The route that I use from my home in Raleigh to the SAS Cary headquarters takes me by two exits for the now-running NC State Fair. Last year’s total attendance was 765,067, and hopes are high that this year’s 142nd fair will be another success.

So what does the State fair have to do with SAS Global Forum? Well, it got me thinking about deadlines, blue ribbons, and attendees. I thought of deadlines because my last chance to make the fair this year is Sunday, Oct. 25, and the deadline to submit your paper for consideration is Monday, Oct. 26. I thought of blue ribbons, because just like the state fair, SGF gives out best paper awards. And I thought of attendees because everyone is wondering how many people we’ll have at the upcoming conference. While you can’t get into SGF for free by bringing canned goods to Seattle, you can take advantage of a number of ways to save. See you later - I’m off to try some chocolate-covered bacon and a deep-fried banana split at the fair.