Since we were kids the fair was one of the biggies of summer. It’s moved from the games, rides and prizes to the arts, gardens, entertainers and a never-ending quest for the “big” food oddity feature of the year. Fried butter, bacon wrapped everything or donuts as buns to a burger. Dunk anything in batter, fried it up with some sugar on top and don’t forget the cheese. We ooh and ahhh… it’s the memories…it’s the salt… the sugar, then a little more sugar and a cup-o $15 craft beer to finish it off.
For some it’s the day to let er’ rip with wild abandon and feast on everything in sight, others may have a free day to just jump off the rails and imbibe. Some will eat before they go and maybe have one taste. No matter what, it’s your choice to do whatever makes you, your brain and your body happy! Whatever you do, enjoy it!! Enjoy your friends and family, the laughs, the smiles, the kids with toys, the random karaoke songs, the henna tattoos, the glass blower, the garden, the prize flowers, the champion bakers, the exhibits, the vendors, wooden name plaques, the cows, goats, baby pigs, the art, the photography, the games, prizes, the concerts, the rodeo, the motocross riding, the turkey races, the demo derby and the butterflies. See, there is so much more to the fair than the food. It’s just part of the experience. So go, embrace every moment!!
I have found a balance that works for me so I am not missing out on the big hits but I’m not going gonzo either; a happy medium. For a day like this I know what I’m getting into, I know that I will eat things with gluten and maybe even some cheese. I am not 100% hard pressed every single day because baby, it ain’t easy especially when you go out to eat! I have crossed over to a place where if I do over indulge and eat all that stuff like I used to do I get sick from it. I have slowed way down over the past few years. Now when I take a bite of those things I get that teeth hurting overly sweetness feeling or there’s even a bit of a chemical funk on my tongue at times. Don’t get me wrong, I still LOVE the fair and I will always go if anyone asks me! I just make some different choices that work for me (and my gut) a little better.
Here is my game plan, let’s start with some tips;
- Go with a group, get plan together of what all the must haves are. That way you can split it up into smaller portions so you don’t miss out if you want to partake
- Make your “main” item something that is a bit healthier on the list below so you are belly is slightly full vs. starving
- Go more than once in the month and pace yourself instead of taking it all in at one time
- Drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and help your digestion
- Walk the entire fairgrounds to keep moving and burning energy
Without further ado, here is my top 10!
- Roasted Corn with all the yummy salts, butter and hot sauce
- Beef and veggie shish kabob– beef, peppers and onions grilled to perfection
- Bratwurst bites with mustard – cut one up without a bun and dip away
- Bacon wrapped asparagus– a little gorgeous green veggie wrapped in bacon
- Fresh cut potato curly fries– a little salt, pepper and vinegar is perfection on a chip
- Fried avocado– this is one to share but have you ever tried a hot avo slice?!
- Kettle corn – popcorn with just a hint of sweet and salt
- Chocolate strawberries– get the dark chocolate ones..mmmmm
- Cider Beer – it’s usually gluten free
- Wine – a cold glass of rose to wash it all down
This list will help you navigate any fair or festival, now get out there and make some incredible memories!!
*All photos here are from 2015 – I may update to 2017 when I go later!