08/26/2026
A little late, but one of the most important shout outs that need to be made post fair season.
This little group right here, they’ve made building my little business, finding my voice, footings, and success in this industry possible.
I met Tina (& her husband Chris, who has now left us to fend for ourselves 😂) my first year in business. Owner of The Hungry Draft Food Trailer and The Thirsty Draft Soda Saloon - Tina is as fierce and honest as they come. Extremely similar to myself with moral and ethical standards in business, which is less common than you think into today’s world. Tina and I quickly became friends, sharing chicken sandwich’s and açaí bowls in the chaos of the last 5 years. We have bounced business ideas off each other, supported personal endeavors, and laughed way too hard in the depths of this chaotic industry! Have an electrical issue? Generator acting up? The whole fair loses power? Chris VERY happily to the rescue! I learned so much about this industry through their leadership and frankly without them, I’m not sure I’d have stayed the course. Best friends in and out of business, Tina is one of a kind and although we had daily talks about long days/nights at the fairs, we both have bittersweet feelings about them being over.
And Steve, where do we even start?! The manager of all things food at the McLeod county fair, friend, and jokester - Steve came up to the truck the last day of the fair my first year there, telling me he had a complaint to talk to me about. Little did he know I was quite literally at the end of my rope and started crying instantly. Low and behold, he was actually at my window to tell me that Adventure Bowls had won New Food Vendor of the year and handed me a big, beautiful purple ribbon (that’s still hanging in my office four years later). Steve isn’t a normal fair board member, he cares. About protecting his vendors, only choosing quality vendors, and getting to know them for who they are. Over the years Steve has poured into my business, encouraging my leadership and applauding my gift of mentoring young women. He puts on an incredible fair, but is one of the best humans you’ll ever meet.
Both Tina and I announced the sale of our brands this year and Steve couldn’t send a group text fast enough….
No matter what happens, or where this industry goes, I know these two friendships will last a lifetime and cheer me on in any of the many crazy ventures in my future.
Thanks another wild season, friends!
