The Lowdown

You don‘t need red clay-stained feet to experience the fair like a seasoned regular. Here are a few tips.

• Lay of the land: The fair encompasses 60 acres of cabins and attractions. Most of the action takes place around Founders’ Square (the Pavilion), the Midway, the racetrack/Grandstand, the livestock barns, and the Exhibit Hall.
• Best day to go: On the first Saturday, hit up the flea market, the Heart O’ Dixie Triathlon, and the rodeo finals. On Thursday, only hard-core fairgoers remain, the horse racing is in full swing and political rhetoric is at its height, with an appearance by the Governor.
• How to swing an invite to sit on a porch: Step 1: Ask to use the bathroom. Step 2: On your way out, ask for something cold to drink. Both will be readily obliged 99.9% of the time--your “porch sit” invite is just a smile and handshake away.
• The bite that says it all: A deep-fried corndog and tangy, fresh-squeezed lemonade from Lindsey’s Lemonade Stand at the Midway―a fair institution.
• Best place to watch the horse races: Mingling with the folks in pickup trucks and lawn chairs pulled up to the fence in turn two. You might even find a friendly wager.
• Best chance to catch a jam session: Walk around the cabins between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Best one in town is at Cabin 232 at the end of Happy Hollow. After the “set,” the musicians lead a procession up and down the Hollow, New Orleans-style.
• Best spot for people-watching: On a wooden bench on the east side of Founders’ Square, under the oak trees.

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