The Dixie Classic Fair opened this past weekend in Winston Salem, just a 40 minute drive from Elon University. Although its second day was met with clouds and rain showers, the weather did not stop hundreds of people from coming out to enjoy all of the fun activities the fair had to offer.
Fairs are often known for their fried food, and the Dixie Classic Fair is no exception. With fried oreos, fried milky ways, fried funnel cakes and so much more, it's no wonder people often spend their time at the food court, taking their taste buds for a ride.
"The fair is a place for people to try to new things," said funnel cake manager, Gary Holt. "I've never heard of a fried pickle before, but people came back and said 'Hey! Right up the road here there's a fried pickle,' and they liked it!"
While I did not try the fried pickle, I did get into the fair spirit. I played a guessing game with a vendor who estimates weight, birthday month and age; if he's correct, you don't get a prize.
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Unfortunately, I went home without a stuffed bear. Although he admitted that the game is really all about random "guessing" and hoping the odds will play in his favor, he somehow managed to guess my weight to the exact pound.
I also got a personal tour of a sheep barn. The sheeps are owned by various families who race their sheeps for ribbons and rewards.
"I'm showing sheep," said five-year old Walker, who introduced me to his two sheep. "Washing them is my favorite part."
Another fair favorite is the pig race. Groups of four pigs race around a small track as crowds of people sit in the stands, enjoying the thrill of watching miniature pigs run as fast as they can.
Zach Johnson's pig race has been an attraction at the Dixie Classic for 15 years now. Johnson, who raises and trains the pigs, explained why he continues to return, year after year.
"For a little bit, when I have people in my crowd, I can bring just a little bit of sunshine to everybody's eyes, you know? Make them laugh, make them smile. That's what I'm hear for."
Chase Eldrige, a manager of the Slippery Slide ride, also felt the same reward from seeing smiles on children's faces. But the fun, Eldridge enthusiastically exclaimed, isn't just for kids.
"My favorite part about working here is that I remember, it's nostalgic, I remember what it was like to be a kid. And I'm still a kid. All a grown up is, is an adult kid. A grown up kid."
The Dixie Classic Fair will be in town until Sunday, October 7th.