CULLMAN – Lights flash on thrilling rides, children squeal with excitement and the smell of fried fair food fills the air. Every sight, scent and sound brings a unique experience while visiting the Cullman County Fair. The amusements, entertainment, food and exhibits mean there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Cullman County Fair Association charmed the citizens of Cullman and surrounding counties with over 30 games and rides, various exhibits, and the best in local and regional entertainment. Brought to you by the Cullman Lions Club, fun at the fair lasted from September 25 through October 4. Amusement was provided by North American Midway Entertainment, which is the largest traveling outdoor amusement park in the world.
“My favorite part of the fair was seeing other people being happy together and having fun,” said Briana Morgan of Hanceville.
Fairgoers had the opportunity to view exhibits including entries in photography, sewing, art, canning, agriculture and culinary. Trent Boyd, the Farm Y’all Festival Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off winner, displayed his 1,092 pound pumpkin alongside other agriculture entries.
Briana enjoyed the agriculture part. “Cattle judging was really fun. It was the first time I’ve ever done it and I really loved it and would do it again,” she said.
The entertainment pleased the eyes and ears as two pageants and several musical performances took the stage at the Coca Cola Theatre. The pageant fans came from all over Cullman to show support for their school’s fair queen representative.
The sounds of carnival music could be heard throughout the grounds while the laughter of children surrounded each ride.
The aroma of fair food is something to remember as over 10 food stands along the walkway sold unique delicacies such as fried Oreos, funnel cakes, caramel and candy apples, root beer floats, slushies, ice cream, popcorn, polish sausage, hot dogs, corn dogs and, of course, cotton candy.
One of the carnival employees I had the pleasure of speaking with has been working at North American Midway Entertainment since 2008. She really enjoys experiencing new places and scenery at each fair destination. The Cullman County Fair brought her to the south for her first time.
“The people are polite,” she said as she referred to the folks of Cullman. She does agree that going to the fair is a lot more fun than working it, but she really enjoys the traveling part of her job.
The Kilgo family from Cold Springs really enjoys coming to the fair together and allowing their children to meet up with friends when they arrive.
When asked what her favorite part of the fair was, Carrie Kilgo said, “Watching the kids have fun.” She is the mother of their three boys, Tucker, 15, Tanner, 10 and Tycen, 6. Her husband, Zane, loves the food.
“Caramel apples and deep fried Oreos,” he said. These particular items can be pretty hard to find elsewhere, so the fair is definitely the place to take advantage of them.
As Tucker and Tycen were riding the Avalanche, Tanner was waiting on a friend.
“The fireball ride,” Tanner said. “That’s my favorite.”
The Kilgo family is sure to come to the fair for at least one night while it is in town.
Thanks to the 10 days of fun, attendees had plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this year’s Cullman County Fair.
