Tonight was the Foundation Taste of the Fair, and it was a nice way to begin. There were fewer vendors than last year, longer lines and really loud music, but we found a quiet bench, tasted some old favorites and tried a few new things and took a walk down to the new West End Market and had a lovely evening.
We arrived to the performance of Duniya Drum & Dance troupe.
We got our bags with plates and games tickets and found a table. Dad went for food right away and returned quickly with an ice cold beer and a plate full of Dino's Gyros.
Mom & I had a beverage and dilly dallied getting photo ops with the local wildlife.
By the time we decided to get food, the lines were pretty long! We started with a Turkey to Go
Sandwich, where there was one young woman working! She was doing her best, but it was slow. Worth the wait though!
After some protien, Sweet Martha's Cookes were right there next to us......
Between Mom, Dad & I we found all the food vendors and tried some of the new foods, so I could take one for the team, and save you all some money!
We tested Mancini's "beer gelato", Green Mill's "sausage & pepperoni & cheese pizza tots", Bayou Bob's "gator sausage" and "Johnny Pops" a "smoothie on a stick" and we got a "Poncho Dog" not to be confused with a regular corn dog or a Pronto Pup.
Dad hoped the Poncho dogs were precooked since the temperature was somewhat concerning...and the spicy gator sausage nugget took Mom by surprise so she needed to grab a quick lemonade!
Dad looked at the Beer Gelato and said, "looks like a waste of good beer", then he tasted it and said "nope, it's a waste of good gelato!" They have many other flavors, so I would avoid this one.
The Pizza Tots were too much for me. I think a good idea, but trying to be too much in one nugget. None of us enjoyed them. I talked to a 10 year old girl who turned up her nose at it....if a kid won't eat a pizza tot...who will? I hope they still have the foot long pizza bread stick, that was good last year!
The Johhny Pop "Smoothie on a Stick" was the best new item offered! Invented by some young men at the Uof MM, it is all natural, cold, refreshing and tasty! Mom tried the mixed berry, I tried the Chocolatte, and there was a pineapple blend and a strawberry blend. This I would pay money for!
After the food, Mom & I tried our luck at the games of chance. Mom is way better at this than I am. She kept winning and started with one small dog, and he grew! The prize will be on the back porch again this year as Mom's fair mascot!
The music by G.B.Leighton was really good, but so loud, we had to enjoy it from the West End Market!
On our way to the West End, we happened upon some benches! This sort of takes the pressure off the first day bench hunt! I will not reveal exact locations, except by request, but I am sure inferences can be made.
Mom & Dad were not sure the West End was accessible yet, but the gates were open!
It is impressive! The vendor spaces are open and inviting, the whole area is fresh and new, the History Center looks wonderful, and a little birdie told me it is climate controlled. If it gets really really hot at the fair again this year, you might find me studying up on my State Fair history...all day. This is The Blue Barn, which will be home to all sorts of fun new food vendors!
I found the old train car and the farm house where Mom played as a kid.
The new rooftop restaurant overlooking the amphitheater is awesome. I am not sure it will be big enough! Reservations?
As we were leaving the market area, the sun was setting over the new Gate 16, where my baby girl will be working full time as a ticket taker this year.
The foundation event was providing a round trip ride on the SkyRide tonight, but my claustrophobia does not allow for that one. Mom & Dad thought it would be a nice idea if they could hitch a one way ride back up to the east end, but alas, no riders allowed on our end. Dad offered us up as test riders, and I did not think that was funny. (After last year being stuck on the OPEN Sky Glider, I don't think I would survive a failed test run on the CLOSED one)
Walking back to the car, we walked past the Tom Thumb Donut booth (another donating vendor) and picked up our parting gift!
If you go to the fair early, check out the beautiful flowers.When the grounds are empty they really stand out and you can enjoy them. By day twelve...even day four, they can be a little tattered.
One week, people.....ONE WEEK!
My kids don't enjoy the fair at all, so I haven't gone much in the last several years. Can I tell you how excited I am that B and I are attending the fair by ourselves this year?! I appreciate the food and location previews--great information! Thanks!
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