by Laura
Several months ago, I began to anticipate the annual wonder that is the North Carolina State Fair. There is nothing un-amazing about such an event. Hokey carnival rides that you fear might break. Disgustingly delicious food. Cute animals, pre-slaughter. Contests for the best pie.
A few weeks ago, North Carolina upped the ante by announcing some of the delicacies that would be making their premiere. Suffice it to say that chocolate covered bacon and deep fried butter were among the inductees. That’s when I knew this fair would be serious business.
I think this picture reflects the mixture of shame and pride that one feels while eating at the fair.
We bought admission and ride tickets at a significant discount online, which made things easy at the gate. Harold declared that this was the best day of his life when we were handed free hushpuppies a few minutes later. We couldn’t quite bring ourselves to eat anything else deep-fried beyond the requisite funnel cake, but maybe next time, once we’ve had a year to let the Southernness soak in.
In a rookie mistake, we failed to stake out a good spot at the pig races, but we managed to catch a glimpse of the action anyway. And yes, it was everything we had dreamed it would be. Animals doing ridiculous things? Check! Earnest farm kids at the junior meat goat show? Yes, ma’am. Amusingly non-scary haunted house ride? Stepping right up! Butter on my corn? Don’t mind if I do.
Rounding the critical final turn.
These goats were trying not to mess up their hair before the show.
I never said the fair was in good taste.
Laura
Harold
