Editorial

Deep fried everything

Just when you might have thought it was safe to come out, the certified artistes of junk food have deluged Arkansas' annual culinary binge with their creations. The distinguishing mark of this outpouring of the outre is that its wretched excesses are the opposite of what the state's doctors, health-care insurers and other responsibles have been telling us for years to eat. And with Thanksgiving coming up, our plates should be even fuller.

For now, the calorie-packed menu overflows with items like fried spaghetti and meatball on a stick. It's about the size of a tennis ball so will take some chewing.

There's a maple-bacon corndog straight out of Texas, where everything is bigger--or used to be before Alaska edged it out as the country's biggest state. Then there's something every fair needs: a chocolate-dipped corn dog.

There's even a secret recipe involved in this year's otherwise less-than-serious offerings. Shelly Hickey of Texarkana was on hand to offer her Elve's peanut patties, a delicacy with a 60-year tradition in her town. Have just one, she says, and you'll never be satisfied with any other. As an extra added bonus, this genuine treat comes in the shape of Arkansas. Go, Hawgs, go! And not just on the football field. The two winners of a highly informal press poll this yearn were--ta da!--Most Creative: The pretzel-crusted brownie; no, that's not the name of a rare bird but a delicacy from a well-named outfit styled Fried What?

And the Best Tasting: The roast-beef sundae, which may look a like a sundae but is made of mashed potatoes with beef, gravy, grated cheese, and buttery bread, all topped with a bright-red tomato.

But seriously, folks, once you're through the buffet line, this year's fair offers some rare attractions native to this small, wonderful and basically wholesome state. The ducks and geese are back after being exiled by a scare over avian flu in the past. There are miniature dairy cattle that actually give milk. ("They look like a Jersey cow, but they're little bitty.") Future Farmers of America, take note!

A state fair is a cultural artifact worth attending, one of the many that make up the American tapestry of the good and bad, the comic and colorful, and the just plain awful. It's something to tell your kids about or, better yet, take them with you. The younger, the better. Their wide-eyed wonder may be the best of all the exhibits. They won't forget their first state fair, and neither, it's a safe bet, will you forget their dazzlement. It's something to see, taste and laugh about. Call it the greatest show on dirt.

Editorial on 10/19/2016

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