“We found out they were just people like you and me even though
they happened to do that for a living,” says George. “They’d just sit
there and talk.”

Set up by the stage in a makeshift tent compound with folding tables,
ice chests, grills and water from a single faucet that the fair crew hooked
to a long hose, they would feed 20-25 people including “the sound guys,
lighting guys, entourage, band.”

They served nearly 80 celebrities in 20 years, so many that sometimes they draw a blank. “Did we have Toby Keith?”

“Barbecued salmon was a treat for people that weren’t from the
West Coast,” says George. Other popular chow included beef stew from a
recipe from Bonsen’s mother, Elaine Shumway, pot roast, scalloped
potatoes, chicken and rice.
After doing the dishes by hand (“No paper plates,” says Bonsen.
“Never.”), they would make 11 p.m. runs to the grocery store or bake a
late-night cake.
The friends served nearly 80 celebrities in those 20 years, so many
that sometimes they draw a blank. “Did we have Toby Keith?” says
George, looking over Bonsen’s notes. “I don’t remember that.” They do
recall Brad Paisley was almost bucked off a horse he’d asked to borrow
and how Janie Fricke showed them her costumes.
The fair was the trio’s only experience as professional caterers. While
Bonsen and George were born and raised in Lynden, they’d never
entered food goods at the fair.
Actually, “I don’t like to cook,” admits Bonsen. She chuckles, “My
husband says it’s the only time of the year I cooked.”