County Fairs, A Contrast In Food

When kohlrabis go bad! :)

The season is waning, harvest is here and the time to stuff yourself with fried Oreos and high fructose soda pop is nearing an end. A recent visit to the Canfield Fair in Ohio (just 30 minutes over the border from the Burgh) yielded an interesting and rather alarming jab to the jaw of the organic lifestyle.

In many barns and warehouses there were astounding amounts and variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, meats and baked goods. Yet none of these items were available for consumption. Outside the proliferation of over priced nutritionally void garbage was arranged in a labyrinth of Vegas proportions. Neon lights and grandiose claims of "the biggest" and "best ever" hypnotized fair goers in to believing that this was all OK. Somewhere along the line agricultural fairs have lost sight of what living off the land really means. In fairness, there were fantastic displays of food production from all sides, very informative, entertaining and impressive. But as mentioned before, none of this was available except for viewing purposes. Walking through the 3-4 city block food court raised questions like; "Is there anything man won't deep fry?" or "Can't one buy an apple here that isn't caramel dipped or wrapped in dough or spackled with hard candy?".  Admittedly, a fair isn't a fair without funnel cakes and hot sausage, but the cookie cutter, prefab food trailers lined up like fast train to fat town didn't exactly exude a "living off the land" or organic lifestyle.

There were some exceptions, but they were a scant few and never had a line. This proves that the people have ruled and we obviously demand a buffet of junk food that is barely identifiable as food from a farm. Hopefully as people were filling up on junk they consumed some information from the wonderful agricultural displays and people exemplifying a natural, renewable life style.

Grilled fresh meats, not certified organic, but not fried or candy coated either

Someone managed to sneak some fruits and vegetables in for consumption instead of just display.

The sights were so much fun and exciting...

The county fairs are recommended for all, young and old. There is so much to see and learn, a one day trip may not be enough. Just try to 'steer' clear of the bright food trailer lights, they may blind you long enough to end up with a plate full of something requiring large doses of antacids. Seek out a piece of fruit or some whole meats. Yes, try a funnel cake, but look for the Pennsylvania Dutch booth. It's a hand built wooden trailer operated by some people who seem to be trying to keep it authentic, even if it's just fried batter.

Enjoy the fair, see you there. Remember, going organic is a change back to the way we were and like all change we need to take persistent steps even if they're baby steps.