Goin' tuh the fair; Goin' tuh the fair; Goin' tuh the nothwest mishy-gun fair!

That jingle has been being used as long as I can recall, maybe since I moved here in 1975. It is just as annoying now as it was then, and it does not improve with age. I don't know anyone who looks forward to hearing it every summer.

I have a solution! With all the musical talent in the area, SOMEONE has GOT to be able to write a new jingle that would better serve the fair. I propose a contest: Write and perform a theme song for the fair; post it here and let's do some online voting. I think it might be appropriate to use a banjo, and make it a country-type theme, in keeping with the spirit of the fair. Beyond that, let's not limit the artists. Let the creativity begin...what do you think?

Respectfully submitted,
Dean Bull
Traverse City

3 Comments

Comment by Salon Verve Organic Salon & Retailer on August 14, 2009 at 11:57am: Excellent idea!

Comment by Cherry Blossom Ma on November 5, 2009 at 7:15pm: Seems like this arrived about ten or so years later than that. I have thought the “girl” was his youngest son, so that would be about right – but I could be wrong.

Well... Wayne is the epitome of all things NW Michigan Fair!!! A 4-H icon, long time auctioneer and spokesperson for the fair and so on. For those reasons and others, I have enjoyed, sung, repeated and looked forward to hearing/seeing it each August.

It may be that 4H had a large bearing on my youth and that I associate him with that whole set of memories, in addition to many more with some of his kids. You and your great girls have also had some bearing on my late teens and early adulthood, for which I am grateful. I very much respect you Dean, but will continue to enjoy this hokey little commercial as long as it plays. I honestly would be disappointed if it were to be replaced.

You are certainly right that Northern Michigan has a lot of great talent!

Comment by Dean Bull on November 10, 2009 at 10:19am: Thank you, CBM! I love responsible, thoughtful comments. It has been said three people can agree on everything as long as two of them are dead...or one of them has a gun! You hear memories, I hear fingernails on a blackboard. I just may hear the song differently next year, haveing read your dissenting opinion. The fact that I have not had many comments might mean it is a non-issue to almost all of us. That is OK too. Take care.
--Dean