Rob's Pre-State Fair Ramblings

 If you've been following my Facebook page, I've been posting pics and info about what's happening out there, what's moving in, and to give you a general idea of what to expect and what you might see. I can't give you an idea yet about where different booths will be, and what prices will be like this year. The booths and food trucks are still waiting to be moved into their respectable spots. As for prices, I will tell you this...expect costs to be higher. Vendors are having to pay higher prices for their goods, and more than likely, that cost will be passed on to you and me. There's always $2 Tuesdays, where some vendors will offer $2 portions of their goodies. That could be an option for you, and Tuesdays are typically a low-traffic day, especially if you like walking through the buildings. Tuesday is also the day you can get in for $4 after 4pm. 

Foods: The state fair is a wonderland of fried goodness. However, here are some things to look out for when choosing your fried food. If you can, try to get a look at the oil they are using. The vendors should be changing out the oil every day. If the oil is fairly light to light brown, the oil is in pretty good shape. However, if their oil is a dark brown to black, this oil is due for a change, and it will affect the taste of your food. For the amount of money you will be paying for food, you will want fresh food. There have been times when I have bypassed a booth because of their dark oil. Some of my favorite non-fried items have been the Tacone, Pulled Pork Parfait, and the Roasted Corn.  

Money: If you can manage to pay with cash, that is the best, and most appreciated, form of payment. Wifi is shaky at the fair with such high usage, and that's what powers the card machines. I've sometimes waited in lines for up to 20 minutes waiting for credit/debit card transactions to go through. I've been thanked by food vendors for paying with cash. Try to bring cash into the fair with you, rather than using the fair's ATM machines. They will charge you a pretty penny to withdraw cash there. I bring limited amounts of cash with me, and keep my wallet in my front pocket. Make sure the money gets into your wallet and not dropped on the ground. This seems like a silly tip, but thousands of dollars get dropped on the ground every year by distracted fairgoers. On that note, look for money on the ground, lol. 

Games: Avoid the games on the Midway. They are very tricky, and carnies know how to make it look easy. I know that the life-sizes poop emojis are very enticing, but...don't. One year, I took my boys out to the fair, and I let them have some time on their own. I gave them $20 for food and etc and told them to steer clear of the games. One of them found me after 30 minutes, broke. He had blown his entire $20 on the "Wacky Wire" game. He wanted more money. Tough. I bought him the cheap Root Beer, and told him to keep the cup to refill at a water fountain. He thought I was pretty mean. Avoid the games, folks. 

Be sure to take in the other things. The animals. The artwork. Ride the Ferris Wheel or the Sky Ride and take pictures. Visit the animal birthing center and see the baby piggies or hatching chicks. Keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks that are left for fair-goers to find. 

There are so many amazing things to see at the fair. Get out there and enjoy them! As I visit every day, I'll document my adventures, foods, and activities and maybe I'll pique your interest. Many Dillons and Kwik shops have free State Fair visitor guides with daily schedules and it's loaded with ideas. 

In the meantime, here's what I need from you: I need likes and comments to give me an idea of how many people are reading the blog. This determines if there will be a 2023 State Fair Rambling. It also makes me feel appreciated for the work that I do in getting you connected with all things that are State Fair. Feel free to ask questions by way of comment or text. My text is 620-960-1866. In your text, please let me know who you are. If you see me out at the fair, feel free to say hi, ask a question, get a selfie, or all of the above. I'm kind of the "Where's Waldo" at the fair, Lol. Is there a food you are curious about? Looking for a booth? Need some info? I'm your guy.  6 Days until the fair. I hope to see you there. Until then, thanks for reading, and God bless!