Fair Tax

Learn to Meditate - Fridays in Mayfair @ 5.45pm - 6.45pm Join our Free Sahaja Yoga Class Venue: Mayfair Library 25 South Audley St, London, W1K 2PB Achieve Yoga & enter into a state of ‘thoughtless awareness’. In the heart of London @ Mayfair Library, there is a weekly class in free meditation. **Achieve Yoga & Learn to Meditate in 2026 - 5:45- 6:45pm Fridays** The first experience of Sahaja Yoga meditation is called Self Realisation. With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we generally sit on chairs to achieve Yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. As such no Asanas (exercises) are required, no mat or special clothing ## What is Meditation? Meditation is a state of mental silence or rest, where our attention is aware, but not engrossed in thinking. It is known as ‘thoughtless awareness’. It is achieved when the indwelling Kundalini energy awakens and carries the individual attention beyond the level of the 6th chakra, into the seventh chakra, known as Sahasrara. ## Yoga! It is here we achieve Yoga! As the mind finds rest and silence, we become able to feel our inner Self (Spirit). This can be tangibly felt, it actually manifests, as a cool wind, breath or breeze, often experienced on the palms of the hands or at the top (crown) of the head. It is a spontaneous, effortless natural happening. Each week many people experience this actualisation at one of the many free meditation classes on offer ## How to get into balance? The secret of the Sahaja Yoga method resides within us, at the base of the spinal chord, in a triangular bone called the “sacrum bone”. Since our birth in our sacrum bone dwells an inner energy called in Sanskrit Kundalini; it is characterised as a feminine energy and once activated, this energy rises along our spine until it reaches the top of the head and finally connects with the universal energy. This union is called “yoga” in Sanskrit. ## Kundalini As our indwelling Kundalini rises through the central channel, this benevolent feminine energy activates the chakras, removing all the impurities from them and nourishing the entire inner system. It is through this happening that we are elevated into ‘thoughtless awareness’, the mental silence of true meditation www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk Free Meditation & Yoga Classes in London Want to experience it now – Experience Self Realisation now – Guided Meditation ([https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/ "https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/")) ###

Ready to get outside? Our Friday morning Nordic Walk in Brockwell Park is back! At this moment we can meet with up to 30 people (of more than two households) to do outdoor exercise and walks. However, i like to keep our exercise groups small, so I have set the maximum participants at 12. For now this walk is for our experienced Nordic Walkers only, who already used to Nordic Walk with us regularly before Covid 19 kept us indoors, and who have their own Nordic Walking poles. As this session is outdoors, we will not ask you to wear a face mask, but we do ask you to keep 2 meters apart. Some of our walkers might be immune compromised or more at risk, so please help us keep everyone safe! Please do not come to the session and stay at home if: - you know you have been in contact - in the last 2 weeks- with someone with symptoms of possible Covid, or if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive. - you have any of the following symptoms: (new) Loss of smell/taste, Persistent cough, Fatigue, Loss of appetite, Skin rash, Hives, Fever, Severe muscle pain, Shortness of breath, Diarrhoea, Delirium, Abdominal pain, Chest pain, Hoarse voice, Eye soreness, Sore or painful throat, Nausea or vomiting, Headache, Dizziness or light headedness We meet by the Blackbird bakery in Herne Hill, between the station and the park. Session Price: £10 per session, £89 for a 10-session card or £70 unlimited sessions per month. Session cards and Pay Monthly can be used in any of our outdoor walks or indoor Zoom classes sessions (except for the Parkinson's sessions). Pay What Works: The price shown above is the “true” value of the session that best reflects the work I put into preparing and leading your session. However, I understand that not everyone can afford to pay full price, and I don’t want that to stop you from joining us. In an effort to find a balance between more financial accessibility and sustainable pricing, I now offer a “Pay What Works” model. This allows for financial flexibility while still valuing and respecting the work and energy I provide in creating and delivering these classes. Then send an email to ailien@fitandhappyoutdoors.com with the heading “INVOICE please”- followed by “FAHO 1” to pay full price as quoted below, “FAHO 2”, for 20% off, or “FAHO 3” for 50% off. Please do tell me if you want to pay for 10 sessions, or if you’d like to pay monthly. I prefer payment by bank transfer, but if that is not possible you could pay in cash. No cheques please, the queues by the banks are just too long. We walk in all safe weather conditions – if a walk is cancelled, we will contact you to let you know. Please check for text messages or Meetup messages before leaving home!

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/51255 **Game Description:** 🔥Join us for a casual basketball scrimmage at the brand-new indoor court near Stratford/Leyton Station. No need to be a pro, though basic fundamentals help; we’ll split teams evenly so everyone can enjoy balanced, competitive play. 🏀If you have any questions, or can’t come before the game, feel free to message me on WhatsApp: +44 7542 543227 **How to get there:** \- 10 mins walk from Leyton station -15 mins walk from Leyton Midland Road overground \- The court we play on will be confirmed by reception upon arrival \( tell them you were from Sam’s basketball\) 🚘Free street parking nearby 💽Music provided Keep a Positive vibe, call your own foul! **Rules** 🍙Team Size & Substitutions: 6 or 5 players per team. If 6 players a team, Please rotate subs within your own team each game so everyone gets plenty of court time. （Max 18 players in this session) 🍰Scoring & Duration: Games are played to 11 points (2-point and 3-point shots count) or 6 minutes—whichever comes first. 🔫 If a team wins 3 games in a row, they’ll need to come off and let another team on, so everyone gets a fair chance to play😊 🫘 Start with new team’s ball ; Need pass after first check ; shoot for it if there is any issues

This week we will be delving into a real hot topic of the modern moment: immigration. Often, it is viewed as a black and white social issue, drawing a deep chasm between left and right, but is that really the true story? Crime, lack of housing, lack of jobs, strain on the NHS and benefits: What really are the impacts of immigration on our towns and communities? Economic theory is generally positive on migration, pointing towards increased GDP, employment and overall growth. However, many blame immigrants for various social ills. One of the important questions of this discussion could be: do those people have any point at all? Are the broad effects of migration the full story? Can the overall increases in GDP and employment rate really speak for migration on the whole? This promises to be a spicy one. Your reading materials are below the following starter questions for 10: 1. What do we mean by "migration"? Who are “migrants”? 2. Who benefits from migration, and in what ways? 3. What challenges, if any, do you think are caused by migration? 4. What is integration, and what aims should we have, if any, for the integration of migrants into our society? This week, we have no singular article to draw upon. Rather, a summary sheet has been pulled together from a few sources: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing) This is from where we shall draw our discussion. Extra to the sources in the summary are the following: [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group) This is a release from the government on changes to numbers on payroll by various slices to citizenship categories.. [https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025) The latest Office for National Statistics bulletin on migration, discussing the provisional figures for 2025. [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf) Paper from 2014 on the topic of migration, seems to suggest that growing economies can absorb migrants easily, but recessed ones mightn’t be able to.

**Join us at the vibrant Teddington Village Fair on Sunday June 30th** This popular community event has been running for many yeas and has something for everyone, including * Live Music, Song and Dance Performances Children's activities * Local business, community and charity stalls * Hot and cold food stalls [https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=996349&ClubID=893](https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=996349&ClubID=893) Come along to find out the latest about Heart Twickenham as we create community, share the love, support local wellbeing practitioners and raise funds for our Heart Kovalam project. We'll be selling beautiful and useful gifts and handicrafts ethically sourced and made in Kerala and other parts of India. [https://www.heart-twickenham.co.uk/community](https://www.heart-twickenham.co.uk/community)

In this session we will read aloud some of the Tractatus Logico Philosoophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein, and discuss it. One of the most difficult books of philosophy ever written, it attempts in no more than 79 pages to set out the limits of language, knowlege and reality. Bertrand Russell described it as "an achievement of extraordinary difficulty and importance" and a work of "philosophical genius". No preparation or background knowledge required for the session. We will read together, share explanations where we can, and form our reactions. Gather in Highgate Library from 3.15, read and discuss 3.30 to 4.30. Optional socialising in the Boogaloo pub afterwards.

Hello ! Join us for a beautiful summer walk through the stunning Darent Valley, taking in chocolate-box villages, riverside scenery, spectacular lavender fields and historic countryside. ⭐️ Organiser’s fee: £7 💜 What’s Included 💜 🌿 Approximately 5-mile linear walk through the picturesque Darent Valley 💜 Visit to the spectacular Castle Farm Lavender Fields, one of the largest lavender farms in the UK 🌿 Wander through acres of vibrant purple lavender in full bloom, filling the air with its wonderful fragrance 📸 Fantastic photo opportunities amongst the lavender fields 🍦 Opportunity to purchase delicious lavender ice cream ☕️ Try lavender tea and browse a wonderful selection of lavender gifts, plants and artisan products 🌾 Enjoy beautiful views across the Kent countryside ⭐️ One of the most colourful and photogenic walks of the summer! ⭐️📸 PHOTO COMPETITION 📸⭐️ Win a beautiful selection of lavender products from the Castle Farm shop! 💜 Simply upload your favourite artistic photographs from the day onto the Meetup event page after the walk. 🌿 I’ll choose a winning image from this wonderfully photogenic walk. ⭐️ Prize: A lovely selection of lavender goodies from the farm shop! ⭐️ Optional Extra ⭐️ For anyone wishing to extend the day, nearby Lullingstone Castle is hosting a special English Civil War Society Weekend. ⚔️ Living history displays ⚔️ Musket and cannon firing demonstrations ⚔️ Re-enactors and historic encampments ⚔️ Castle grounds and gardens A fun and fascinating optional addition for history lovers. 🚆 Meeting Details ⭐️ Meet outside the main ticket barriers at London Victoria Station at 10:20am on Saturday 4th July 🚆 We will catch the 10:55am train to Shoreham (Kent) ⭐️ Alternatively, if you would prefer to meet the group at Shoreham Station, please let me know in advance. 🍺 End of Walk 🌿 We will finish in the attractive village of Eynsford 🍴 Opportunity for food and drinks at The Malt Shovel pub 🚆 Return to London from Eynsford Station 💷 Travel Costs ⭐️ Approximate return train fare: £11 (including GroupSave discount) 🎒 Please Bring 💧 Water ☀️ Sunscreen 🧢 A hat if hot weather is forecast 🥾 Suitable walking footwear 📞 Contact 07816 866300 💜🌿 Come and enjoy one of Kent’s most spectacular summer displays as the lavender reaches its peak bloom. The scent, colour and scenery make this one of the most memorable countryside walks of the year! 🌿💜

\*\*\* We are looking for another table leader to help facilitate more players enjoying the game. Can you help in the future? \*\*\* \*\*\* Pls fill in our contact form so that we can contact you directly if there are any important changes to this event in the future: [https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs](https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs) \*\*\* An afternoon spent playing Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow 101 board game. We'll start with chatting amongst ourselves and then at 1:00 pm we meet at the tables and play the game together. RSVP's open two weeks before each event. Consider playing the Millionaire Maker Game! It not only shows how to get out of the rat race; it teaches some of the steps needed to become a millionaire faster while still in the rat race! Knowing these steps and their sequence changes how you do things before getting out of the rat race! Join our next game here: [http://www.meetup.com/MillionaireMakerLondon/](http://www.meetup.com/MillionaireMakerLondon/) Also, consider **Firing your Boss by Taking Action and Making it Happen** in the real world! We are making real money and using it to fire your Boss! RSVP to an event here: [https://www.meetup.com/TakingAction/](https://www.meetup.com/TakingAction/) Event: Cashflow 101 Sunday Cost: £15 at the game or £10 if paid online and early, please also register your details so that we can keep you updated at www.LondonCashflowClub.com (http://www.meetup.com/LondonCashflow/) Organiser: Jonathan, Andrew and Tony FAQ's Q, Why are you discounting the ticket prices? A, We discount our tickets to reward our regular players when payment is made early and online. Q, Can I buy a ticket on the door? A, Yes, You can buy a ticket on the door IF there are any tickets available, BUT PLEASE NOTE a door ticket costs MORE than the online tickets. For this event door tickets are £15 Q, I don't have a PayPal account.. is there another way to pay? A, Yes, you don't need a PayPal account to use PayPal. After clicking "Pay Now" choose the option "Pay with a debit or credit card" and PayPal will take your payment using your debit or credit card. Q, I have something valuable for members... Can you send out a message? A, If our assessment of your content will benefit our members, we would be happy to promote it for you. Please get in touch to discuss your options. Please note: For social interaction and sharing the atmosphere of the group, by attending you consent to allow pictures and video to be taken and shared publicly. \*\*\* Pls fill in our contact form so that we can contact you directly if there are any important changes to this event in the future: [https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs](https://form.typeform.com/to/IGVdeYWs) \*\*\*

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Finsbury Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch Park (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesday in Elephant & Castle (19:00 - 20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00) We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than Meetup might suggest. Book your place here: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!

**Summary** The [Ohio State Fair](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/) is consistently ranked as one of the [best](https://www.realpropertymgt.com/expert-tips/top-5-state-fairs) ... [state](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-state-fair/) ... [fairs](https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2025/08/06/ohio-state-fair-named-top-fair-nation-usa-today/85527343007/) ... [in](https://www.blueribbongroup.net/blue-ribbon-foodies/tag/what-are-the-best-state-fairs-in-the-united-states/) ... [America](https://614now.com/2025/explore-columbus/usa-today-names-the-ohio-state-fair-as-one-of-the-countrys-best-find-out-where-it-ranked-here). By [acreage](https://www.google.com/search?q=largest+state+fairs+in+us+by+acreage&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=5a1ec5f7868eb06c&prmd=ivns&sxsrf=AE3TifOrRyB0UF_zcJxuzJ2blALpROCfFA:1763485805100&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavFJHvqNnhR_vnElk0C8uWstYqkR_Pamh3VQhx9plk87wYYnFhXCtQ6JPByPAvG0_LeyIQszFojQ7tWAfAvDzo6MwRJuWxS0jrzFWBkVvjkxbHuA6PTQnwEl88m-YBBItnTFmNlR9xZ9YLttetzKJB1GAWacLg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX3-rHmPyQAxU6_8kDHcKPH1gQ0pQJegQIBRAF&biw=1735&bih=926&dpr=1), it's one of the five largest fairs in the country. And a million people [visit](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2025-08-06/attendance-off-slightly-at-2025-ohio-state-fair-but-sales-of-champions-was-up-big) it each year. Last year's [attendees](https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/nearly-1-million-visitors-2025-ohio-state-fair-fun-facts-statistics/530-e6c7db59-e9ca-469b-9d3e-ef39011aca00) came from each of Ohio's 88 counties, from all 50 states, and from as far away as 26 other countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and others, according to Ticketmaster sales data. **Map of the Fair** Here is a [map of the grounds](https://cdn.saffire.com/images.ashx?t=ig&rid=OhioStateFair&i=map2025.jpg&cb=0508a2a3). **Directions, Parking, Tickets, Timing** Take exit 111 (17th Avenue) off of I-71. Turn west (toward the McDonald's). [Parking is $10](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours) whether you pay in advance or on-site. It's generally not too bad getting in and out of the fair. You generally get an excellent spot, too, early in the mornings. There are cops everywhere and they will let you know where to park. [Tickets will be $13](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/pricing-hours), but through July 26, you can buy them online for $9. You can also buy 3- and 12-day admission tickets in advance for $24 and $84, respectively. I've scheduled this meetup from 9 to 3, but you can obviously come late or leave early if you want. They will also stamp your hand for free same-day re-admission if you want. The fair is a big place. You will get plenty of steps in at this event, so be prepared to do some walking! **Outside Items** From the [FAQ](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/visit/faqs): * *Bags* "Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center." * *Outside Food and Beverage* "You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds." I like to bring a disposable plastic bottle of water with me and refill it on the grounds as I go. **What's New at the Fair** They've spent the last couple years doing major construction at the fair, and most if not all of it should be completed by the start of this year's fair. They've been massively overhauling what's located at the heart of the fairgrounds just north of Kiddleland and just west of the Midway, they're supposed to also have completed improvements to the Dairy Building. In the center of the fairgrounds, there's supposed to be a new food hall, which I would consider to be the centerpiece of the whole shebang. It's supposed to [include](https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/about/expo-2050-master-plan) "multi-purpose dining and event space and incubator kitchens on the first floor, and additional dining and event space on the second story." Furthermore, "both levels [will] include outdoor dining on a patio or balcony." A new "Town Square" and surrounding area will also feature a permanent "Ohio-themed carousel" that will also be "complete with ample shade and seating." The new Dairy Building will be air-conditioned and add public restrooms, a universal changing table, and other new amenities. Four hundred and sixty million dollars have been spent on these improvements and renovations, and I expect they will be very cool! **Where We'll Meet** At no later than 9 a.m., I'll be standing by the giant cardinal just inside Cardinal Gate 1, then we'll wander down to Tracey's (see below). If you come late, Tracey's is where you'll find us (DM me or drop a note in the comments if you need help finding us after you arrive). *Note: There's a smaller Tracey's booth near the main entrance. This is not the Tracey's location we'll be meeting at. You will have to walk down to the Bricker Marketplace to get to the correct Tracey's. There's more information on this, below, in the "What We'll Do" section.* If you want to come later in the day, drop me a note and I'll help you navigate to us or I'll come find you if that's feasible. **What We'll Do** This will be sort of a soft itinerary, depending on the interests of the group. The following is based on last year's [fair schedule](https://www.ohiostatefair.com/events), and might need to be changed depending on this year's schedule. But the overall fair schedule doesn't normally change that radically year-over-year. * 9:00 a.m. - *Tracey's* Tracey's is located at the northernmost part of the "WNCI Food Highway," just south of Brown Arena and at the northern corner of the Bricker Marketplace. They have a covered area with picnic tables where you can sit. They have one of the most varied food selections at the fair. They serve breakfast in the mornings, including eggs, bacon, and pancakes. We'll meet here and start our day by socializing over coffee and, if you want, breakfast. Last year, the pancakes with bacon was $7. You got two pancakes that I would describe as average-sized, and a couple strips of bacon. They gave me extra syrup for free. Both the pancakes and the bacon were actually pretty good. Their coffee is generally good, too. They also serve their coffee in Styrofoam cups, which I like because good coffee is more important to me than the environment. I've posted pics, below, of last year's Tracey's menu, as well as a picture of the venue itself relative to the main entrance of the Bricker Marketplace (this entrance faces the Celeste Center). * 10:00 a.m. - *Kasich Hall* Here they have the Ohio State Fair history exhibit, which is very cool. This building also hosts the creative exhibits, including quilts, cakes and pastries, and fair posters. Finally, events like girls' baton competitions, girls' cheerleading, youth choir, and youth boxing (my favorite) are held here. * 11:00 a.m. - *Lausche Youth Exploration Space* This building features 4-H exhibits, Boy and Girl Scout exhibits, and various science exhibits, with the latter including exhibits from COSI and the Ohio State Physics Department. You can also buy Girl Scout cookies here! * 12:00 a.m. - *Bricker Marketplace* Bricker Marketplace is the fair's main flea market. It's a huge indoor shopping area with a food court at its center. The [ODOT](https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/) booth is here, and I always like to check and see if they have any maps I want. Because Bricker is air-conditioned, it's a good place to stop for lunch. There are booths here with burgers, pizza, chicken, Asian food, and alcoholic beverages. * 1:00 p.m. - *Cox Fine Arts* There are art displays here -- paintings, drawings, sculptures, and such. I always like going through here, and people usually like the displays here. * 2:00 p.m. - *Natural Resources Park* The Natural Resources Park is next to Kiddieland, and I think it's the best area of the fair. It's certainly a very popular area. The Timber Show is popular, though I confess to finding it slightly overrated. This area also includes youth fishing, a kayak pond, archery range, butterfly house, aviary, and animal exhibits -- and these are all free. You can also get free chap stick and pens in the [Oil & Gas building](https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/oil-gas/oil-gas). The chap stick is functional, though perhaps a bit mediocre, but the pens are absolutely the best possible pens you can get anywhere, and I'm being completely serious about this. These are seriously my all-time favorite pens, so I encourage you to grab a few. **Other Things Along the Way** Again, the Ohio State Fair is a big place! So here are some of the other things we might check out along the way: * *The* *Cincinnati Circus Company, The Nerveless Nocks, Lady Houdini, or some other "death-defying" act* These typically start at 1:30 and run once every two hours in the afternoon. The show is generally decent and worth catching, whatever it happens to be. These used to run at the south end of the fair by the south gate on 11th Avenue, but a couple years ago they moved them to the south end of the Midway and next to Natural Resources Park. My guess is that this is where they will be again this year. * *Main Street Stage / Gazebo Stage* These stages are at opposite ends of the "WNCI Food Highway." They'll have shows like live music, magic, hypnosis, juggling, and the like. I usually end up seeing most of the shows, almost by accident, during my annual trips to the fair. If there's music at the Gazebo, though, it can be a little loud if the performer is using a big amp. But otherwise the shows are generally entertaining, if not spectacular. If [The Beach Geeks](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1440916777197254) are playing again this year, we are absolutely dropping everything to check them out. I'll fight people on this. * *The Midway* I'm not a big *riding*-the-rides person, and I doubt we will go through here though unless there's interest. However, I do really enjoy *watching* people ride rides, so I never have a problem taking a stroll down the Midway. I do like doing bumper cars, though, as well as some of the various haunted or fun houses. If you think there's a snowball's chance in hell I'm doing the [Defender](https://talleyamusements.com/attraction/defender/), though, then please put the bong down and slowly back away. * *The Dairy Building* This is where the famous Butter Cow is, and the exhibit is always popular. You can also get fairly overpriced ice cream and milkshakes here. Unless something changes here because of their renovations, there are cheaper places at the fair where you can get dairy desserts, and I can show you where they are. * *Taft Coliseum* An indoor arena where they have rodeo- or cowboy/cowgirl-type shows. Sometimes these shows are very good and entertaining and worth checking out. Note that, while you're out of the sun here and the seating is generally good, the arena is not air-conditioned. If trick riders [Tracie Spitznogle](https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tracie-lee-spitzongle) and [Carlie Hale](https://www.facebook.com/trickriderCarlie/) are here, you are likely to enjoy their show, and it will be free (and well-attended). * *The Petting Zoo* & *Pig Races* These used to be in Kiddieland, but in 2025 they were moved to "The Barnyard," next to the Gazebo Stage and the Celeste Center. I suspect they'll have moved again in 2026, but that they will otherwise be back. They're both free and generally popular, with the Pig Races being *extremely* popular. The woman who does the announcing for the Races always delivers the exact same script year after year, but she has so much charisma you won't care, even if you've seen it many times before. * *Central Park* Sometimes I like to just sit here, people-watch, and listen to the sounds of the fair. There are typically several beer vendors right next to Central Park if you want to relax and nurse a beverage while you do so, and the Dairy Building is also very close by. This area may end up being superseded in desirability by the new "Town Square." The Park does suffer from a paucity of shade, and the Square is supposed to rectify some of this. We will see! * *Live Music* There is likely to be some sort of band performing classic rock from something like 2p-5p either in the Taste of Ohio Pavilion next to the Natural Resources Park, or in the Pavilion's replacement/renovated area near the new Town Square. The show will be free and highly likely to be quite good. You should be able to get drinks and food here, too (wherever the ultimate location is), while you check out the band. * *Zultar - Fortune Teller* I saw this guy for the first time last year. He's one of the fair's "strolling entertainers," meaning he takes his act all over the fair and you never know where he will show up next. He's got a "booth" and he wears a costume and face paint that make him look exactly like one of those fortune-telling-booth mannequins. He is completely hilarious (particularly when dealing with children), and if we see him, we will stop and watch him. Don't make me fight you on this, too, people. * *Ohio History Center* Buying a ticket to enter the Ohio State Fair will automatically get you free admission to the [Ohio History Center](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-history-center/) and [Ohio Village](https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/ohio-village/), which are located just outside the fairgrounds but otherwise are just next door. They've been doing major renovations of the Village, but these are supposed to be completed by the time the State Fair opens this year. You can walk from the fair to the History Center and the Village, or they have a free shuttle you can take. It's not a short walk, but it's also eminently doable. The History Center is a museum that's really not too terribly big, but is very interesting. And the Village is a living simulation of life in a small 19th-century Ohio town. I suspect most of the people who come out this Meetup would probably enjoy both the Center and the Village. Just keep in mind, though, that if we go, we'll probably be up there for at least a couple hours, which means less time at the fair. However, you won't have to twist my arm to get me to go up, because the whole History complex is actually pretty cool. **Conclusion** Come on out to the Ohio State Fair! 🥳 🎉 😄

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Dear Illinois Prairie PUG members, Thank you to everyone who attended PG DATA 2026! The conference is over, but our meetups are back, and more Postgres content is coming! Those of you who attended our May meetup are already familiar with our new (hopefully permanent) location. For others, please note that we will meet at **Chicago Innovations, 1 W. Monroe**. This time, we are trying a two-talk format. \- Zach Paden will present the talk **Declarative schema management with pgschema.** \- Anna Bailliekove will present the talk **PostGIS Quick Start** More details on talks and speakers coming soon! *Agenda* 5:20 - doors open 5:30 - pizza arrives 6:00 - 6:10 - Hettie D. Opening remarks 6:10- 6:40 - Zach. Declarative schema management with pgschema. 6:45 - 7:10 Anna: PostGIS Quick Start 7:10 - 7:50 - Open discussion and networking 7:50 - 8:00 - Cleanup time and closing **Speaker**: Zach Paden Zach Paden is a tech lead at Symetra with experience ranging from scrappy startups, consulting, to large regulated enterprises. His work spans data platform, analytics and application development where he’s seen more than his fair share of projects get bogged down or catch on fire due to their schema management practices. **Talk Title:** *Declarative schema management with pgschema* **Talk description** Lots of app devs struggle to understand the concept of versioning database migrations, and managing the history of these migrations can become difficult even with existing tools. Using pgschema you can write pure-sql decoratively and let pgschema derive a series of valid online migrations. **Speaker:** Anna Bailliekova Anna Bailliekova has been moving data around professionally for 15 years. Currently a staff engineer XeoMatrix, she focuses on helping organizations mature their data engineering practice, optimization problems, and geospatial data applications. **Talk title:** PostGIS Quick Start **Talk description** PostgreSQL provides rich support for geospatial computing; using transportation examples, we will take a brief tour of these features for those who want to but have been scared to try. *Notes about our new venue*. I am delighted to have an independent venue for the first time since I am hosting the meetups. I hope that this will be our permanent home. And as you all know, with more freedom comes more responsibilities. \- You will notice the change in the RSVP form\. \- We are thankful to our hosts and promise to be responsible\. \- We comply with the [PostgreSQL Code of Conduct](https://www.postgresql.org/about/policies/coc/). \- We do not want to waste food\, so please indicate your dietary preferences\. \- We will not close RSVPs on the morning of the meetup\, but please do your best to RSVP in advance so we can order the appropriate amount of food and drinks\. \- We want to start offering **on-site daycare**. If you indicate on your RSVP that you are planning to use daycare, we will contact you closer to the event with more information. This meetup will be hybrid - please don't forget to indicate whether you are attending in-person or virtually. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all at our new location! Hettie Dombrovskaya Illinois Prarier PUG Organizer

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan