The county, regional and state fairs are some of our most anticipated and beloved traditions, especially for rural folk. Some families work all year long to have their animals, quilts, canning and other entries ready for the local fairs.
For years, we went as a family to see the sights, check our ribbons status and ride a few of those overpriced, crazy rides. It’s fun to watch a new generation enjoy many of the same things we remember as kids.
Our local fair and state fair are both this month, but this year I won’t be able to participate. Fortunately, my grandkids will be able to tell me all about it, which I’m sure will be almost as much fun as being there. (I will miss the funnel cakes and corn dogs though.)
We’re not the only ones who have traditional celebrations of harvest; many other countries have annual events that go back hundreds of years. I really never thought about it until I went to Italy several years back during autumn, where I discovered a delightful festival called the Autumnia.
Farmers, craftsmen and culinary artisans travel every weekend from September through early November to tiny Figline Valdarno, located 40 minutes from the heart of Florence. During the annual Autumnia celebration, I immersed myself in Tuscan country living and its myriad traditions.
I enjoyed visiting with the farmers hawking their fresh vegetables and fruits, tasted fresh oil grown from olives on the surrounding hillsides, talked to the family growers, sampled the region’s famous wines and asked local vintners for their recommendations. The bustling streets were filled with local artisan cheesemakers, chocolatiers, basket weavers, woodcarvers and locally raised smoked meats.
The heady aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts filled the piazza along with the sounds of the village church bells tolling the end of services. Horse riders dressed in traditional costumes clopped along the narrow cobblestone streets. I was surprised when the masses parted and a proud farmer led his pair of prized Chianina bulls right through the crowd.
While our traditions are different and the foods and goods may not be what we’d think of as “fair” stuff, it’s a comforting thought to know that wherever farmers, artisans and craftsmen are in this world, they are still appreciated and celebrated for what they contribute to our lives.
The memory of that wonderful festival reminds me that we are all connected, even though we are oceans apart, through the age-old love of agriculture and all it entails. Without our traditions, hard work and pride in what we do, we wouldn’t be who we are. I am forever grateful to my mother and father, who taught me the importance of caring for the land and contributing value to the community.
Almost State Fair Funnel Cakes
Mom used to make these when we would get a craving for “fair food.” Somehow, they didn’t quite live up to the excitement and taste of those we ate at the fair. But they’re still yummy!
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Dash of salt
1 cup milk or ½ cup whipping cream and ½ cup water
2 eggs
Whisk dry ingredients separately, then whisk milk and eggs together till well-blended. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients slowly, while whisking. Blend until smooth.
Heat deep cast iron skillet with about 2 inches of oil until batter sizzles when it is dropped into oil and pops to the surface. Using a funnel, drizzle the thin batter in a circle and crisscross it until satisfied with size of funnel cake. Cook until lightly browned on the underside, then turn over and cook the other side until lightly browned.
Remove cake from oil and drain on paper towels, then dust with sifted powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar mixture. Hint: Don’t make the drizzles of batter too “fat,” or it may not cook in the middle.
by Tamra M. Bolton
Featured photo: The Chianina bulls visiting Autumnia. Photo by Tamra M. Bolton
