MYRTLE POINT - Templeton the Rat from “Charlotte’s Web” had it right. The fair is a veritable smorgasbord of fried delicacies, icy treats and other grub not so easily found outside its gates.

“People love fair food,” said Fair Manager Cindy Bedingfield. “No matter how well we eat the rest of the year, for your visit to the fair, you’ll go off any diet you are on.

“You’ve got to eat the scones, the curly fries, corn dogs, teriyaki noodles, shaved ice and the Italian sausage sandwiches.”

She said her own father, who lives in Eureka, Calif., comes up to the Coos County Fair for at least one day to eat fry bread — also known as elephant ears or scones, depending on the vendor.  

“The one thing he really has to have is the fry bread. You don’t find fry bread at most places. Mainly a fair or festival is the only time,” Bedingfield said. “If he misses it, he just can’t stand it because he has to have that fry bread.”

For him, it’s a tradition, she said.

“It’s a memory, plus all the booths are open, so they smell good all the time.”

This year, fair organizers added chicken and steak wraps from King Concessions, along with blooming onions and milkshakes adorned with swirls of sweet syrup she dubbed princess shakes.

“I think it’s just the whole atmosphere that makes you so hungry for the fair food,” Bedingfield said.

— Jessica Musicar, Staff Writer