The Great Minnesota Squeeze Together
Todd Swank's Diary Entry for September 2, 2024
On Thursday, we took a road trip through Iowa which always feels like home. There’s something about those endless fields and open skies that just makes the drive feel familiar and comforting. Even if it wasn't our final destination.
We made the trip to St. Joseph, Missouri, this week for a somber occasion—the burial of my step-mom, Grandma Joyce. It wasn’t the kind of gathering anyone looks forward to, but we found some comfort in knowing we’d be reconnecting with my sisters and Joyce’s family. In moments like these, being together is what matters most.
We were only in town for 24 hours, but we made the most of it with Tammy, David, Lindsay, plus Tracy & Dave. St. Joseph might not be the entertainment capital of the world, but when you’re with good company, you create your own fun. Besides, who needs a ton of options when you’ve got a local brew, a few laughs, and a table full of family?
Lori and Dave went above and beyond, driving 23 hours to bring Grandma Joyce to St. Joseph. It was great to see them. They didn’t come empty-handed either, hauling in a treasure trove of memorabilia from the lives of Joyce and my dad, Bob, for us all to reminisce and enjoy.
It's been 16 years since my dad passed, and now, he and Joyce are reunited here in St. Joseph, bound together in eternity. Life's journey may take us through many places, but in the end, it's love that guides us home. Now, they rest together, their love enduring beyond this world—a quiet testament to the bonds that truly last forever.
Tracy, Tammy, and I got there early, eager to see Dad’s headstone for the first time. We were feeling pretty good about our punctuality until the rest of the family rolled up 45 minutes later in a traditional funeral procession—while we were already parked front and center. Classic Swank move, right? We don’t mean to stand out; it just seems to be in our DNA. But hey, maybe that’s our way of keeping things interesting, even at a funeral. Life’s too short to be ordinary, after all.
Lori truly shined with her heartfelt eulogy for Grandma Joyce in California, and she brought that same grace to the ceremony at the burial. We all took turns swapping stories—some tear-jerkers, some laugh-inducers, and a few that were a little bit of both. It was a moment that reminded us that even in saying goodbye, there’s beauty in the memories we share and the joy in remembering a life well-lived. Sometimes, it's those shared laughs and tender moments that make you realize just how much someone meant to all of us. It wasn’t just a farewell; it was a celebration of everything Joyce brought into our lives.
At the burial, we each took turns with the shovel, lightening the moment with a touch of our family’s humor. Joyce had three son-in-laws named Dave, which never failed to amuse. Dave Mohar kept that spirit alive when he asked, “Should I do 2 scoops?” after his shovel load—a nod to my dad’s old demand for “3 scoops, Joyce!” when it came to ice cream. It was a moment that brought both tears and smiles, reminding us that even in goodbye, the best memories are often the ones that make us laugh.
The pastor pointed out that we had people from five different states at Joyce’s service—quite the testament to the impact she had. We didn’t get to spend much time together, but in that brief moment, we all shared something special. It’s not every day you get to gather from far and wide to celebrate a life well-lived, and it’s a reminder of how love and memories can bring people together, no matter the distance.
We went to the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday, and let me tell you, it was packed! It ended up being one of the largest crowds ever, with over 225,000 people squeezing into the fairgrounds, breaking yet another attendance record this year. Every year, I get excited about going to the fair, but once I’m there, reality hits—so does everyone else in Minnesota. Navigating through the attractions becomes a bit of a sardine experience, making it a little less enjoyable and a lot more cramped. But hey, it’s all part of the charm, right? The Great Minnesota Squeeze Together!
Luke joined Miss Sheri and me at the fair—not necessarily because he enjoys hanging out with us, but probably because he can’t resist the snacks. Corn on the cob, pronto pups, and, of course, Sweet Martha’s chocolate chip cookies, which he bought by the bucket. I’m pretty sure that bucket went straight into hiding once he got home, away from the prying hands of his roommates. The real trick isn't finding the best fair food—it's keeping it all to yourself afterward.
At the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, unique food offerings included "Cheesy Sriracha Funnel Cake Bites," "Churro Pretzel Sticks," and "Cloud Roll," a light, fluffy dessert filled with ice cream. But I decided to stick with a classic— the deep-fried Twinkie drizzled in strawberry sauce. Sure, it's a traditional indulgence, but given all the fair's culinary temptations, I might need to reconsider my fitness plans soon. After all, it's hard to outrun a diet that includes fried desserts on a stick!
While wandering through the fair, I had a run-in with Fairchild, the gopher mascot who’s been scurrying around the Minnesota State Fair since 1966. Named after the fair's founder, Col. Knute Fairchild, it’s ironic how this little rodent has burrowed its way into the hearts of Minnesotans. Who would've thought a gopher, of all things, would become a symbol of the state's biggest event? Yet here we are, celebrating him like he’s royalty—proof that even the lowliest critters can achieve greatness at the fair.
My son Avery’s gift-giving skills have definitely leveled up since Abby came into the picture. Thanks to their combined efforts, I was sporting this loon shirt and duck hat, fitting in almost too well with the local scene. It’s like they’ve turned me into the poster child for Minnesotan pride, one stylish piece at a time. Funny how a little fashion upgrade can make you feel like you belong, even if you’re just blending into the background!
The art building at the Minnesota State Fair is a showcase of just how far people will go to prove they’ve got creativity to burn. Whether it’s miniature villages or movie scenes crafted with obsessive detail, these displays are proof that imagination isn’t just for dreamers—it’s a way to flex those creative muscles and see what sticks. So, while I’m over here marveling at everyone else's handiwork, it’s a reminder that maybe we should all take a crack at creating something, even if it’s just to see what happens.
Oh, the Minnesota State Fair—you can always count on it to deliver something memorable. And this year, I stumbled upon what might be Bigfoot's lesser-known hobby: hunting deer. Who knew? Maybe the legendary creature has decided to come out of hiding to show off his skills. Or perhaps he's just tired of all the blurry photos and figured he'd up his game. Either way, if this is how he spends his downtime, I’d say Bigfoot’s having a way more interesting summer than the rest of us.
After five hours and five miles of navigating the crowded labyrinth that is the Minnesota State Fair, we decided it was time to call it a day. Our last stop was the DNR pond, where we admired the fish before heading out. As we made our exit, battered and weary, we couldn't help but wonder: how much "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" can one person endure? We'll probably be back next year—if only to test the limits of our stamina once again.
Joyride with Caitlin Clark
@toddswank Joyride with Caitlin Clark. #joyride #caitlinclark ♬ JOYRIDE - Kesha
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