Great Taste of a Fair

As of today, we are 33 days away from the Oklahoma State Fair! This time of year makes me giddy. I have had so many wonderful memories that revolve around the fair. Growing up in Pawhuska, each fall I participated in the Osage County Free Fair with livestock and non-livestock exhibits. I worked all summer on different arts and crafts projects with the goal of a blue ribbon. If my items were lucky enough to get a blue ribbon, they went on to compete at the Tulsa State Fair. Imagine this, a nine-year-old little girl seeing her hard work pay off with a blue ribbon at the state fair. I jumped for joy when I realized that I had won. My prized homemade milkshake candle had a special place on my dresser until I graduated from high school. Prized possession? I think so!

It was not until I was a teenager until I got the chance to experience the Oklahoma State Fair. There were a few times a year that I had the opportunity to visit Oklahoma City, and this was one of them. I showed my breeding ewes and market wethers at the Oklahoma State Fair. After running on little sleep and smelling like a sheep, there was nothing better than visiting the Cookie Time stand. I patiently waited for this moment all week! You could smell the freshly baked cookies throughout the barn. A chocolate chip cookie that was bigger than my face was calling my name. I remember my first bite like it was yesterday. I walked back to my sheep pen and enjoyed the rest but not before one of my show lambs helped himself to a bite. Who knew lambs like cookies? You have been warned 4-H and FFA exhibitors, guard your cookies!

Even though my livestock showing days are behind me, I still visit the Oklahoma State Fair. However, my agenda looks a little different. Now when I visit, I am in search of the best food around. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Let's be real, my gym sessions are about to amp it up a notch, so I don't feel so guilty when I am chowing down on a massive cinnamon roll.

My Top 10 State Fair Foods

1. Captain Crunch Corn Dog
2. Funnel Cake
3. Deep-Fried Oreos
4. Indian Taco
5. Cinnamon Roll
6. Roasted Corn on the Cob
7. Cookie Time Cookie
8. Pork Chop Sandwich
9. Cotton Candy
10. Cheese-on-a-Stick

Obviously, I am not going to eat all ten items, but a girl can dream! This weekend I am going to try to recreate the famous Captain Crunch Corn Dog. I am up for the challenge and love a good experiment in the kitchen.

What's your favorite State Fair food?