Eastern Idaho State Fair Kicks Off With Parade, Food

Day one at the Eastern Idaho State Fair brought big crowds, sunny weather, and a lot of smiling faces.

Police cars and sirens signaled the start of the fair on Saturday morning.

“(It’s) too noisy,” said some of the kids.

Down Blackfoot’s Shilling Street came horses, old cars, marching bands, monster trucks, and dancers in loud, but traditional fashion.

“It’s what Blackfoot is,” said Blackfoot resident Cherish Dirckson. “(The fair) just brings everybody together.”

“We look forward to the fair coming, but then we look forward to it leaving too,” said Ruth Wilson, who’s lived in Blackfoot since 1976.

Eleven-year-old Chet was looking forward to the rides and competing in livestock shows.

“I’m excited,” said the Utah boy. “I’ve been waiting for it.”

With the smell of deep-fried-everything wafting through the air, many said it’s the munchies that draw crowds.

The famous “tiger ear” scones with honey butter remain a favorite of Kent Madsen’s after 60 years at the fair.

“It’s the cinnamon and sugar,” said Madsen.

Shawn Butikofer, from Idaho Falls, bit into his first-ever “bulls-eye” burger. The bun is replaced by a glazed donut.

“It’s pretty good,” said Butikofer. “Mostly sweet.”

It’s only day one, but we’re told it’s already the talk of the fair: a deep fried root beer float. But how exactly do they make it?

“It is root beer flavored batter, sprinkle root beer candy on it. We have a nice secret root beer sauce, and it, add whip cream and sprinkle and place cherry on top,” said Tiny McBurney, who helps run the booth.

Speaking of sweets, some familiar faces battled for the title of best cake decorating duo, including KLCE’s Mike and Liza, KPVI’s Brandi and Brenda, and Marissa Bodnar and Brittany Borghi, representing channels 3 and 8.

“Part of a merger can also be creating a family and every family needs its mom,” said Borghi. “Which is why I’ve created (Local News 8 anchor) Karole Honas.”

In the end, team KPVI took home the blue ribbon.

The fair runs through Sept. 10. For a complete schedule of events this week, log onto www.funatthefair.com