An Awesome Job
I have an awesome job…I really do. I spent most of my Monday planning for what was a week of craziness, so’s to speak. My good friend and Teddy Roosevelt reprisor (we’ll talk about the meaning in my TR article) Joe Weigand made a couple of appearances on a small stage in the Pride of Dakota area in the Magic Place at the North Dakota State Fair.
Meeting Roughrider 1
I took the opportunity of having Joe in town to arrange for him to meet the new Roughrider 1, Col George Chapman. The two had a great conversation. Joe has been the official mascot of the 91st Missile Wing for many years. As Teddy Roosevelt he has visited the 91st many times, and lately I have had the pleasure of tagging along. What a great experience.
On to the State Fair and Medora
The 91st Missile Wing visit was just the beginning. TR (Joe) and I were off to the ND State Fair and his second of 2 performances at the fair. Around Noon we were both headed to Medora. Joe was not on stage until the following morning when he hosted Brunch with The President. I, however, took the opportunity with my wife, Sue, to attend the Medora Musical and meet the second of 2 TR reprisors in Medora this summer, Kurt Skinnger.
Meeting Kurt Skinner
Once again, awesome would be the correct description for the Pitchfork Fondue, a quick meet and greet with Kurt at the Musical and then of course we attended the Medora Musical and it’s 250 Celebration performance. If you are reading this and haven’t been to the Medora Musical this year, I’ll excuse you to quickly call 1-800-Medora to book your tickets.
Brunch with the President
Joe Weigand took the stage on Thursday morning as Teddy Roosevelt. Sitting at the table with Sue and I was a grandmother, daughter in law and a young man who was 14 and his sister who was 13. They had driven to the Brunch event from Culbertson, Montana. As the brunch ended I had cause, as a newspaper reporter of course, to ask about their short vacation to Medora. Well, started the grandmother, I wanted my grandchildren to see the Medora Musical, the Teddy Roosevelt library and museum, the Enchanted Highway and…the young lady broke in and said “and I wanted to see Teddy Roosevelt. He’s my favorite President. All of 13, I thought, and she knows about Teddy Roosevelt.
Having attended a couple of Brunches With The President, I knew that Joe would entertain guests right outside the entrance to the venue where the performance took place. I escorted the young lady out to where Joe was talking with a family that had come from Virginia and quickly gave Joe a bit of a nod and eye shift to let him know that this young lady would be thrilled to talk with him.
A Moment with a Young Fan
Joe, and Kurt for that matter, have a love for kids. When the crowd cleared a bit Joe quickly made his way to his young guest. I just sat on a nearby bench and watched the master at work. “I understand that you came here to see Teddy Roosevelt” Joe started “did you like today’s show?” The young lady was now in a sharing mode. “I did…you know I did a report on you for my history class” she shared, and the conversation continued for at least 10 minutes.
It would have lasted longer, but TR, Joe, had an engagement with the Marketing Department at Medora. They were going to jump on one of the new Medora Trolleys and take a ride around Medora. Special Note: You have to try these when you get to Medora. Free transportation to all of the popular sites.
Photo courtesy of TR Foundation
It IS An Awesome Job
Nothing in my job as a Northern Sentry reporter is necessarily set in stone. There is a saying amongst reporters that goes something like this: “What am I, if I am not flexible? And being flexible can lead you the best stories.” I had no itinerary for last week. I just kind of took what was offered and met some really awesome people. A grandmother who wanted to help her granddaughter live out a dream. A new face to Medora that is enjoying his very hectic 6 days a week job. And I can I not talk about my friend Joe, who himself was flexible enough to make time to meet the Col Chapman. What I do for a job is an awesome experience. I hope it never stops.
Ramblin’ Around
I haven’t talked about the Enchanted Highway in southwest North Dakota. If you are on your way to Medora, it’s a “must see” experience. The official highway runs from Exit 72 on I-94 to Regent. Allow yourself at least 2-3 hours for the journey.
Photo courtesy of ND Legendary
Today’s Chuckle
The surest way to be unpopular is to set a good example.
