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When I lived in New York City, I remember being slightly bothered when non-Ohioans referred to my home state as a “farm state.” With my childhood mostly taking place in the Cleveland metropolitan area, Ohio had a different feel to me.
Still, I was completely aware of all the farmland out there…
…and all that corn.
…the “Popcorn Capital of the World”…
…and holder of the 30th annual Popcorn Festival.
…4 side streets…
…that connect to a midway that runs almost 6 city blocks.
…rides and games anywhere they could fit them…
…a zoo…
…the opportunity to travel…
…and an open mic performance stage.
Of course, they had professional performances as well at their various stages.
…they had a Craft & Commercial Area.
…glass art, for example…
An interesting mix.
Along the midway…
…there were more vendor booths speckled about…
But, along with all the usual food vendors you saw, there were two special ones that caught my eye…
.
…Critters Country Sweet Tea (because I loved the name)…
…and this bacon-lover’s paradise with chocolate covered bacon, country fried bacon with cream gravy, BLT’s and deep fried peaches for dessert.
Whereas Marion’s popcorn may have been what you remember in theaters or fairs…
…it’s now used as microwaved popcorn for ConAgra Food‘s Act II and Orville Redenbacher.
…flavored popcorn…
…and even the pre-popped variety.