The Great State.... Fair of Texas, that is!

   Every year right after my birthday my favorite thing happens in Texas. And given it is Texas it of course is done BIG, well, and goes on for 3 weeks. Yes that's right boys and girls I am talking about the wonderful, the fabulous, and infamous State Fair of Texas. 
    A small little back history about this amazing event (yes I am an avid fan... who gets super excited every year about going). The State Fair of Texas actually started in 1886... and lasts 24 days. And when I say its big unless you have been there you have no idea... just a little clue though, its the biggest in the United States. I can attest to this fact at least to some extent because one year I went to the Big E, the East Coasts "State" Fair. Compared to ours those 6 states have nothing on us! It also has the largest ferris wheel in the U.S. Then there is Big Tex... the 52 foot Cowboy that greets fair goers every year since the 1950's. He's probably Dallas' most photographed resident.His genial smile and "Howdy ya'll" just brings a smile to your face and warms your heart. Everyone goes to the fair from Elvis Presley, to Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill, Presidents, Football fans, Texans from near and far. 

Big Tex!

   So why is a self-proclaimed foodie writing in her food blog about the State Fair?  Two words... Fried Everything. Fletcher's Corny Dogs. All through the year I dream about those corny dogs. Hand dipped deliciousness. Fletcher's claims they introduced and popularized them in the late 1930's at the State Fair of Texas though that is up for debate. One little fact I learned today for those of you who have their birthday during those blessed fair weeks.... If you go to the Fletcher's stand on your birthday you get a FREE corny dog!!! Needless to say... I'm a little heartbroken that my birthday is the week before the fair. Regardless, that is the first place I make a beeline for. 

Just look for this!

    The simple pleasure of the fried cornmeal battered, hand-dipped hot dog is a heavenly combination on a slim stick wrapped in white paper. Once you get that little piece of fried deliciousness walk over to the ketchup and mustard stand and figure out which way you wanna go. All mustard? All ketchup? Combination? On the dog itself or on the paper for dipping. Me? The way I go every year is one line of ketchup down the dog followed by one line of mustard... looking for that perfect mix of both... then kinda smearing it together. Very ladylike I'm sure haha but it's the fair! My mom... she likes to put mustard in the paper and dip. Whatever your preference go for it. But don't miss the corny dogs!
   

yes that's me! I was more interested in eating the corny dog to take a picture!

   Every year the fair has a fried food contest in the months before the fair... there are articles about the winners... there are maps to where to get the standout items... It is a big to-do. This year The fried bacon cinnamon roll won most creative... best taste was deep friend jambalaya. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try either of these this year... I have in the past tried winners and standouts such as the deep fried grilled cheese, fried oreos, and fried cookie dough. I'm serious when I say its a friend food extavaganza. Fried beer, alligator, red velvet cupcakes, and this year even samoas. There is one other thing I can't leave the fair without... Funnel Cake. Ok I pretty much can't leave anywhere that has funnel cakes without one. I'm simple when it comes to my cakes. Just give me the powdered sugar and a lot of napkins... though in the end I still end up with powdered sugar all over me, my face, and shirt. Kind of a funny sight I'm sure. If you wanna get all fancy you can add strawberries, peaches, or chocolate even. They seem less portable to me that way, but if you go into The Docks to get them like I do every year you can sit in the nice cool a/c. 

Mom she let me snap a pic before we killed it

   If you come to Texas the last weekend of September til the middle of October... go to the Fair. Not only is it a fried food haven, there's exhibits, a butter sculpture, a petting zoo, cars and even pig races. Its insane. Its big. Its fun! And they have the best corny dogs anywhere!