Rob's State Fair Ramblings, Day 1

 And, we're off!! Day 1 is in the books. Before I go any further, please drop a like or a comment if you're taking a read, and that will help me gauge how many people are reading, and will also determine if I continue to do this every year.

It's always a thrill to arrive on the fairgrounds on Day 1. As is my custom, my first stop is the Domestic Arts building to see how my cookies fared. I was happy and surprised. My Monster cookie took a white ribbon (3rd Place)! This was also the first year that I entered a Monster cookie. My Peanut Butter cookies took a red ribbon (2nd Place)! This was the first time that my Peanut Butter cookie took a ribbon. I also pondered, with a lump in my throat, that I almost didn't enter the Peanut Butter cookie, due to it's lack of winnings in years past. My oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, and the newly re-designed chocolate chip cookie did not see any ribbons this year, but they have enjoyed ribbons in years past. 

Now that I had the cookie issue settled, I was ready to eat! I decided that the Tacone was the way to go. The Tacone is sold by Rotten Rodney's, and sells for $8. Overall, I gave it a "C." They didn't fill the cone all the way, it looked really wet, and it was lukewarm. Not the Tacone I have bought in years past. The girl taking the order didn't speak up over the noise of the fair around me, and seemed irritated that I asked her to speak up. Rotten Rodney's is under new ownership this year, and I think that they need to corroborate with the previous owners to bring the food back to the awesome it used to be. While I was eating my Tacone, I was able to enjoy the "Dancing Piano," a man who sings while playing the piano, all while the piano is moving and turning. I'm not sure how the guy does it, but he's good. If you watch closely, you'll get a fleeting glimpse of my friend Zoe, as she walks by. I also go to view the roving act "Dangerous Feats of Comedy." I've posted videos of these acts. Not included in the videos, these guys juggled, ate fire, and they were pretty funny. If you see them setting up, take some time to enjoy their act. 

On the first day, I walk all around to kind of get a lay of the land, to see where everything is. Allen's P-Nut stand still sells the cheapest bottled soda on the grounds at $2 a bottle. They're on the north side of the OZ building, amongst some other stands. There is no "Dollar Days" stand, where they sold really cheap hot dogs and and hamburgers. The Root Beer stands are still around, selling the cheapest Root Beer and Diet Root Beer. And then...I saw it. The answer to a question I've had since last year. If you remember my postings from last year, I engaged in a vain quest to find a food booth that wasn't even on the grounds. The elusive Korean Corn Dog. There, just a few booths east of Allen's P-Nut Stand, and on the other side of the street....was the Korean Corn Dog stand!! Finally! So, those of you who have wondered what it is, here you go....Mozzarella Cheese, dipped in sweet batter, deep fried, sprinkled with panko (bread crumbs) and rolled in sugar. $7, amazingly good, and I give them an A+. They were so friendly and chatty. They told me that last year, just before the fair started, the entire family was hit hard with Covid, and they were forced to cancel. They were excited to be here, and that they were doing well. The cook showed me how he made it, and we visited while it cooked. They also have a wide variety of corn dogs, hot dogs, nachos, etc. Go check them out! 

I think the best part was running into people I knew, getting to visit, and some of these people I haven't seen in ages! A couple of teenage boys walked by, "Hey, Mr. Rue!"    I yelled back "Hey, how ya doing?"    "Great!" was their reply as they went on their way. Who in the world were they? I have no idea, but I made an impact, evidently, Lol. These kiddos need to remember that they change more than we do, and they need to let us know who they are, Lol. 

I also observed a fight, and those folks being escorted off the grounds by police. Yikes. Why can't people just go to the fair to have fun? If I had walked into the area any sooner, I may have gotten caught in the middle of swinging fists. 

Some of my favorite booths are back, like Lori the Dip lady, who will give you a little cup of pretzel sticks to sample some of her wonderful dips, and I always end up buying several packets, which usually end up at my Christmas open house. Ken's chili seasoning appeared again, giving samples. Yes, I buy some. The Union booth in Sunflower North is again the winner of the best giveaway stuff. And the Caramel Cow Crunch returns to the Dairy Bar in the Grandstand. However, when I went to order one, they didn't have the ingredients on hand, but that they would have it in for Saturday....they hoped. Me, too. 

Do you have any questions or comments for me? Something you want me to check out? Maybe a food you'd like to get my opinion on? Maybe you'd like me to shout out something you are selling. Maybe you just want a shout out so that you can get in the blog..? LOL     Whatever it is, fair-related, I can help you out.

Folks, it's late and I'm tired. I hope you enjoyed Day 1. Tomorrow is Sibling Day, and my sister and I are going to hang out and have some fun tomorrow. Tune in tomorrow evening for the full report! Thanks for reading, and God bless!

(PS: Drop a like or comment if you enjoyed this report!)