Wisconsin Fair

2.A Memorable Food Adventure at IAFE-Organized Fairs[Original Blog]

After exploring the various aspects of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)-organized fairs, such as the history, the attractions, the entertainment, and the social benefits, it is time to conclude this blog with a focus on the most important element of any fair: the food. Food is not only a necessity, but also a pleasure, a passion, and a way of expressing one's culture and identity. At the IAFE-organized fairs, food is an adventure, a journey, and a discovery. In this section, I will summarize the main points of why the food at these fairs is so memorable, and provide some tips and recommendations for the readers who want to experience it for themselves. I will also share some personal stories and opinions from different perspectives, such as a fairgoer, a food vendor, a food critic, and a nutritionist.

Some of the reasons why the food at the IAFE-organized fairs is so memorable are:

1. The variety and diversity of the food options. The fairs offer a wide range of cuisines, flavors, ingredients, and dishes, from the traditional to the exotic, from the familiar to the adventurous, from the healthy to the indulgent. There is something for everyone, whether you are a meat lover, a vegetarian, a vegan, a gluten-free, or a lactose-intolerant. You can find food from different regions and countries, such as American, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, and more. You can also sample some local specialties and delicacies, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, turkey legs, and cotton candy. Some examples of the variety and diversity of the food options are:

- At the Minnesota State Fair, you can try over 500 different foods, including 80 new items each year. Some of the new items for 2023 are: bacon-wrapped pork belly, cheese curd tacos, deep-fried cookie dough, and pickle-flavored ice cream.

- At the san Diego county Fair, you can enjoy the theme of "Around the World in 80 Days", which features food from different continents and cultures. Some of the food options are: African sambusas, Brazilian coxinhas, French crepes, German pretzels, and Thai mango sticky rice.

- At the Iowa State Fair, you can participate in the annual food competitions, such as the Big Boar Contest, the Super Bull Contest, the Largest Rabbit Contest, and the Best Pie Contest. You can also witness the creation of the famous butter sculptures, which depict various celebrities, animals, and landmarks.

2. The creativity and innovation of the food vendors. The fairs are a platform for the food vendors to showcase their culinary skills, talents, and ideas. They are constantly experimenting with new recipes, ingredients, techniques, and presentations, to create unique and original dishes that attract and satisfy the customers. They are not afraid to challenge the conventional norms and expectations of what food should be, and to surprise and delight the customers with their inventions. Some examples of the creativity and innovation of the food vendors are:

- At the Texas State Fair, you can find the winners of the annual Big Tex Choice Awards, which honor the best new foods at the fair. Some of the past winners are: fried beer, fried bubblegum, fried Thanksgiving dinner, and fried Jell-O.

- At the Florida State Fair, you can taste the creations of the Extreme Food Chef, who specializes in making outrageous and over-the-top dishes. Some of his creations are: bacon-wrapped gator on a stick, chocolate-covered jalapeno poppers, and deep-fried PB&J sandwich with banana and bacon.

- At the Arizona State Fair, you can indulge in the offerings of the Bacon-A-Fair, which features everything bacon. Some of their offerings are: bacon-wrapped turkey legs, bacon mac and cheese, bacon cotton candy, and bacon funnel cake.

3. The experience and enjoyment of the food. The fairs are not only about the food itself, but also about the way the food is consumed and appreciated. The fairs provide a fun and festive atmosphere, where the customers can eat, drink, and be merry. The customers can share their food with their friends and family, or make new friends with other fairgoers. They can also interact with the food vendors, who are friendly, helpful, and passionate about their food. The customers can also learn more about the food, such as the origin, the preparation, the ingredients, and the nutritional value. The customers can also express their opinions and feedback about the food, such as by voting, rating, reviewing, or posting on social media. Some examples of the experience and enjoyment of the food are:

- At the New York State Fair, you can join the Taste NY Food Truck Competition, which features food trucks from across the state, competing for the best food in different categories. You can sample the food from each truck, and cast your vote for your favorite.

- At the Wisconsin State Fair, you can get a free cream puff, which is the signature dessert of the fair, made with fresh whipped cream and pastry. You can also watch the live demonstrations of how the cream puffs are made, and learn about the history and tradition of the cream puff.

- At the Oregon State Fair, you can participate in the Oregon Bounty Chef's Table, which is a culinary event that showcases the local and seasonal produce of Oregon. You can enjoy a four-course meal, prepared by a renowned chef, using the freshest and finest ingredients from the fair's farmers market.

These are some of the main points of why the food at the IAFE-organized fairs is so memorable. However, words alone cannot do justice to the food. The best way to appreciate the food is to taste it for yourself. So, the next time you visit a fair, make sure to bring your appetite, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure, and embark on a memorable food adventure. You will not regret it. Bon appetit!