5 Fun Fair Foods

The South Carolina State Fair started on Wednesday and will be in town until Sunday, Oct. 19. As a kid, I used to love going just for the rides. These days, I like to take in the artwork and other exhibits in the various buildings (check out the sand sculpture) and also do some people-watching. However, all of this is secondary to the main reason I go: the food!

Between 12pm and 2pm, there is a $5 refundable entry fee, so I went with some co-workers during lunch yesterday (I skipped breakfast for the occasion) and we ate our way across the fairgrounds. In the event that I wasn't going back this year, I wanted to sample a wide variety of fair cuisine in all it's greasy/sugary glory. Sure enough, I left the fair a very satisfied customer.

If you go, don't miss these five foods:

1) Fiske Fries

Possibly the only French fries out there that surpass the goodness of McDonald's. They're much fresher, too: the potatoes are cut right there at the stand and then fried. Don't forget to add salt and vinegar!

2) Pizza

Sure, you can get pizza anywhere, but it wouldn't be fair pizza! While a slice of pepperoni pizza may cost you $4, it's worth it; it's much bigger than what you might find at Pizza Hut and CiCi's.

3) Turkey Leg

Each individual leg is $8, but it could easily be enough for dinner. Perfect for just when you are about to leave the fair and want a take-home meal, as it comes wrapped in aluminum foil.

4) Donuts

On your way out, after you get the turkey leg, stop by the donut stand and pick up a bag of dozens of small donuts. They make for a great take-home dessert to follow your turkey leg...if you've still got room.

5) Elephant Ear

Forget funnel cakes. The elephant ear is the king of fair food by a mile! The butter is what makes it so good, but you can add all sorts of toppings (cherries, chocolate, etc.) to give it that extra kick.