There’s something uniquely artistic (see also: comfortingly familiar) about the food booths at the Orange County Fair. Stuffy galleries can’t contain their glory–these outsized masterpieces are intended for outdoor venues!
Here, the nomadic etchings of our favorite childhood memories–all electric blue and shocking pink, with stylized sculptures in every saturated color of the Sno-Cone rainbow. Exposed to temperature extremes and the rigors of constant travel, they probably travel with a touch-up crew. How else, to maintain this full-spectrum, high-gloss beauty?
My companions roll down the fairway like Templeton, seduced by the smorgasbord of possibilities.
Frozen treats and funnel cakes…corn dogs and roasted corn…barbecued turkey legs and deep-fried everything.
I find a slightly healthier option, tucked into the shadowy reaches of the fairway. Cashiers call out order numbers in monotone voices, as customers stare, in glassy-eyed confusion, at the menu boards.
It’s a familiar choreography, accompanied as always by a cacophonous blend of rock, country and heavy metal music. Barkers, too, that pull us into their auditory orbit. “Try your luck!” they say, as truck-mounted speakers pulse.
Pass on the whirly-twirly rides; browse the barnyard exhibits before cheering on the racing pigs. I grab my partners’ hands, and we gawk at one last menu board. Caramel apple, it is!
The trash bins are overflowing, now; sweat and perfume permeate the night air. Last stop: the ferris wheel!
We savor each moment, revel in the sensory overload. Same as it ever was, just as we remembered. Same as she’ll remember, someday.
#AugustBreak2015 Photography Challenge, continued. The word for Day 14 is art. I didn’t have a tripod handy, and I don’t yet know how to take nighttime shots. Still and all, I think these snaps reflect the essence of today’s prompt.
Nice! I can feel my arteries hardening as I look at these. Sometimes a steady hand and held breath can replace a tripod for night shooting.
Oh, same here! What is there about fat and sugar that smells so enticing?
It’s harder to stay motionless in a venue that’s anything but. Good practice, though… Thanks for the tip!
What terrific photos. No unsteady shooting here with the camera! We don’t get fairs like this in Western Canada. The only thing that comes close, perhaps, is the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, but even then the magical “art” on food booths really isn’t there. Are there perogy or bannock stands around there? Somehow I doubt it. Lol! We have them at every local event! Glad I get to see what you and the wee one saw, Melodye! xo
I’d love to see the Calgary Stampede someday. Hmmm, maybe we should hatch a plan…!
Nope, no perogy or bannock booths, here. I wonder how many attendees actually sample new foods at the fair (other than the “totally fried” options that spring up every year). Seems to me that most people gravitate toward the familiar…either that, or the outlandish. They actually advertised deep-fried coffee & caviar-sprinkled Twinkies! $125.00 for the latter, and the proceeds went to charity. Generous (and adventuresome) as some folks might be, I’d be surprised to hear they got any takers. http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-oc-fair-food-20150717-story.html
I am enjoying your pics and commentary! Can tell u r having fun.
I can’t tell you how much it means that you’re riding shotgun on these adventures, Carol! It’s infinitely more fun, and meaningful.