There are a few things that you must do while at the state fair.  The first thing is to take a good whiff.  It matters not where you enter the fair.  What you are sure to get is a mix of smoke from something on the grill, a shot of grease, and a hint of barnyard.  All of these mixed together......and you are still able to consume food.  Don't worry, that means that you are normal.  Under any other circumstances, you would not be able to stuff anything in your mouth, but the fair puts us at ease.  So while you are at the fair, here are a couple of good things to enjoy:

EATING: My first meal used to go like this......a chilidog from Jim and Joe's, a malt from the dairy barn, and a small bucket of fries.  Jim and Joe's is no longer at the fair, so it has been up for debate, what I will make my new permanent meal.  There are two choices in the running the last couple of years.  O'Gara's in the food building has a Reuben that is deep fried.  It is excellent.  I also have taken not of the turkey growers booth, where they serve the best turkey sandwich in town.  Take your pick....

BEER: Any cold one that you can get your hands on.....Andy's, Giggles on machinery hill, the Midway Men's Club, or the Ballpark Cafe....go ahead and make the rounds.  Tell 'em the Rookie sent you!

SWEETS:  Be sure to eat a cream puff, a sweet Martha's cookie, and get your hands on a root beer sold out of one of those barrels...........

Bringing the family?  I'll have more advice after I spend a couple of days at the fair.  Questions?  e-mail me a rookie@am1500.com