Deep in the Heart of Texas

"The stars at night, are big and bright,
deep in the heart of Texas,
The prairie sky is wide and high,
deep in the heart of Texas.
The sage in bloom is like perfume,
deep in the heart of Texas,
Reminds me of, the one I love,
deep in the heart of Texas."
- Gene Autry







We were brave enough today to fight the crowds at the Texas State Fair. Even though it is a Monday, Dallas ISD along with many other school districts in the area, had 'fair day' today so the crowds were comparable to any weekend. What used to be a yearly outing for less than $100 has all changed with the age of my boys. Money is no longer spent on cold beer and a Fletcher's Corn Dog.




Today our tickets disappeared in the Kids Midway as the boys rode the smallest of roller coasters. Airplanes, trains, fire trucks, whales, cars, and motorcycles were the themes of the smaller rides (36 inches in height). At an average of $4 a ride per child, we were at the ticket booth again cashing in a few more bills. The boys kept a smile on thier face so I guess it was all worth it. Maybe they only need to think the fair is every other year :)



And the main reason many visitors fight the crowds at the Fair are for the latest and greatest comings from the deep fried grease! We stopped at the first place winner's booth to taste 'Mama's Fried Sweet Potato Pie,' but they were all out (at 1130 in the morning)! So our only sample from the debuts this year was the 'Deep Fried Latte.' It was good but nothing to write home about. Here is the complete list from this year:


Deep Fried Latte - Fried pastry, cappuccino ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and instant coffee powder.
Fried Cookie Dough - Chilled cookie dough, battered and fried.
Fried Guacamole Bites. Scoop of guacamole, breaded and fried, served with ranch dressing or salsa.
Country Pride Peach Cobbler on a Stick - Peach cobbler with dumplings rolled in pastry dough and fried, covered in brown sugar and cinnamon, and skewered.
Fernie's Fried Chili Frito Burrito - Chili and Fritos inside flour tortilla, fried and topped with choice of cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, sour cream, hot sauce, and onions.
B.W.'s Original Fried Banana Pudding - Banana pudding inside fried tortilla, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar or cinnamon.
Mama's Fried Sweet Potato Pie - Pie filling inside flour tortilla, fried and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Today's photos!