Save your lunch

By Shane Goodman shane@dmcityview.com

Fashion and fair. Rarely will you find those two words used in an ordinary sentence. But you are not reading an ordinary publication. This is Cityview, and we are glad to once again bring you our twisted perspective in the Fair Fashion guide.

You won't find Versace, Armani or Manolo Blahnik at the Iowa State Fair. But of course, you know that. What you will find are Wranglers so tight you can see veins and tank tops so loose you can see everything else. It's not pretty, but it is entertaining.

Like you, we truly enjoy the state fair. But we like to provide an alternative perspective, an honest view that only we seem to have the courage to show. We have been sometimes criticized here at the paper for creating laughs at the expense of others. And, in this issue, we are guilty as charged. Having said that, we continue to be amazed by the number of fairgoers who ask to have their photos taken. But who can blame them? These folks aren't exactly being hounded by the paparazzi or having their mugs published each month with Cynthia Eisenhower in DSM magazine. They like being in this issue of Cityview, and we like it, too.

Let's face it, we all know the parking sucks, the stench of manure permeates the air, and most of us would rather not be solicited by carnies. But who won't take a second look at a lime-green cowboy boots, braided ear hair or assless chaps? And unlike the crowded aisles of Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon, you can easily step back from the view for a good stare without offending anyone.

If you have been to the fair, you completely understand. But if you are not one of the million people who attend, sit back, relax and enjoy the view through the eyes of our photographers. Just save your lunch for another time.

Hello Herb

We welcome a guest column this week from Herb Strentz, a retired administrator and professor in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Strentz shares one of our passions, which is to ensure that public meetings and records remain accessible to all Iowans. He was named to the national "Open Government Hall of Fame" for his efforts. He is also the only person we know of to receive both the Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa Newspaper Association and Hall of Fame recognition from the Iowa Broadcasters Association. We appreciate his work, and we know you will, too.

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