeting time (i.e. one or the other of us is going to be waiting) does anyone know if this is an ok spot to be stuck for 15 to 30 minutes? And Grace honey, you’re doing a wunnerful job! BTW Mtgman - we’re easy to spot. We are the oddest assortment of people in one group that you’ll see at the fair; and probably the loudest. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecccb3/32.png) [@Lord\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/50 "2001-10-11T21:50:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mtgman \* > [Whiny Voice]But Grace…[/Whiny Voice] Somebody has to do it, I don’t think it should be me because, quite frankly, I’ve never met any of you, except Grace, and think that would be a little forward of me to presume to pick the meeting spot. If I were to suggest some place, I’d suggest by the feet of Big Tex, kind of a good landmark. EXCUSE ME?? Be as forward as you feel like. This group has no heirachy, ours leaders appoint themselves. You have as much to say about things as anyone. BTW, Big Tex seems like a good place to meet. Jim ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/51 "2001-10-11T21:51:44Z")
We’re definitely loud. I’m particularly loud. In fact, I believe I just edged out Zyada in the Most Piercing Laugh contest. I think she and I could take the top 2 spots in national MPL contest. ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/52 "2001-10-11T21:51:47Z")
Chef Jr. and I will definitely be there. We may possibly even be able to score my grandfather’s VIP parking pass, which not only confers the right to park on the fairgrounds but also (obviously) gets the whole carload of people in for free. He said he didn’t know if he could get it in time for Sunday but he would try. As for a meeting place, Big Tex is an obvious spot. Another is the entrance to the line for the Texas Star (that great big ferris wheel). Either landmark can be seen from some distance away; the Texas Star also has the advantage of being right next to the kiddie rides, which may improve its meetability factor for **Mtgman**. Meeting at El Arroyo and carpooling sounds sensible - it worked pretty well last time. Oh, and **Grace,** honey? I’m sorry I haven’t had my cell phone on lately. I usually have it on only when I’m away from a landline, but I’ll start leaving it on just for you. _wink_ I must say that you suddenly being all butch and take-charge and stuff is quite a turn-on. Grrrrowl. ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/53 "2001-10-11T22:01:01Z")
Now we’re getting somewhere. Yippee! Cheffie, my butch attitude goes with my new haircut. I think I’ve got a modified mullet action going. At least a girlie version of one…with a flip. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/54 "2001-10-11T22:34:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zyada \* > \*\*Big Tex sounds like a reasonably good place to meet; however, we need to plan on a certain flexibility of meeting time (i.e. one or the other of us is going to be waiting) does anyone know if this is an ok spot to be stuck for 15 to 30 minutes? > \*\* It is indeed a “good spot” to be stuck. According to this map [http://www.bigtex.com/img/fairmap.pdf](http://www.bigtex.com/img/fairmap.pdf) there is a stage, actually the Big Tex Circle, right there where there is entertainment(I remember stage magicians, but that was a few years ago) and you can throw a stone and hit a ticket booth, information booth, restroom, phones and, most importantly, the food pavilion(or if we’re feeling froggy, the Old Mill Resteraunt) 😉 The parade route runs right in front of it as do the trams if we decide to catch a ride to a far away activity. About a hundred, maybe two hundred yards down from Big Tex is the Midway with all the games and rides. As for flexibility of meeting times, how many of us have cell phones? Anyone who shows up at the appointed time and doesn’t find anyone else there can just wander around if they have a cell phone. We should put together a list of everyone’s phone numbers if we want to do something like this. Even if you don’t have a phone yourself, there is a pay phone near Big Tex and you can call any of us(us being people with cell phones) who are running extremely late or have wandered off. I don’t think I’ll have a problem recognizing anyone now that I’ve seen the pics that JimB posted. [sub]now working up the nerve to approach some of you if you’re doing anything like what you were doing in those pictures is something else 🙂 [/sub] Steven ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/55 "2001-10-11T22:47:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chef Troy \* > **Chef Jr. and I will definitely be there.** Why isn’t there a **Whew!** smilie? For a second there I thought my rugrats would be the only non-adults there. Since adults and children often have differing ideas of fun(one usually involving alcohol and the other usually involving sugar) it could have been awkward. \*\* > [@](#): > > As for a meeting place, Big Tex is an obvious spot. Another is the entrance to the line for the Texas Star (that great big ferris wheel). Either landmark can be seen from some distance away; the Texas Star also has the advantage of being right next to the kiddie rides, which may improve its meetability factor for _Mtgman_. > \*\* Really, we’re fine. That’s why we’re going early, so we can let the kids have a little fun before we meet up with you all. And I’m sure we’ll swing by the kidsway at some point again during the day. Steven ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecccb3/32.png) [@Lord\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Jim)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/56 "2001-10-11T23:23:23Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Mtgman_ > I don’t think I’ll have a problem recognizing anyone now that I’ve seen the pics that JimB posted. [sub]now working up the nerve to approach some of you if you’re doing anything like what you were doing in those pictures is something else[/sub] 🙂 You have to remember that those pictures only froze a few moments of what we were actually doing. [sup]I haven’t scared him off, have I? I hope not.[/sup] Jim ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2001, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/57 "2001-10-11T23:30:18Z")
Those pictures look like we’re a bunch of goofs. What am I saying? We are goofy, but we’re also really nice. That makes up for our weirdness. ---
**Author:** ![Hooteewho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/cc9497/32.png) [@Hooteewho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hooteewho)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2001, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/58 "2001-10-12T01:13:38Z")
Those pictures look like we’re a bunch of goofs. What am I saying? We are goofy, but we’re also really nice. That makes up for our weirdness. Speak for yourself, your butchness! Goofy does not run in my blood. Now if you want to talk blonde…we are in bizness! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2001, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/59 "2001-10-12T14:22:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Hooteewho \* > \*\*Now if you want to talk blonde…we are in bizness! 🙂 \*\* You aren’t still trying to convince people that you’re a natural blonde? You’re no more a natural blonde than I am. ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2001, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569/60 "2001-10-12T14:38:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grace \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Hooteewho \* > > \*\*Now if you want to talk blonde…we are in bizness! 🙂 \*\* > > You aren’t still trying to convince people that you’re a natural blonde? You’re no more a natural blonde than I am. \*\* Gee Grace, are you trying to say that the carpet doesn’t match the drapes? How did you discover this? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dfw-dopers-state-fair-time/83569.md?page=4)