Sandwiched
Many people from Central Indiana and beyond are flocking to the Indiana State Fair this month, and for good reason. The sights, sounds, activities and smells are second to none.
The State Fair will always have a special meaning for me for a different reason, however. I’ll forever remember it as the temporary home of the Knapp Shoe Man.
Mom and I would make the trip down from Mishawaka most every year to visit The Knapp Shoe Man at the exhibit hall. Knapp Shoes went out of business in 2007 but many people still remember them as the best “workingman’s” shoes around. Industrial workers, firefighters, food service workers and outdoorsmen all swore by them. Knapp Brothers Footwear sells the shoes today.
People loved the Knapp Shoe Man because he was outgoing, funny and gave his customers great service. We loved him because he was my dad.
Dad probably made 25 to 30 percent of his yearly profits at the state fair, so he didn’t miss one day of it. This was hard for me sometimes because he often wasn’t home for my birthday, which is in August. But he always made sure to call me that day, which brightened my spirits.
When I got older, my best friend and I would wander around the fairgrounds on our own but we’d often stop in to see how Dad was doing. He helped me discover gyros, my favorite food, by treating us to the delectable Greek creation one evening.
I’ll be going to the fair this week with my niece Melissa and her family, who are visiting from North Carolina. Even though Mom now lives in Noblesville, it’s too hard these days for her to join us at the fairgrounds. We’re scheming to bring her back a part of the festivities, however – an elephant ear, one of her favorite treats.
I’m always flooded with happy memories whenever I go to the state fairgrounds, and I know this week will be the same. I’ll imagine Dad standing there in his sensible brown work pants, off-white short-sleeved button down shirt, and wavy thinning hair (which he fiercely fought with the classic comb over.) I’ll hear his voice, which always switched to “professional mode” as he chatted with the customers he knew and loved. I’ll picture his tan, beefy hands with his gold wedding band and onyx ring as he filled out paperwork and receipts.
The Knapp Shoe man passed away over 25 years ago and has been missed by hundreds, if not thousands, of customers. I always think about him more this month than any other each year and usually wipe away a tear or two.
What I wouldn’t give to pick up the phone and hear “Happy Birthday Amesworth” again in a couple weeks. However, I know I’ll feel his spirit this week and smile knowingly as I wander the fairgrounds with Melissa and her little ones.