Put aside the crowded animal exhibitions, thrilling monster truck shows, and overpriced rides, and gear up for a full deep-fried front! Where is all of this unheard-of chaos taking place? Yup, you guessed it! It’s the infamous North Carolina State Fair. And as a Miami girl who has never experienced a true state fair, let me tell you, this adventure-filled night was so much more than just a unique experience.
Going about my day as a typical college student, I saw numerous signs and emails promoting this 10-day statewide event that receives over 1 million visitors every year. Serving the most traditional southern food and offering your classic carnival games, I figured that paying this spectacle a visit was a must!
The minute I arrived, my nose immediately filled with the smell of fried food and my body immediately joined the giant crowd of college students, country bumpkins, and usual family fair-goers. Making my way to the center of the food court, I had to work hard to narrow down my options. Between myself and three other friends, we ate: a Greek Gyro, an Elephant Ear, a, Deep-Fried Oreo, Deep-Fried Mac N’ Cheese and a Caramel-Nut Apple. These eats are only around once a year and what better place than to go on a remarkable whirlwind food tour. Every fried concoction is the proper amount of fried.
Some other foods include:
Hot Wisconsin Cheese
Roasted corn
Greasy Turkey Legs
Specialty Flavored Funnel Cakes
Deep-Fried Candy Bars
Cotton Candy
Bacon on a stick
Yes, the amount of grease and human perspiration was overwhelming, but the atmosphere is so exhilarating and I would definitely recommend this experience at least once during your time in North Carolina.