It’s been a challenge for me to get my caricature business in order for this year’s state fair. Upfront costs seem to have escalated and finding an assistant to work beside me hasn’t been all that easy. My niece, who helped me for the entire 12 days last year, found a job this summer and informed me a few months ago she would not be available to help me for the 2014 fair.

 

When my dad was caricaturing all those 30+ years, I cannot recall a time when he had  any difficulty rounding up a son or daughter or grandchild to be his assistant. It’s good pay and the actual job task is quite simple. The hard part is finding something to do during the slow times.

 

It’s funny but I sent out messages to all my brothers and sisters this year who have older teenage kids, but not one of the youngsters volunteered to help out.

I guess kids and teens are just too busy for this kind of thing even though the pay is pretty good.

 

Oh well, it’s probably for the better. As a matter of fact, I’ve started entertaining the idea of this year’s fair as being my last. Like I said, the upfront costs, the long hours and the headaches leading up to the grand event far outweigh the rewards financially.

 

Every year since I took over the spot on Carnes Ave. for my dad when he retired I’ve had to dedicate my hard-earned vacation time from my place of employment to work the two weeks of the fair. That means that every job I’ve had since around the mid-90s, I’ve dedicated all my vacation hours to the 12-day extravaganza of the Minnesota State Fair.

 

The last “real vacation” I took was for our honeymoon back in 1992. Ugh!

 

The thought of alleviating the responsibility associated with the fair brings me some peace and satisfaction, yet a little heartache.

 

Ever since I was in my early teens, the state fair has been an important part of my entire family’s history due to my dad working there and now me taking over. It’s been a centrally-located spot my family congregates to check on how I’m doing, bring me some food or drink and to catch up on any news. They also use the spot to run into old friends and drop off packages, umbrellas and jackets.

 

So letting go of the fair and everything associated with it will not be an easy thing to do.

 

Makes me wonder what my dad would think as I ponder this monumental decision. (Dad passed away two years ago at the age of 87).

 

If the caricature booth isn’t at the spot come 2015, how will going to the fair affect my family’s participation and enjoyment? Will they comprehend my decision or will seeing an empty spot on the boulevard or (gasp) another booth in the spot bring them despair?

 

Will my family be disappointed I gave up on this part of my dad’s legacy?

 

Hopefully this decision (if I decide to do so) will be accepted and I can escape the impediment this side business has had on me for the last few years.

 

Hopefully it will also give me the chance to take an actual vacation and travel somewhere with my wife who so deserves a “real” vacation too.

 

 And I’m hoping if I decide to leave, the state fair remains the great family get together it has been for the entire Morgan clan.

 

Hopefully my dad in heaven and family members here on earth will understand.