The Texas State Fair is going on right now and my husband I decided to take some time off to go check it out. We realized that the only “State” Fair we've been to is the Big E in Massachusetts. And even though we've lived here for several years we've not yet made the journey up to Dallas during the Fair. So the time had come to journey northwards and check out what Texas has to offer.
Like most State Fairs there's the lights and games and noise and the crowds. All of which adds to the general atmosphere that makes up the fair. One of the first sights we saw entering the fair had nothing to do with food but was absolutely adorable and got us started on the right foot. After all, if you start off smiling you're bound to be in a better mood to enjoy the day.
Is that not the most adorable kissing booth you have ever seen in your life?
The fairgrounds are quite extensive and we wandered around enjoying all of the exhibits, the fabulous music (including my new favorite band, The Killdares – a Celtic Rock bank)
.
As we got closer to the Midway and all of the rides we passed what can only be described as fried food alley. I confess that years ago I would have enjoyed all of the different offerings, these days it truly holds no attraction for me. Atop the smell of fried food was the nauseating aroma of sugar from all of the cotton candy, and sugar powdered treats.
The State Fair bills itself as the Fried Food Capital of Texas and is so enamored of fried food that the program lists the Top Ten of Fried Foods that were submitted for this year. From Fried Red Velvet Cupcakes to Fried Beer, Fried Spaghetti and Meatballs, and, my former favorite, Funnel Cake. I jokingly posted to twitter that you know you're in Texas when they serve Chicken Fried Bacon.
In a nod to those few of us who don't eat fried food there were a few items on offer that were not fried. Namely a Greek Salad and fresh fruit from the Fruiteria (aren't those mango flower pops adorable?)
But of course the Fair isn't just about food. With craft exhibitions, classic cars, modern cars, animal exhibits, a shopping gallery and a fairway full of games there's more to do than can be covered in one day.
Important survival tips learned while visiting the Fair?
- Bring healthy snacks, including protein – this may help you avoid some of the junk food temptations
- Bring water – staying well hydrated is so important
- Bring sunscreen and/or a hat
- If you are going to indulge in fried treats remember it's just that, a treat, don't eat fried everything
- Wear comfortable shoes
Overall it was great fun. I didn't get to see and do everything that I wanted to, but there's always another year to back and do it again.
Great survival tips for those who want to eat healthy. 🙂
Write on~
Lisa
Trudy, It worked out well, luckily because there were two vendors there with food that I felt I could eat. I’m still trying to figure out why we (as a culture) seem to think that going to the Fair requires bad food.
And you should check out the Killdares online, their music is really fabulous!
Mitch, sadly they did have that. And more. Whatever was on offer 90 percent of it was friend. I’m surprised that I didn’t see fried butter which was apparently a big State Fair hit a couple of years ago.
OMG all that fried stuff – I’d have to say no, not even as a treat! go for the yummy and beautiful mango instead!
Sounds like a fun day! and I love the tips
PS. I also love Celtic music
This sounds like an interesting event. Do you know if they had fried twinkies or fried oreos? Right up there on the list of how may I make this really unhealthy for people?
State fairs are notorious for unhealthy foods. It seems almost like a joke, “What’s the unhealthiest food I can find to fry up?” They can still be a lot fun, though, (if you follow your great tips)!
Fun post! I really felt like I was at the fair with you. And, those mango pops do look delish!
I grew up in a culture of fried everything, too, and I am glad not to live there any more. I went with friends to a mostly fried foods restaurant last night, and I simply ate before I went and had a drink and enjoyed everyone’s company. Sometimes a fried meal is a good treat, but I wasn’t in a fried everything mood last night!
Love,
Katherine
Katherine C. H. E.
Author, Be True Rich
Sue that’s terrrible!! If he wants to eat enriched flour, HFCS and who-knows-what-else processed food that’s one thing. But how horrible to feed it to his poor dog.
Those mango flower pops are really cute! I’m not as adverse to funnel cakes as you are, but I agree most fair food is not so great. Hated seeing someone buy a BBQ sandwich for his gorgeous Irish setter at a fair recently.
The kissing booth made me want to go to a fair, but the description of the smells… I know that nauseating feeling too well when it’s nothing but fried and sugar. Yuck!
Thanks Mira. You’re right the state fair isn’t the place to find health food!