Stormin' into Motincello

July 24th, we were headed to Monticello, IA. We knew there was a storm brewing, so we kept an eye to the weather radar. Dad, Josh and I were trying to make it to the Jones Co. Fair to see the Steve Miller Band. Dad was running behind as he had a few things to do before he could get to the fair. Josh made a call to the fair and asked what they did when the weather got bad, they said they never have cancelled a concert. SO with all the technology, we see that the storm would hit Monticello at about the start of the concert, so we were guessing they would delay it for a bit. This was good news to dad as he could get all his chores done.

So we headed up to the fair and Josh and I hit the storm. The clouds were crazy and fun to watch, the wind was strong, then came the rains. Trying to drive in all that water was not fun, but we made it to the fairgrounds at the same time as dad. It was about 8:30.

We got into the fair, with the fair admission you can see the concert for free here too, but the rides were not free. Over the PA system they annouce that the concert will go on, but there will be a delay. They were aiming for about 10pm. There was a lot of water on the track where the stage was. They had to take care of that.

SO in the mean time dad was able to grab some delicious fair food for supper and we scored some kettle corn. We were thinking ahead and brought a trusty blue tarp and a blanket to sit on the hillside (why we didn't bring our collapsable chairs, I don't know) We were able to find a spot to sit with no problems. However it was funny, there were many blankets and such that had been staked to the hillside all afternoon, and they were soaked, wonder where those peeps will sit?


We sat and waited for the concert to start. The people watching was fun, as well as the process on the track. A few loads of wood chips had been dropped off to be scattered on the mud and puddles that were on the track. There were gators and skidloaders working like crazy to get things in order.


At about 10:30 the show began! Steve Miller and his gigantic band really know how to put on a show. There were many songs I didn't know, but many I did now. There was even one band member who knew how to shake his groove thing.


The concert ended with a spectaculer fireworks display at about 12 midnight. At this time the sky had cleared up at the stars were shining. It was another cool July evening. We parted ways with dad as he went up to Guttenberg and we headed home. WE can't wait to see who will be playing next year.