The first week of August (at least for my town) is a special time for everyone. The annual fair brings people of all ages together either to get wild and drunk at a country concert (hello Dustin Lynch), or to just ride the Ferris Wheel 6 times with the guy/girl they like. It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember, and will continue to be for many generations to come. When I have kids, I plan on bringing them every summer to experience the memories that I experienced growing up with this tradition. There are so many reasons why people cherish it so much, and summer would not be the same without it. The county fair is a past and present summer staple.
1. The expensive but amazing food.
I mean who doesn't love a deep fried Oreo, or a plate full of Fried Dough? Yes it's a heart attack waiting to happen, but there’s just something about fair food. Cotton candy and caramel apples have my heart, and childhood memories forever. That $5 was so worth spending on a piece of a pizza two sizes too big, or an artery clogging cheeseburger. I mean you can always bring your own food to avoid the prices, but that defeats the purpose.
2. The faulty, but fun rides.
This is probably my favorite part of the fair. Sure the "Fireball" may seem sketchy at first, but there's nothing like the feeling of being upside down in the air, watching all your friends on the ground look at you like you’re about to die. At least this is true for all you daredevils. And of course there are fair staples such as the twister and bumper cars. Perfect time to act like a kid again. Maybe that’s why people love the fair so much, it helps them hold onto a piece of innocence that got lost as they grew up.
3. The animal shows, duh.
A county fair just isn’t complete without a pig and horse show. And maybe a tiger show. There's always those people you know every year that enter their pig or cow into the annual farm contests. Sounds fun. Plus a petting zoo. Feeding food to goats who practically eat your hand off while reaching for it will never get old. Step away kids, those talking parrots amuse me more than you. And leave it to your grandparents to never miss the tiger standing on its hind legs every year. I recently had the chance to see that. Interesting stuff.
4. The games
Fair games complete with creepy carnies are something that I have a difficult time saying no to. Give me a chance to win a live fish, I’ll take it. Even though the fish will probably die a week later. Bad childhood experience. And of course the classic ''I Got It' game, basically fair bingo. Addicting. Always make sure you have dollar bills on you. Also, who could resist playing that game where you throw the ball in the hoop to win a prize? Everyone likes prizes. Obviously the reason why creepy fair carnies make so much money. Because obviously it can’t be the way they look. Fair games will always be classic.
