A DAY AT THE FAIR ....

I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact, that we weren't going to get to the Great State Fair of Texas this year ........ burst water heater, less than ideal weather, soccer games ..... you get the idea!!!
Then today, on the spur of the moment, after finding a great deal on the tickets, Hubby and I decided to go for a couple of hours. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours, just Me and My Man . Like most people in our stage of life ..... growing kids, homework, sports commitments .... we don't take nearly as much "Us" time as we should.
It was a fabulous day ...... not crowded, the perfect weather .... just lovely !!!

Of course there's Fair Food ...... the must haves, and the competition winners, that although some of them seem a little dodgy, beg to be tried.

 Funnel Cake was Hubby's must have. Mine was a Fleishmanns Corn Dog (coated liberally in ketchup and mustard)...... the only time I'll ever touch one of those things !!!

The winner of The Most Creative Fried Food for this year, was fried Thanksgiving Dinner. Truth be told, we were skeptical (very skeptical) ..... Of all the winners I've tried over the years, this wins hands down, it was DELICIOUS !!! The presentation of it was super cute too ....... Little pots of gravy and cranberry sauce and a Thanksgiving napkin.

We got to see the items I'd won ribbons for displayed .... this always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling :-) There is a wealth of talent around - there were a lot of wonderfully creative items on display to see.

We love visiting the livestock enclosures ...... this porker was HUGE !!! He is only 4 years old. The sign board next to him, said that he has about 1100 lbs of bacon on him ........ not to worry though, he is a breeding pig :-)

 If you've been a visitor to my blog for a while, you might remember that the day after I visited the Fair last year, Big Tex (The talking State Fair Mascot), had an electrical fault, and he burned to the ground ...... let me tell you, it was a sad day for these Texans. Anyhow, at great cost, work began on a new Big Tex (yes, he does have a fire extinguishing system in him now) .... the promise was made to Fair goers, that Big Tex would stand tall and preside over State Fair 2013 ... they made good on their promise, and here he is. He's quite a handsome chap ....

And just look at those snazzy boots he's acquired  ..... Only in Texas !!!!!
Next week, we'll go and collect my entries and ribbons, and Texas State Fair 2013, will be over. Around May, the Creative Arts Department Competition Guidebook will arrive in the mail, and the cycle will begin again :-)

SIDE NOTE: Megan W was the winner of my Giveaway !!! Megan if you'll email me                   (kerry_james@verizon.net) you mailing details, I'll get your package off to you.