Speaking of exploring every conceivable angle surrouding high gas prices, it’s going to —-gasp—- cost more to go to the Dixie Classic Fair. I’m sure people are budgeting right now.

I’ll give the story credit, though — it quotes someone who definitely has seen harder times in this country, and there have been harder times, contrary to what many want you to believe:

Katie Gilbert, 94, of Germanton has been attending fairs since she was a little girl growing up in Mount Airy, and she recalls when hot dogs were sold at the fair for five cents each. Hot dogs at last year’s fair went for about $1.50 at the civic-group food booths.

Gilbert has been a regular at the Dixie Classic Fair since 1941, when she first entered the baking and canned-goods contests, something she still does.

“The prices have gone up, but the wages have gone up too,” she said. “It’s kind of steep, but people still go. Gas is expensive, but people are still going places.”

We might just make it through this.