The Calm Before......

It's 5:00am, the grounds are quiet, the air cool, yet heavy with a moist warmth that hints of the heat to come. Soon they will begin arrive, the workers to take the tickets, fix the food, hawk the merchandise, and move the people around the grounds, the exhibitors, proud to show off their machines. And behind them come the visitors, slowly at first, then a quickening stream that foretells the numbers to come as the show moves along. Everyone feels the sense of anticipation, will the weather be in our favor, will the old machinery cooperate when needed, will the people come?

Soon all these questions and more will be answered, and too soon there will be only memories of the experience. But at this time in the gathering dawn, all things are possible.