The State Fair of Texas: Serious Fried Food, Pig-Racing FUN!

This weekend, along with my husband, daughter, in-laws, and sister-in-law, I went to the State Fair of Texas for the very first time!  It was actually the first state fair I have been to ever, so the whole thing was quite an experience.

Unfortunately, it was unseasonably cold for October in Texas, which was a bummer.  But we didn't let that stop us!  Everyone bundled up, including my little girl:

One of the first attractions was a stunt dog show.  Quite entertaining!  They were such adorable dogs and had been rescued from shelters, which made it even better to see.  I even got it all on video, so my little girl can watch it again when she's older.  I think I can safely assume that she will not remember seeing the live show.  Although, I guess I could just take her to the fair again, but it'll never be her "first" again.  :)

We also got to see a pig race.  That's right, a pig race.  One of the most hill-billyish, hilariously entertaining attractions I have ever seen.  I don't think I can even describe it to you.  You just have to go and see one for yourself! (And yes, this is also on video!)

The fair grounds are so huge, and there are so many things to see and do, I could not even believe it.  But probably some of the most famous "must-trys" for the state fair are the multitude of fried foods.  Just about anything you can think of is deep-fried or on a stick, and this year's list of Big Tex Choice Award finalists included green goblins (green peppers stuffed with chicken and guacamole and deep fried), fried butter, fried peaches 'n cream, fried pecan pie, twisted yam on a stick, fried pork chips, sweet jalapeno corn dog shrimp, and fried peanut butter cup macaroons.  My mother-in-law and sister-in-law were determined to check off every single food on the list, and although it would be quite a feet, and I wish I could say I accomplished it right along with them, I just could not bring myself to eat some of these foods.  Ok, any of these foods.  Being pregnant, my stomach has a sudden aversion to pretty much all food, so I can never really tell what will upset me or not.  Maybe next time I will be a little more daring.  I did enjoy some very tasty curly fries and a burger, however!
 
A few more pictures from our fun-filled, albeit looooooong day:

Ahhhh, good times were had by all.  If you are ever in Texas during the fair, make it a point to stop by-there is definitely something there for everyone!!