Map by William Tipton
can be rolled in batter, dipped in oil, deep fried, and served on a stick. Fairs across the country seem to be vying for most outrageous honors when it comes to sinful new food offerings. For example: fried Jell-O, chicken-fried bacon, hot-beef sundaes, deep-fried butter balls—and a Texas State Fair specialty—the funnel cake bacon queso burger. Burp! Waistlines may suffer, but it’s all in good fun—so start making plans to visit at least one of our seven favorite American state fairs. MINNESOTA STATE FAIR Recently named by USA Today readers as America’s best state fair, “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” staged each August in St. Paul, also is the nation’s largest state fair based on average daily attendance. In 2018, 2.05 million guests hit the turnstiles during the 12-day event, posting a record daily attendance of 270,426. This fair is world-renowned for serving the least healthy food ever fried by man. Of course, there are the midway rides, big-name entertainment, and ubiquitous livestock competitions, but many fairgoers come here simply to feed their faces. Among 31 new dishes this year: cheesy
The Texas State Fair in Dallas at sunset.
STATE FAIRS By Dave G. Houser
From the start, which was 1841 in Syracuse, New York, state fairs have convened largely to showcase and celebrate livestock and agriculture. Over the years, these fairs evolved into carnivals, notable for their “step right up!” revelry, rickety rides, freak shows, unhealthy foods, and unwinnable games. Today’s modern state fairs retain some of those elements but on a much, much grander scale. And with many of them now in their second century of existence, there’s plenty of history and tradition to celebrate. For most folks, attending a state fair is a fun and inexpensive outing that offers something sure to interest and entertain the entire family. For the 4-H types there are exhibits and competitions focused on agriculture and livestock. Midway rides, games and musical events provide non-stop entertainment. And yes, there is funnel cake—along with just about anything else that
STATE FAIRS
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2021
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