How to go to the fair

If you go early, see the pig race first. The first show of the day is the least crowded and I like the idea that the pigs are good and rested and raring to go. Later shows fill up fast, and the heat can be uncomfortable. Once you have that in pocket, you can head over to the food, and if you get there early enough, it’s likely lunchtime. I like the corn dogs for the tradition, but also the Greek specialties. I recommend a small corn dog, a Greek salad with chicken and then you have room for cheesecake on a stick dipped with chocolate. Skip the extra nuts, Oreo dust or whatever else. It saves some calories. Cheesecake dipped in chocolate may seem excessive, so feel free to just have a soft serve ice cream dipped in chocolate. Maybe that’s better. Either way, the salad makes it all good and I have a theory that the fair is calorie neutral.

They have this new drink that mixes lemonade with pickle juice at the hot dog on a stick place. I can’t really recommend it because it seems gross, but if you want it, you should get it. They have other offerings there that seem pretty good, like lobster rolls and oysters if you want to get fancy. Or potatoes with stuff on them. Everyone seems to like churros too but I didn’t get one.

Point is, there is something for everyone there, even vegetarians and those who shun the gluten. Just have to ask.

Once you’ve gotten your calories up, you can go two ways. There is the carnival and its rides and games, or there is the 4-H animals. My advice is to carnival, but quickly. If you have kids, this is a chance for them to shed the sugar buzz and for you to sit and watch while you digest your light lunch (I forgot to mention the massive $28 kebab, too). The games are meh, but I do suggest the one in which you try one more time to shoot out the star. Guaranteed that you will never ever bring home a stuffed animal from that one. There is one ride that spins the riders high up in the air (like five stories up) while they sit in chairs connected by chain links to the structure. This one is no good. I mean, people love it, it offers a good view, but it makes me super nervous, or maybe it was the sugar from the cheesecake. I wonder if they have to shut it down if it gets too windy.

Anyway, head over to the 4-H area, and if you are hungry, there is the potato place on the way. The animals are interesting, and you might even get to catch an auction, which are always fun. And 4-H is great. I love the responsibility created by raising the animals and the care taken by the kids who do it. In this area, we don’t often we don’t really think about where our food comes from so this is one way to do just that.

The 4-H cake booth is a must-stop. By now, you might be tired, so this is a perfect way to take a load off and have a slice of $4 cake, or some $2 cookies. The absolute best value at the fair is the $2 milk. So you could have cookies and milk for $4. Not bad. And the offerings are good.

Once you get your sugar up, you can make your way to the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum. So many things to see there, and important. Then it’s to the exhibit halls to see what your county neighbors are up to. It might even inspire you to dust off or start up that hobby of yours. It’s fun.

And you may want to start thinking about staying for the nightly concert. Props to fair staff for moving away from so many tribute bands and instead some emerging popular artists. You can dance the night away, but it might be time for another stroll through that food section first.