State Fair of TEXAS

6 days, 11 hours and 47 minutes. Until Big Tex (that's him, above!) greets his first guests at the State Fair of Texas. There's nothing like it. The rides, the people, the (fried) food, the fun kid stuff! We're not going for over 3 wks, but I can't wait! We always go in the middle of the week - it's less crowded, less traffic and more kid friendly.

Last year, at 2 1/2 yrs old, Big Sis was less than 2" away from riding all those 'you must be this tall to ride this ride' signs... the 42" ones! She still had a blast on the baby rides, and something makes me think she'll choose to ride those with G-man over riding too many of the bigger kid rides.

And if you've never been, let me try to explain to you the contest that is fried food at the fair. This excerpt should do it:

In 2005, Fair organizers - determined to take the association with food to a new level - organized the first annual Big Tex Choice Awards contest.
The contest is considered a friendly food fight among Fair concessionaires. Entries must be new to the Fair, unique and taste-tempting. In mid-summer, an invitation is sent to all contracted State Fair vendors with details about the contest. Interested concessionaires submit menus to a committee for review and consideration. Often the committee will request samples for taste testing before choosing the finalists for the contest. On Labor Day, a panel of judges is on hand when the kitchen heats up for the final round of competition. Awards are presented in two categories - best taste and most creative. The competition is held prior to the opening of the Fair each year and is not open to the general public.

2005 Most Creative ~~~ Viva Las Vegas Fried Ice Cream
2005 Best Taste ~~~ Fried PB, Jelly and Banana Sandwich
2006 Most Creative ~~~Fried Coke
2006 Best Taste ~~~ Fried Praline Perfection
2007 Most Creative ~~~ Deep Fried Latte
2007 Best Taste ~~~ Texas Fried Cookie Dough
2008 Most Creative ~~~ Fried Banana Split
2008 Best Taste ~~~ Chicken Fried Bacon
2009 Most Creative ~~~ Deep Fried Butter
2009 Best Taste ~~~ Fernie's Deep Fried Peaches & Cream

All I can say is that it seems like deep fried butter is taking it to a whole new level, dontcha think?! I'm not sure I've tried any of these, but last year I tried:
Texas Tator Twisters (like homemade chips with cheese!)
Donkey tail (a hotdog wrapped in a tortilla and cheese and fried)
Fried Snickers (I know it sounds crazy and it is... but it's fried in a doughnut-type batter and covered in powdered sugar!)
Cotton Candy - I didn't have any, but Big Sis LOVED it.

Okay, I've gained weight just typing this. Jog #3 of week 4 in c25k will be happenin' tomorrow morning. I promise.