Fairs & Festivals

Last weekend we went to the largest fair in the state of Washington, The Puyallup Fair (a.k.a. The Big Fantastic). I wasn’t sure what to expect from this two-week long affair that is held south of Seattle each year, but my husband was excited for the “fair food”. So I guess that is where I will begin.

The Food:
I have been to many fairs in my life, including church, city, county, and even a state. So I consider myself schooled in the culinary offerings that are available at these social gatherings. But then again, I have only gone to fairs in the Midwest…could the Northwest really be any different??

Well, yes, it can. The Puyallup was actually my second fair/festival that I attended this month. My first was Bremerton’s Annual Blackberry Festival which was pretty much what I expected…lots of food, music and booths, all coated in blackberries. So with two fairs under my belt I feel like I can honestly comment on the odd shit, I mean differences that I have encountered.

Elephant Ear—This is a giant piece of fried bread (resembling an ear?) covered in cinnamon and sugar
Teriyaki chicken and noodles—Who the hell eats Asian food at a fair? Slimy, slippery noodles do not seem like a great pick for fair food.
Cow chip—This may sound gross, but really this is just a giant chocolate chip cookie
Scones—I hate to repeat myself, but fair food? Really? A fucking scone? Maybe if we were in England and drinking tea.
Fried alligator on a stick—I assume this is self explanatory and my husband says it tastes like fishy chicken
Funnel cake toppings—I will admit that this is just a personal issue. I love funnel cakes. In my opinion they are a perfect food that does not need to be improved upon or added to. But these Northwesterners feel the need to slop on a bunch of crap (fruit), whipped cream, and flavored syrup. I guess I am just a purist at heart.

The People:
For the most part, I saw the same types of people at NW fairs as I have seen at Midwest fairs. For example, I spotted the “chippys” dressed in mini skirts and strappy sandals, love birds walking with thumbs in their honey’s back pockets, cowboys in boots and ten gallon hats, families with exhausted parents and sugar-fueled children, and teenagers…lots and lots of teenagers. I enjoyed the people watching, I must say.

The Rides
Okay, I got to be honest, I don’t trust fair rides. There is just something disarming about the fact that the ride that flips you upside-down was unloaded off a truck and constructed earlier that morning. But against my better judgment I was “encouraged” to ride these traveling death traps and lived to see another day. I really didn’t encounter any new or bizarre rides, but I will mention that if you have a bad neck, roller coasters and bumper cars are NOT suggested. Ouch.