Whether at the state or the county level, the fair maximizes on the sounds, smells, tastes, and sights of summer. So it's not surprising that it reminds us of every other summer we've ever had when we go. Below are 10 reasons why the fair is pro at bringing out the nostalgic feelings in adults everywhere.
1. Cotton Candy
Sticky, sweet, and totally irrestistible, cotton candy is the peak of childhood nostalgia. If you haven't ever gotten a tummy ache from eating too much cotton candy, then you arguably haven't lived at all.
2. Caramel Apples
Not just for kids, the sticky sweet of a caramel apple is sure to bring you flashbacks of summers past, of a mouth stuck together by the sugary concoction encasing your fresh green apple.
3. Show Horses
The flashy, the plain, the huge, the tiny, and everything in between. When a horse is primped and ready for the big show, you can't help but feel excited.
4. Big Cows
If you're not a person that spends a lot of time around cows, like I am, you may be continuously surprised to see just how big those cows are in person. And they look huge no matter if you're a small child or a full grown adult.
5. Local Crafts
Decorated cakes, clever art pieces, furniture that has been refurbished. It's always nice to see the crafts of other people, and it may even remind you of the crafts you did as a child.
6. Tilt-O-Whirl
Every roller coaster ever comes with that feeling. You know the one I'm talking about. The feeling of your heart migrating from your chest cavity and dropping to your butt. If you don't like roller coasters, it's probably the feeling that makes you puke. But if you love 'em, it's the feeling that makes you want to ride over and over until your hair permanently stands on end.
7. Carnival Games
They definitely seem rigged, but you can't help take a shot at shooting a bunch of rubber ducks, or spraying water at a target, or shooting hoops into a ring with variances of point values. They bring back memories of both giant stuffed animals and endless disappointment.
8. Snow Cones
Syrup and ice together is the greatest combo. Sugar to boost your energy and ice to cool the beating of the hot, hot sun.
9. People Everywhere
The sight of people walking in large groups, the screams of people riding roller coasters, the sound of children fussing--it's all a huge part of the fair experience.
10. Ferris Wheel
The epitome of childhood nostalgia is the ferris wheel. It's the one ride that even those who are mildly afraid of heights can get behind. And once you've been at the top, you want to do it again and again.