One of The Astronomer’s and my favorite summer traditions is attending the L.A. County Fair (see previous shenanigans: here, here, and here). It’s almost always unreasonably hot at this time of year, especially in Pomona, but the draw of deep-fried foods on a stick and wholesome fun can never be passed up.
We were excited to introduce June to the festivities this year. At the tender age of two and three-quarters, she was ready to take in all the action. Well, at least all the action until nap time.
The funny thing, of many funny things, about raising June is seeing what she gravitates toward. There was something about the cut-out photo ops scattered throughout the Fairplex that really moved her. We took photos at each and every one we encountered.
Prior to having a toddler in tow, The Astronomer and I probably would’ve started eating straightaway. This year, we explored a bit before diving in to the deep-fried fare. We paid a visit to the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales…
…as well as the Big Red Barn where we encountered baby pigs…
…and baby cows…
and more baby pigs.
June quite enjoyed channeling her Future Farmer of America spirit with the various agriculture equipment on display.
And then it was lunchtime! A trip to the Fair wouldn’t be complete without visiting Chicken Charlie’s. In the past, we sampled his deep-fried Kool-Aid and Oreos. This year, we had to taste the “Chicken in the Waffle on a Stick.”
Chicken and waffles are a classic pairing, so we were confident that this mutant would be tasty. We received a generous slab of boneless and battered chicken hugged on each side with cinnamon-y waffle batter. The whole shebang arrived on two bamboo skewers, dusted in powdered sugar.
The whole family agreed that this strange, strange creation was in fact, quite good! June loved that she could dip each bite in either ketchup or “maple” syrup.
Because The Chaplins can’t survive on chicken and waffles alone, we also shared a really friggin’ huge corndog. Truth be told, it’s my favorite item at the Fair. The cornmeal batter was well seasoned and well fried, while the hot dog was juicier than I remembered.
Our final bite of the Fair was a cup of mint chocolate Dippin’ Dots. I think that June was impressed with her first taste of “beaded” ice cream.
The L.A. County Fair is in town until September 24. Check out the complete set of photos via Flickr.
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One year ago: Chim! Thai Street Food – Pasadena
Two years ago: Pok Pok Phat Thai – Chinatown
Three years ago: Union – Pasadena
Four years ago: Lay’s Spicy Green Peppercorn Fish Flavor
Five years ago: Le Chateaubriand – Paris
Six years ago: L.A. County Fair 2011: Deep-Fried Kool Aid, Indian Fry Bread, Monster Corn Dogs, and More!
Seven years ago: Danger Dogs: Blurring the Line Between Work and Play
Eight years ago: Rosemary Apricot Bars
Nine years ago: Bún Thịt Nướng & Mít Luộc
Ten years ago: Wonder – Da Nang
Eleven years ago: Becco – New York City