In which we finally get to the North Carolina State Fair after six seasons in residence – October 22, 2015
GETTING THERE ISN’T HALF THE FUN
We were nearly there when we found ourselves stuck in a long, slow line of traffic. Thirty minutes later, we triumphantly approached the parking lot.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
The fair shimmered in sugary splendor before us and proceeded to exceed all expectations.
CORN DOGS AND VOMIT COMETS
Pamela, this photo is for you, in remembrance of those long gone days when we indulged in pronto pups and corn dogs. Bob was happy to run into a ride named “Flying Bobs” even though, like corn dogs, carnival rides are a thing of the past.
SPLASH AND COLOR
The visuals were stunning – columns of stuffed bears, fair banners and a balloon blimp promoting fried pickles.
AG EXHIBITS
The exhibit halls are a must for us. Soil samples from the mountains, piedmont and coastal plains of North Carolina.The second soil sample from the left, the piedmont is what we deal with in our neck of the woods. It’s good to see what the local hay looks like.
INCONCEIVABLE
Perfect potatoes, mammoth pumpkins and giant watermelons boggled our brains!
WORLD CLASS
The sign says Christopher Kent’s 302 pound watermelon was this year’s heaviest, so we have to believe. But who could believe a 948 pound pumpkin?!
SMOOTH AND HUGE
We saw the smoothest, most perfect sweet potatoes as well as a gnarly, heart-shaped monstrosity weighing 7 1/4 pounds.
DAYS GONE BY
Camille had an an interesting chat with a man who remembers farming with a mule while his lucky older brothers got to use the tractors.
A REAL, LIVE HORSE
Camille dragged Bob back to the little red barn for a look-see at the World’s Smallest Horse, a tiny white miniature standing below a balustrade of bales. For a moment she was elated and then tears filled her eyes. Poor pony, isolated in his cave and stared at by strangers day after day.
LOOK WHO WE RAN INTO!
What a nice surprise to spy Helen and Judy in the craft exhibit!
BACK TO THE GLITZ AND GLITTER
After buying a small vat of lemonade from a young man who said it was his 17th birthday, we tried to imagine our lives in his shoes. We asked him what it was like to be part of the carnival culture and he said he and his mother ran away with the carnival four years ago. “It isn’t as exciting as you’d think,” he said, threading a straw through the hole in a plastic lid. Bob popped a five dollar bill in the tip jar, wished him a Happy Birthday and off we drifted on down the midway.
ICE CREAM AND FRY PITS
Somehow we managed to resist the allure of the frozen treats in lieu of the more savory delights.
FUNNEL CAKES AND CHICK PEA FRIES
There was absolutely no way we were coming out to the fair without pulling apart one of these grease bombs. Amazingly, Camille did not cover her stretchy black jeans in powdered sugar. For dessert we shared an order of chick pea fries which were very good, somewhat between hummus and chick pea fritters, deep fried and served with a tasty dipping sauce.