If you're OK braving the DMV or Walmart crowd, the October/November tradition known as the Arizona State Fair should be a breeze. Hey, I ain't above these sorts of things. Shoot, this place oozes nostalgia that we can all relate with.
Halloween night is arguably the best night to check the fair out. Its usual large crowd dwindles to a small but steady stream as families stay home to do the trick or treat thang.
For singles and couples that means - green light for the carnival and all sorts of artery-clogging junk food. But it also means costumed fairgoers galore, and little to no waits in line for rides.
A few cool observations:
* Free parking (as opposed to $10) if you park at the State Capitol and take the shuttle buses that run every few minutes.
* Expensive concessions, to be expected of course.
* Asphalt-paved grounds are a nice touch for those whose allergies are aggravated by the usual grass and dust of a typical fair.
* Intersting people-watching, including the 40-something costumed couple dressed as a matching nut and bolt.
* Your normal selection of carnival rides include the gigantic ferris wheel plus the skyride tramway-like ride reminsicent of the buckets at Disneyland.
* The Arizona Game and Fish dept. with their interactive exhibit is impressive and done well.
* Shrewd and aggressive little old ladies in the culinary arts exhibit who somehow recruited me for the 2008 SPAM cooking contest. Not quite sure how that happened, btw.
All in all, a fun and klassy time.