Street Fair Preview, 2009

Monday's w/ Michael

Tomorrow is the first day of Street Fair! This is the one week every year that Jane's kitchen is officially closed. Jane and I have made a tradition of eating at least 7 meals at Street Fair every year. Traditionally, we eat supper there Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Saturday we are there for all 3 meals. With Finn, we probably won't be able to pull it off again, but that just means we will have to cram more food into less meals!

I'm sure most of you reading this already know everything there is to know about the Bluffton Street Fair, but in case there is someone out there who has never attended, allow me to give you a crash course.

Best Place to Sit for Opening Night Parade

When I was younger, we would always stand across from the Gravitron. There are large power cables crossing the street there and we would always watch for people in the parade to trip on the cords. The most humorous were the Rising Stars. The little girls were so focused on catching their baton, they wouldn't be watching their feet. Cruel? Probably. But alas, the parade changed it's route and we lost our beloved seats. I now like to sit in front of the Clinic near the start of the parade.

Best Game

The Mouse Game. But not just any Mouse Game. It has to be the Mouse Game just to the East of the Courthouse (right beside the Flip-a-Frog game). It has to be the Mouse Game run by Jim & Jean Martin. My family has been going there for as long as I can remember. I can't wait to introduce them to Finn! I doubt Deacon will remember them, but I'm sure they will remember Deacon. I'm fairly (ha ha, get it...fair-ly) confident that if the Claire Yergler family would boycott Street Fair that the Martin family would starve. It's gotten to the point where my parents now receive Christmas cards from them!

Oh, and if you do choose to play the Mouse Game, let me share 2 valuable secrets that will increase your chances of winning infinitely. You can't just place your quarter down and hope the mouse will run into your hole. No, you need to cheer her on. A loud cheer of "Go, Minnie, Go!!!" usually does the trick. And my other secret...oh, boy, I can't believe I'm sharing this with you...put your quarter on 23. 23 is my lucky number. I can guarantee that if you put your quarter on 23 you will win...at least within the first $20. Oh, that's another thing, don't change your number. Once you pick a number stick with it. Unless of course #23 opens up, then by all means, move your quarter to #23.

Best Appetizers/Side Dishes

Some might argue for Tom's Tasty Taters. Some might argue for Mozzarella Sticks or the Cheddar Cheese Curds. But I'm going to have to go with the Fried Pickles (ok, ok, so I'm doing this one for Jane). Jane loves these things. The first year we were married, she got them so many times I lost track. The next year, on opening night, I walked up to the booth, the girl looked up at me and smiled "Fried Pickles, right?" We haven't gotten a Christmas card from them yet, but we've got to be getting close!

*My personal favorite is probably the Cheddar Cheese Curds.

Best Meal

This one could get tricky. There are so many wonderful things to eat at the fair. Just ask Templeton. I think instead of just naming my favorite, I'm going to have to count down.

5. Walleye Fish Sandwich- This is found near (possibly even at Tom's Tasty Taters).

4. Italian Sausage - Again, I forget the name of the vendor, but I could point it out to you. It's on the North side of West Market.

3. Mettler's Fish - Conveniently located near the Fried Pickle vendor. I typically get this on opening night. There is no better sandwich at the fair than Mettler's Fish.

2. Taco Potato - The 2 hour wait in line is worth it. Jalapenos give it just the right kick.

1. The Sirloin Tips - This isn't really fair. This isn't "fair food". It's like comparing steaks and hot dogs. Oh wait, that's exactly what I am doing. This is a full meal fit for a king. Jane and I share and we never go hungry. Mushrooms, potatoes, etc, this meal has it all!

And just for the fun of it....#732. The place Jane and I got Corn dogs last year. A couple guys at work were ranting and raving over the Corn Dogs a certain vendor served. I encouraged Jane to get one w/ me. When they handed them to me, I wasn't all that impressed. They just lookecd like a regular corn dog. But when I bit into it, I was definitely surprised...it was FROZEN!!! I don't think Jane and I will be back for another Corn dog this year.

Best Dessert

With all the Elephant Ears, Caramel Apples & Cotton Candy, my favorite dessert is just an ice cream cone. No, not the famous Pineapple Whip. Just a good old fashioned vanilla cone.

See ya at the Fair!!!