Nothing says San Benito County quite like the fair.
A county’s rich rural heritage goes on display for the first weekend in October each year. It starts with the agricultural activities such as the local 4-H competitions and the adjoining pens displaying an array of deliberately fattened livestock.
But it doesn’t end there. Exhibit halls show off proud businesses and nonprofits crammed into spaces tight enough to make Smurfs uncomfortable, but they get by and patrons don’t have to walk far to see everything.
Then there’s Guilt Alley, the food. Come prepared and make sure you don’t feel full going in. If your stomach can handle it, don’t leave without a corn dog. If your stomach can’t handle the dog, then perhaps you might be better off with with San Benito County classics like tri-tip or tacos.
Don’t eat before going on the rides, though. The carnival is an eclectic mix of old school (ferris wheel), mid-school (that spinning thing shaped like a spaceship) and new school (OK, there’s no new school at the fair carnival but that’s what makes it fun).
– Column and photos by Kollin Kosmicki
