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One last county fair under my belt this past weekend. Very interesting to compare a State Fair vs. a County Fair especially when visiting them within one month of each other.

• Biggest surprise at the Food Mall at the Dutchess County Fair were the gluten-free offerings.
• Since neither of those booths attracted many customers, they may have been too trend-forward for fair feasters.
• Gluten-Free doesn’t scream “Fun” or “Fair” (vs. Iowa’s Pork Almighty!!).
• But might have a fighting chance if you put it on a stick!

Other food options that caught my eye (pics below):

• Frozen bananas – one of the most popular items, offered by numerous vendors!!
• 4-H Milkshakes from the Hudson Valley Fresh Milk Barn – had the longest line, video above
• Fresh corn on a stick
• French fries – all kinds of toppings, again a fair favorite
• PA Dutch Funnel Cakes
• Pitas/Gyros etc often with a vegetarian option – very popular (as they were in Iowa)
• Hofbrau Joe’s Clam Box for Fried Seafood (love the juxtaposition of cultures and tastes) – although the booth was never particularly busy

Big thrill for me – aside from the food – was being selected as a judge for the 4-H costume contest for kids and their livestock. I really wanted my 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf to win but my fellow judges weren’t feeling it. If you’re wondering how I was selected for judging, it was that snazzy hat of mine. The top judge just honed right in on it.

And then on Sunday morning, I got to visit the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market which is fabulous, if a tad spendy $$$. But I was surprised to see how many foods seem to take their inspiration from the Fair e.g. pickle on a stick, sausage on a stick, authentic Mexican tacos and corn tortillas with fresh horchata.

See pics below of this and more.

Dutchess County Novelty Fair Food Treats

 

Vs. the Farmers’ Market

 

Favorite Fair Events