Answer the following questions based on the provided passage about Sally Mae Jones and the Farrow County Fair.

Here are the answers to your questions based on the passage:

1. The "one thing" Sally Mae Jones had on her mind was to take a Ferris wheel ride at the Farrow County Fair.

2. According to the passage, two characteristics that made Sally Mae Jones stand out in a crowd were her red hair and her big heart/smile.

3. They likely went to the fair in the evening or at night. This is supported by the detail that Sally Mae could see the "bright lights of the fair in the distance" and that the "town looked beautiful in the distance with all its lights on."

4. We can infer that Sally Mae Jones was extremely excited and determined about the Ferris wheel ride. Evidence includes her having "only one thing on her mind," her "excitement overflowing," and "butterflies" filling her stomach as she approached the line, along with her thought that "this year was different and there was no backing out now."

5. Initially, the butterflies were due to nervous excitement or anticipation before the ride. The different reason for her butterflies later was pure joy and happiness from experiencing the ride and seeing the beautiful view, as she "smiled and waved to people she knew that were standing nearby."

6. Yes, Sally Mae's feelings about the Ferris wheel would likely have been different if she had gone alone. The passage highlights her calling all her friends and making sure they knew where to meet, and all her friends getting on the ride, suggesting that sharing the experience with them significantly enhanced her joy.

7. The author is likely trying to express the joy of anticipation and the fulfillment of a long-held desire, especially when shared with friends. Sally Mae's intense excitement and determination to finally ride the Ferris wheel, after looking forward to it all year and sharing the experience with her friends, emphasizes the special feeling of achieving a long-awaited goal.