The Salem Fair comes to Roanoke County in southwest Virginia every year to celebrate the Fourth of July with funnel cakes and fireworks. This year, the fair is here from July 2^nd to July 13^th. There is no entry fee at the gate, and parking is free for the largest fair in Virginia, recognized as one of the top 100 fairs and exhibitions in the country.

Days at the fair are filled with entertaining sights to see. Be sure you catch the All-American Pig Races, Danny Grant Cowboy Circus, Small World of Agriculture where you can experience farm life, a dog and frisbee show, Hilby the German Juggling Boy, and the Mind-Reading and Hypnosis Show. Take in the Blue Ribbon exhibits and shop the local merchant booths.

I don’t have to tell you about the food vendors at the fair. Grab corn dogs, cotton candy, pizza, frozen lemonade, soft ice cream, and fried pickles. Food is the best reason to spend a day at the fair! 

Fair Food
by Dee Bowlin

When I’m at the State Fair, I can’t pick.
I just eat till I nearly get sick.
From bacon corn dogs
to fried butter logs,
give me anything sold on a stick.

From the minute I walk through the gate,
I’m hungry for hot funnel cake,
a cinnamon roll,
and dipped donut holes—
all those sweets that will make my teeth ache.

I move on to a pork chop or two,
a turkey leg and Mountain Dew,
a chicken kabob,
and corn on the cob.
Then let’s ride the rides. You want to?

My favorite time to go to the fair is at night when neon lights flash in the dark sky and lovers stroll arm in arm through the midway among the thrilling rides and games of chance. Every beau hopes to win a prize for his sweetheart, steal a kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, and listen to live music at the bandstand.

Wherever you live, reserve a day to play with family and friends at your local fair. Be a child again. Take in the attractions, break your diet with fried foods, loosen your purse strings to win a prize or two, and scream like crazy on the Midway rides!