Theme for this year is Oz.
There is a cool Wizard of Oz exhibit in the building right next to the entrance.
You can see original copies of all the books by L. Frank Baum.
Going to the fair is getting expensive. Since I started going to the fair I parked at Horsepark for free and rode the double decker bus to the fair. This year I was shocked to see the $5 parking sign as we approached Horsepark. General admission is now $20 but there are discounts available as long as you are willing to take the day off and go on a weekday.
I had lunch at Reno’s Fish and Chip which was charging $16 for 3 pieces fish and 2 pieces zuchinni.
Batter on the zuchinni was too thick and there was a thick layer of uncooked batter underneath. Batter wasn’t crunchy but more gummy. Fried zuchinni was also lacking any flavor except for that of the uncooked batter. Fried fish had the same problem with the batter. Uncooked batter flavor hid the mild cod flavor quite well.
Reno’s was my fav fish and chip spot for years but it seems they have a new fry cook or supplier that doesn’t know how to batter stuff properly.
For dinner I visited Wood Pit BBQ which has raised their prices.
It’s $45 for a rack of ribs. $25 for a half rack. $21 for dinner which is 2 ribs and 2 sides. I chose the dinner.
Fries were sitting in the warmer too long and not very flavorful or crunchy. Ribs had good flavors from the dry rub and hickory smoke. Meat was tender. I should have gotten the half rack.
My other favorite parts of the fair were still as good as ever fortunately.
Lots of cute farm animals were on display and their areas were kept tidy.
We took a look at the horses, cows, and sheep.
We visited the first week and the flowers were still fresh and lovely.
Maggie picked a succulent from the plant lady from Green Acres Nursery.
The photography exhibit had some amazing photos. I wonder how I would do if I entered.
Next year I’m gonna have to find a better lunch spot or eat before I visit. Cathy from mmm-yoso has visited. Here are our other fair posts.
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The sheep were especially sweet. I enjoyed the tribute to the land of Oz.
That’s cool you made new friends!
I was so looking forward to this post! That’s so unfortunate about the fish and zucchini. That’s why I dislike fair food as what can you do if food sucks. My mouth dropped reading the prices of the ribs. There should be a Fair Pricing Commissioner. Like price control for food at fairs 🙂 I’m glad at the least the ribs (were they beef or pork?) were tasty.
I guess you could complain and try returning it. The ribs were good. They were beef. There are many places with better tasting ribs for less money like Coop’s and Grand Ole Bbq. There was the excitement of trying exotic fair food but the escalating prices are taking some of the fun out of it.
I suspect the government is overcharging on rent causing the vendors to overcharge on the food. A Fair Pricing Commission sounds good.
We have free tickets from our family but haven’t made it out yet. I wish I went the first weekend when it was cloudy as it’s getting hotter the longer we wait. I want to see the gardens and the wizard of Oz themed stuff!
Lucky! I always try to go early before the flowers have died. You are gonna have a great time as there is a whole building of Wizard of Oz stuff.