As temperatures drop and leaves fall, many Arkansans anticipate the Arkansas State Fair.
With the same standard rides, fewer vendors and heavy police presence, this year’s state fair was underwhelming. However, the food made it worthwhile.
The state fair was open from Oct. 14-23. Each day of the fair was a certain promotional day.
I attended with my family on Thursday, Oct. 20, which was 100.3 The Edge’s College Night. From 6 p.m. to close, gate admission was free for students with a valid college ID.
As soon as I got inside the fairgrounds, I immediately went to the food court.
As I get older, the bright fair ride lights and games do not appeal to me. I was there strictly for the food. Overall, there weren’t many attendees at the fair, ensuring short wait times and fresh food.
The cricket and mealworm pizza advertisements on the pizza truck immediately grabbed my attention, but I stuck with a classic cheese slice.
The first place I went was a taco truck, where I had an amazing carne asada taco. I didn’t catch the name of the vendor, however, they’ve been there faithfully for the past two years and I stop every time.
After enjoying the tacos, I stumbled on a pizza truck, which grabbed my attention. This year, I spotted something unusual that I hadn’t seen in recent years, which was cricket and mealworm pizza. I wasn’t in a daring mood, so I went for a classic cheese pizza with a cherry strawberry lemonade. The pizza was hot and cheesy. The fair pizza never fails me.
After having pizza, I went to Millie’s Fish N Shrimp. I got their catfish dinner, which came with catfish, fries and hush puppies. It was delicious and worth the money. I would definitely eat at that food truck again.
I enjoyed my delicious catfish dinner from Millie’s Fish N Shrimp and would eat at that food truck again.
To end my food quest, I had a classic funnel cake. The funnel cake was excellent and was the perfect way to end the night.
After eating, I walked the entire fair twice. I was so underwhelmed by the lack of vendors and fair rides.
In the past, I’ve noticed two Ferris wheels and the classic swings fair ride. This year’s fair lacked both. Not only were rides missing, but it was the same rides as in previous years.
In the future, I hope to see the Arkansas State Fair expand. I would love to see more innovative rides and better vendors, whether that be food or clothing vendors.