Texas State Fair

I just happened to be in Dallas, Texas during the Texas State Fair. This event that spans three weeks is touted as the largest state fair in the country, so I just had to go see what it was all about.
The fairgrounds are adjacent to the Cotton Bowl where Oklahoma and Texas were taking the field for their Red River rivalry. Assuming it would be crowded with football fans that weekend, I waited until Monday to make my way over to Fair Park. I still encountered traffic jams and crowds which I attributed to the Columbus Day holiday… or maybe the fair always has a crowd.

The fairgrounds are massive, as far as the eye can see. Although I did my best to walk around the perimeter, I am certain I didn't see everything. What I did see was a mix of a farm show, home show, auto show, rides and food… oh the food!

The Midway is anchored by Big Tex, a 55 feet tall  cowboy. Kids were lined up for the rides or running from tent to tent trying to win a prize at a game of skill. Although it has been decades since I longed to ride a fast, spinning wheel or to be slung through the air on a see-saw, the old-fashioned Ferris wheel or sky needle were tame enough for me and offer great views of Dallas from up high.
Whether you want to ride or simply buy a bottle of water, you need a coupon. Booths scattered around the park sell them in strips. (Cash or credit accepted.) Vendors then collect tickets instead of cash and their signs post how many tickets are required for that concession.

If you know anything about Texas, you know that fried food is king. I saw fried Reese's peanut butter cups ,fried pickles, fried chocolate covered strawberries, fried mashed potato balls, and the list goes on. Each year, cooking contests are conducted and the winning recipes are served during the fair. This year, one of the winners was a concoction called Sweet Fried Texas. I stumbled upon this booth as I was exiting the fairgrounds and trying to spend my last few coupons. This diet buster consists of pie crust folded in half, stuffed with peach cobbler, deep fried, drizzled with icing, rolled in pecans and served with a side of vanilla ice cream. But don't worry, I found a few friends with forks to help me out.