Let's Just Fry Everything! Tampa State Fair 2012

Now, I know what you're thinking: a state fair, where's the adventure? You OAR people seriously go to the state fair? Well, last year we did and the adventure was to see who could find the most unusual food that had been deep fried. In all honestly, I had never been to a fair before, so the concept was completely foreign to me. The rides seemed sketchy at best and the food was even worse. Still, one cool thing about the Tampa State Fair is that it is also aimed somewhat towards agricultural innovation and agricultural businesses. We saw the typical pig races and animals, though they did have a giraffe. I don't know much about fairs but the exotic menagerie was awesome. In addition to the giraffe, there was a kangaroo and other animals I don't typically associate with fairs.

This fair also had a small area where you could buy honey and hand crafted carpentry, and even homemade baskets. We all sampled the honey and it was delicious enough that I went back for seconds... and thirds.. and I tried to get fourths but they caught me. Following that we saw lumberjacks having axe competitions, one in which they saw who could chop wood the fastest and another in which they threw axes at a target. The log roll event was equally exciting and they all ended up in the water. The motorcross events and tricks were also cool, but I preferred being outside in the fresh air. Then again, air filled with deep fried fumes and animal waste probably wasn't too fresh. By the time we emerged, it was dark and the sky was illuminated with rides and food stands. The highlight of my trip was shortly thereafter: when we went into the livestock area and I saw a baby lamb and a bunch of baby chickens. 

List of foods that I am disturbed/disgusted to know exist in America (or anywhere else): bacon dipped in chocolate, deep fried bubble gum, deep fried candy bars, deep fried butter, deep fried cookie dough, Krispy Kreme doughnut burger, french toast burger, mac and cheese burger, ice cream burger, bacon peanut butter burger, deep fried turkey legs, and deep fried Kool Aid. Yes, all of these things were seen at the Tampa State Fair. I could feel my arteries clogging as I walked past each stand.

Events occurred: February 18, 2012