NJ State Fair

After much discussion and preparation, we went to the NJ State Fair so my husband could compete in the chili competition. He set up his amazing display aptly named "Lake Chili" and we set out to explore the fair while we were awaiting the judging to begin.

This state fair is probably similar to most state fairs. There are all kinds of fun rides, games of chance and tons of amazing, extremely unhealthy artery-clogging foods! This fair also has lots of 4-H events.

After walking around and letting Claire ride a few rides, we went back to the pavilion to give the chili a good stir and watch the judging. My parents were with us and my brother, sister in law and nephews arrived with our close friends and their boys shortly before the judging began. We watched the judging and a few of our entourage left to ride some rides, get drinks, etc. Another couple we know stopped by with their daughters to check out the action. Most of our entourage sampled the chili before/during the judging and everyone commented on its deliciousness. But was it ribbon-worthy?

Lake Chili

After close to two hours of judging, the winners were announced. Unfortunately, my husband was robbed and his chili didn't even place!!!! It was a huge disappointment shock. However, he did win "best presentation" for his Lake Chili display. We were very, very happy about that! I know I am biased, but his display truly was the best!

After a few beers in the beer tent, a few more rides and a scrumptious, hot powdered sugar covered funnel cake, we bid adieu to our crew and went home to relax and cool off (It was a hot and humid day!). We have a whole year to come up with a strategy for next year including a new and improved chili recipe and another creative display.

NJ State Fair - Meadowlands

We love a good fair and the NJ State Fair at the Meadowlands fits our definition of a good fair - high caloric, yummy food that you only eat once or twice a year (Think: zeppoles, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and candy bars, etc.), rides and attractions. The last time we went to this fair was two years ago and it seemed to be bigger and better this year.

Buying a wristband for Claire was a good investment that paid for itself since she takes after her mommy in the thrill-seeking department and loves to ride rides.

We tried to see a magic show, but got there too late to get a seat. There was some crying, but the tears stopped shortly after we got good seats under the big top where we saw a circus featuring acrobats, a clown and a fancy lady with a cute collection of performing dogs.

We all had a great time!

NJ State Fair

Every summer, we head up to the New Jersey State Fair (Horse and Farm Show). This year was no exception. We packed up the car and set out early this morning with Grandma and Grandpa. We met Aunt Celina, Uncle Ray, Ryan and Peter there. Claire immediately wanted to ride on all of the rides (She takes after me and wants to go on everything!), but we had to wait until 12:00 for the rides to open. So we walked around, checked out all of the delicious, but not very nutritious, fair food - corn dogs, hot dogs, giant turkey legs, chicken on a stick, BBQ, cotton candy, funnel cakes, fried anything, etc., then went to see the petting zoo. The big kids rode on ponies which they absolutely loved! We also saw flowers (Grandma's pick), saw a little show with fruits and veggies, listened to a few country songs performed live (Grandpa's pick), then finally went to the rides. The big kids had lots of fun riding the rides. After a few hours, our time at the fair was over. It was soooooo hot (in the 90s) and the many drinks we purchased weren't even cooling us off, so it was time to head home to the a/c.