Another Summer, Another State Fair

​                           Books by Patti Liszkay available on Amazon:   
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​Another Summer, Another State Fair

     I could - and often do - go on and on over all things I love about Columbus, Ohio. 

     And right up there among my favorite Columbus things is the Ohio State Fair.               The State Fair comes to our lovely city for twelve days every summer, and for the 46 years that we've lived in Columbus, it's the rare summer that my mate and I haven't spent one of those days at the Fair.   

      This year we went to the State Fair on Thursday, July 25, the day after opening day, where we joined what was a pretty typical weekday crowd of fairgoers.

     The crowd of fairgoers was, like us, there to see the sights; and some of them, unlike us, were there to indulge in the more notorious offerings of State Fair cuisine, which obviously seeks to prove that there's nothing that can't be deep-fried,

...wrapped in bacon,

...or drenched in cheese.

     And then there's the pièce de résistance of incredible Fair edibles,

      As for Tom and I, we spent this day as we always do, strolling the grounds,

...and making the rounds of our favorite exhibits.
      We started with the youth exhibits at the Lausche building.

...some of which were for youngsters,

...and some by youngsters,

...my favorite of which was the display of beautiful cakes decorated by members of the 4-H.

     4-H contestants before the judges.

     I certainly hope this cake won a prize.

      Next after the youth building, we headed to Kasich Hall for my favorite of all the Fair exhibits,  among which I usually spend the most time, the Creative Arts.

...where all kinds of pieces are created from all kinds of materials and media.

...including the wearable,

...the edible,

...and the usable.

      A crocheted model of St. Basil's Cathedral,

...and a crocheted cockroach.

    The amazing miniatures.

      The table place settings

        The student artwork was also on display.

       The entrants for best honey were likewise among the arts and crafts, which leads one to conclude that the propagation of superior honey must be an art.

      By the time we finished seeing the creative arts we were ready for lunch. And so we looked around among the food offerings,

...until opted to  split a giant chopped sirloin burger and some fries.

      The burger was rare and juicy, the fries hot and crispy. We decided that from now on the giant chopped sirloin would be our go-to Fair food.

      After lunch we stopped by the Dairy building to see the butter sculptures,

...and have some ice cream.

    Next we visited the Cox Fine Arts Center to see the art, sculpture, and photography exhibits.

     Sadly, no photographs may be taken in the Fine Arts Center. However, the entries were for the most part quite engaging and wonderful.
         Having made the cultural rounds, we then visited the animals.

     After the animals we went to see the plant and vegetable exhibits.

       After seeing the plants and vegetables we headed towards the commercial buildings, passing on our way the tent of a Columbus landmark restaurant, Schmidt's, known for it's German cuisine, and most especially it's giant delicious cream puffs.            

      "Do you think we ought to split a cream puff?" Tom asked me. 
      I replied that in view of all the walking we'd been doing, I thought we should. And so we did.

      After our cream puff we continued on to the commercial buildings, where one can find all sorts of items, new and used, for sale,

...as well as numerous public service booths,

...and any kind of candy you might want,

...along with a couple of kinds you might not want.

      There was a plethora of Trump merch,

...including copies of the Trump Bible.

      After the commercial buildings we strolled for a while around the Natural Resources Park.

      And then, after six and a half enjoyable hours, we decided to call it a day.
​      Funny, though, how some things just never grow old.