


Perfectly rational people who'd never order chili cheese fries or nachos on a normal day will bow to the gods of cheese sauce for a Fairtime splurge.


Others must find the foods of their youth and bring them close, dental work be damned. Caramel apples, popcorn, cotton candy... all there for the munching.




It's also a marvelous time to be a kid... with all that sugar and all those options. The hyper child that will result from this combination of frosty beverages will likely also be the child passed out on a parent's shoulder as the Fair is left behind.
















Best deal on drinks -- the iced tea stand. Purchase a jug and get $1 refills. Pass along the jug to folks who attend the Fair later.

I don't understand the allure of trying to win a live bunny. Seems like too much work for more work ahead.

I also don't understand the big deal about having your name put on a grain of rice. Must be me.


Best place for breakfast at the Fair... the Pork Chop Shop near the Swine Barn. No joke.

Take some time out and go see some of the junior competitions. These kids have worked very hard to bring their animals to show.

Age is no limit.

Those are some big melons, eh?



I thought this was just cool as all heck.

I participated in last year's Rice Cooking contest... didn't win, but it sure was fun.

I entered kheer, an Indian rose-scented rice pudding.

Did watch the judging... and boy, that's a lot of rice to judge.

These two sisters picked up several of the prizes and Best in Show. Way to go!

Among the best free things to do at the State Fair: sign up to help judge in the Arkansas Commercial Wine Competition. Lots of free samples.

The Pig Races will be going on throughout the fair, just to the right of the main gate. Lots of silly fun.

These junior livestock handlers are something special.

Of course, there are carnival games.

Scenes from the Midway.







By the final Friday of the Fair, if the weather is nice, the crowds are hoppin'. Everyone wants a chance to enjoy the fun, and with all the different ride band days and promotions there's usually a bargain way of doing things.
The closer you get to the end of the Fair, the more likely people are to brave whatever sort of weather gets thrown their way.

By the closing days of the fair, the smell of charred meat and burned sugar is everywhere, along with the scent of sweat from thousands. But if you get close enough, you can still be lured in by the allure of turkey legs and barbecue.

My final act at the State Fair each year is to find and consume a funnel cake. Usually this act is committed with friends or family. Can't wait to share my daughter's first official State Fair funnel cake this year.
Well said, well said! Enjoying your blog!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!! well said!..
ReplyDeleteVery good blog!
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