Fair begins with corn dogs, crowns

Corn dogs come first.

Slathered in ketchup, smothered in mustard, or simply deep-fried and delicious, the battered meat on a stick is a must-have for most fairgoers.

Many attendees at this year's Yuba-Sutter Fair were waylaid a few hundred feet from the opening gates Wednesday by the phrase "hand-dipped" and the tempting scent of familiar food.

Then, mobile treats in hand, they set off in pursuit of other fair must-do's.

After satisfying their corn dog desire, Diana and David House wandered through the exhibit hall to admire the giant tomatoes, enormous eggplants and bushy plants.

"Look at the size of that!" he said, marveling at a 4-foot-tall coleus.

The Arboga residents said they always attend opening day because it's when displays are at their freshest.

"And it's more homey," Diana House said.

People filled the midway and straggled out into the carnival and ride areas in search of their favorite fair activities.

Jacob Tennis, 9, propped his newly won Sponge Bob Squarepants stuffed toy next to him so he could battle his mother in a game of Pork Chopper.

"You ready young man?" the game attendant asked. "You gonna whup her?"

Anita Tennis beat her young son, but he still won a green stuffed frog for his efforts. The games are the biggest draw to the fair, Jacob said.

"My favorite part is the dart throwing," he said.

Anita Tennis was hankering for her annual indulgence of chocolate-covered bananas, and the duo had a task to complete before they left.

"What did dad say to bring him home?" she asked her son.

"Cotton candy!" he said.

Linda residents Al Wood and Mary Wood were also getting their fair food fix before setting out to see the sights. He sunk his teeth into an ear of freshly roasted corn as she snacked on french fries.

"The first thing we do is eat," she said. "Then we walk."

The Woods have been coming to the fair for 30 years, and it seems to get smaller every time, they said. But that doesn't prevent residents from enjoying the community festivities.

"It'll survive," she said. "Everyone will have a good time. You'll find it. It's here."

On beach towels, blankets and folding chairs, spectators filled the lawn to watch the Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter and Miss Yuba Sutter scholarship competitions. Camped on the cool grass, they applauded, cheered and shouted their support for contestants.

Olivehurst resident Alma Amaya said she tries to attend the competition every year. She likes to watch new generations competing and admire the gowns.

"It's nice to see young women get out to express themselves and inspire younger generations to pursue their talents," she said.

Courtney Taylor was crowned Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter, and Rachel Perryman took the title of Miss Live Oak. Kelsey Cena said she was "overwhelmed" to be selected as this year's Miss Yuba-Sutter.

"It's something I've wanted for a long time," she said. "I think this community needs someone to look up to."

She's eager to start her tenure as Miss Yuba-Sutter enjoying the sights of the fair and already knows where she'll be starting.

"Eating corn dogs," she said with a grin. "And bonding with my royal court."

CONTACT Ashley Gebb at 749-4724 or agebb@appealdemocrat.com .