The Elephant Ear Man

I liked Gene Solon the minute I met him. I’m not sure what it was about him, but I knew the interview would be a fun one. He had a smile that made you smile back. He talked to me like he’d know me all his life. We were instant buddies.

Gene told me he had worked at the steel mill in Hennepin for years, but that’s not where I got to know him. Instead, Gene had retired from his steel mill days. When I met him, Gene was known by most as “The Elephant Ear Man.” Gene operated his own elephant ear/funnel cake/corn dog/lemonade stand at area festivals and fairs around the area. Solon’s Concessions was a mainstay at the Bureau County Fair. As a reporter, it was my job to find this Bureau County Fair legend and tell his story to readers.

I don’t mind telling you I was a bit unnerved about meeting Gene. He appeared to have somewhat of a gruff demeanor, and when I called him up and attempted to schedule an interview, he said, “What do you mean you want to do a story about me? Why don’t you go report on the crooks and the thieves? Nobody wants to hear about an old boy who makes elephant ears.” Nevertheless, he agreed to talk with me, but not without his own stipulations ... “I’m a busy man. You’ll have to meet me at the fair. I might just put you to work, if you don’t watch out,” he told me.

When I arrived with a notebook and camera in hand, I found Gene sitting on a stool at the window in his concession stand. Dressed all in white with a cap on that said “The Elephant Ear Man,” the first thing that struck me was his fingernails ... They were clean as a whistle, pristine. As a matter of fact, the entire stand was the same way — very clean, tidy. You’d never have to worry about Gene Solon serving you food from a dirty stand.

Once Gene realized I was in his midst, the show began. He hooped and hollered — barking out orders to the people making all the other goodies he sold. He was loud, boisterous. His wife, Mary, just shook her head, as Gene’s voice echoed above the noise of the midway. The people in line — and it was a long line — seemed to enjoy his antics. His quick wit, his humor, his sarcasm and his jokes kept the crowd entertained, while they waited for one of the best elephant ears or funnel cakes around. As promised, it didn’t take long before Gene had me handing elephant ears out of the window and shaking powdered sugar on top of the funnel cakes. Yes, Gene Solon was a man who was true to his word.