I like food, games and am easily amused by bright lights so I decided to visit the 52nd Edition of the Coastal Carolina Fair.
I wanted to spend the day at the fair and see how it compared to others I have attended. I found an article praising the Texas State Fair in Dallas. The photos and the story were supposed to give the reader an inside look at a real fair. I have been to the fair in Dallas and a comparison of the two fairs might surprise you.
Sure the Texas State Fair has a 52-foot cowboy named Tex and some interesting performances but when it comes down to it, the bottom line is a concern to families. I will tell you that is most important to me, not spending a paycheck to enjoy myself.
From the moment I entered the grounds I saw something I'm not used to, free parking. I get to keep my money and park?
By the way, couldn't beat the weather Saturday. That sunset was wonderful as it dropped beyond the rides.
Strolling the grounds, I found many sights, sounds and smells. The bright colors and bright lights of the concession stands, the children screaming on the rides and the wonderful smell of food.
The rides looked fun and you could see performers but one thing really caught my eye, the sideshow attractions. The seven wonders of the world cost a lot to see, how about the lesser known wonders. For example, you can see a 300 lb. snake or a woman with no limbs and the body of a serpent. Don't forget the 27 inch-small woman. They can all be seen for a dollar. Really, what can you buy with a dollar anymore? Whatever it is, I promise you it won't compare to seeing such wonders as those found at this fair.
After seeing a large snake why not go for some food. One spot took me to a place I have not been in a long time. As I rounded a corner the smell of barbeque was intoxicating. I was immediately drawn in by its aroma. For a moment, I was back in Texas sitting in front of my favorite restaurant. There was no better barbeque than that and I would always order this baked potato loaded with meat. No potatoes served here but the ribs and turkey legs looked good. I won't lie, a small tear rolled down my check.
No, I didn't try any food. I am not going to get sauce all over my camera equipment but the smell... that smell...it's to die for.
After I got over the barbeque, I passed by a few food places that didn't look too bad either. What is a fair without a funnel cake? You know, fried dough caked with powered sugar that melts in the mouth as it gets all over the front of your clothes.
The Midway was rolling like a Las Vegas Casino. Vendors were pushing games and taking money with very little payout. Sure, there were winners walking around with stuffed animals showcasing them like a trophy. Of course the size of the trophy was directly related to the amount of money and time spent trying to win the prize.
Some played for fun and lost while others played for small prizes. Then there were those on a mission who spent a sizeable amount of money to win a prize for a child. Winning is not enough when you have your eyes on a bigger prize. It was just like Vegas Baby.
I have my eye on the dart throwing but the shooting range looks promising. All I need is to win a large Scooby Doo for the kids. That prize should only set me back $20-30. It is not a habit, I can quit whenever I want. Or I could go buy one at the store.
After all the food and drinks and stuffed animals, why not jump on a ride that spins you around and around. It's like a science experiment, mix up everything and see what happens. Add in the screaming kids and the blinking lights and you have true bliss.
All the rides involved some kind of spinning, flipping or rolling action or a combination of all three. I would probably be screaming as well.
Now, you ask yourself, how could this fair possibly compare to something so grand as the Texas State Fair? First, it is affordable. Second, there is a lot of family fun and entertainment. I hate going to a fair and seeing nothing but vendor booths. Yes, Ford has nice vehicles but I see them on the road all the time, I do not want to see them at the fair. This fair gives everyone something to do from rides and games to food and entertainment.
Also, one dollar to see a 300 lb snake. What a bargain.
My day at the fair was good but I did not get to enjoy every aspect of the fair while carrying my camera, I will return.
Paul Zoeller is a freelance photographer new to the area. Do you have an idea for a new blog or a question about a current blog? If you do contact Zoeller at paul.zoeller@mac.com.
