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Post by sacteach on Jul 27, 2014 1:18:05 GMT
My mom and I went to the California State Fair today, we go every year. One of our favorite things to do is to shop at the expo halls with all of the "miracle" gadgets and gizmos that you just have to have and always work better there. In the past we've purchased: -cooling neck wraps -"magic" mops -Miche purse shells -bath salts -kitchen gadgets -nail art kits -rods to seal bags (chips, cereal, etc) -grilling mat -ice cubes that turn your drink into a slushy -a hot tub  (yeah, that was a big purchase I didn't plan on making) And I'm sure many other crazy things We also sample all of the food (not talking about the fair food as that could be its own thread, but the food they sell in the expo halls): -huge licorice ropes -3 different brands of dip (the kind you mix with mayo and/or sour cream) -caramel apples in so many awesome flavors of toppings -beef jerky Today we bought nail buffers that of course are cheaper online (even though we got "an amazing special only available at the fair") and caramel apples (mine has sprinkles, mom's has peanuts). We debated getting some lids that seal over any size container or even directly on cut fruit and the also debated the "Little Giant" ladder system. |
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Post by ceepea on Jul 27, 2014 1:28:49 GMT
We bought Amish cheese and beef jerky. No gadget type stuff. At the Medieval festival we bought a chain maille cowl(?) like a hood that goes over your head!
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Post by bluepoprocks on Jul 27, 2014 1:31:15 GMT
We have a big fair not far from here I'm not sure if it's a state fair. but I rarely go and when I did I didn't notice those kinds of items. I'm glad I didn't because then I'd have a bunch of useless things because like you said they always work better in the demos then they do when you get them home.
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grinningcat
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Jul 27, 2014 1:31:25 GMT
We bought promise rings at a festival this year. I think it's the first thing I've ever bought at a festival. Most of the time I'm there to work so it's a get in and get the hell kind of experience rather than taking the time to browse.
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linda~lou
Pearl Clutcher
Keep calm and eat crumpets
Posts: 2,744
Location: Motown but my heart is in San Francisco
Jun 25, 2014 21:57:08 GMT
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Post by linda~lou on Jul 27, 2014 2:16:21 GMT
I just went to our street fair. There is a guy there every year that makes throw rugs out of tube socks. He cuts the socks in strips then somehow braids them to make a rug. They are the best. He uses different colors so they aren't all white.  They wash up like crazy and last forever. I love them!!! |
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 27, 2014 2:18:12 GMT
When I was a kid, I always liked to buy scented pencils and those foil pictures. I am sure I have bought jewelry. Also, fudge. That's all that's coming to me at the moment.
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mallie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,253 
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Post by mallie on Jul 27, 2014 2:21:30 GMT
I'm hoping to buy the wine slushie packs this year.
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Post by miss_lizzie on Jul 27, 2014 2:24:35 GMT
I went to an art festival today and bought a bead necklace and a potholder. I love them both.
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Post by sacteach on Jul 27, 2014 2:39:23 GMT
We have four expo halls full of shopping. It's one of our favorite places because of the cool things, but also because it's cooler in there (it was 100+ today in Sacramento) The expo halls have EVERYTHING -cookware with full demos, indoor grills, bbq accessories -mattresses, sheets, pillows -every cable company (DirecTV, Dish, UVerse, etc) -tons of jewelry booths -massage things (pillows, chairs, foot massagers, head massagers, etc) -pet things (dog treats, collars, beds, etc) -knives, scissors -political booths (both major parties, local groups) -food (fudge, jerky, candy, dips) -soaps, bath salts, lotions, creams, hair gizmos -decorative items, sports memorabilia -toys, games -ladders, house fans, bathtub/shower remodels, gun safes -Tupperware, Scentsy, Miche, etc It's a lot of fun and the sales people aren't usually too pushy but of course they all have "today only" specials |
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Post by AussieMeg on Jul 27, 2014 2:48:52 GMT
-a hot tub (yeah, that was a big purchase I didn't plan on making) And I'm sure many other crazy things That's quite a large purchase to make at a fair!! I can understand though, because years ago I tagged along with a friend while she went shopping for a hot tub. She didn't buy one but I did!! At fairs I tend to mainly buy food rather than gadgets. Last time I bought 3 jars of curry sauce (different flavours), some sour straps for DS, flavoured popcorn, and chutney. |
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Post by gotranch on Jul 27, 2014 3:41:38 GMT
Almost always we buy kettle popcorn! Other than that it depends. My dds like to look at the jewelry.
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Post by mama2three on Jul 27, 2014 3:56:50 GMT
I've bought pottery and other handmade items
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 27, 2014 4:39:11 GMT
This year might be the last year dd shows at the fair and dh is insisting we get a chainsaw carved bear for the yard  I made it six years but think I'll have to give in this year! |
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Post by mom2emilytaryn on Jul 27, 2014 4:45:23 GMT
Kettle corn, baked goods, fudge, gourmet pasta and olive oil....do you see a theme here?  But also hair bows when my daughter was younger and some jewelry. |
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Nink
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Posts: 4,955
Location: North Idaho
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Post by Nink on Jul 27, 2014 5:02:40 GMT
A neck pillow with those little smooshy seed hull things inside (can't think of the name). Love that thing.
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Post by lovestocreate on Jul 27, 2014 5:46:48 GMT
The chocolate covered kettle corn is usually my only purchase. Love that stuff!
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
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Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 27, 2014 7:49:23 GMT
I just went to our street fair. There is a guy there every year that makes throw rugs out of tube socks. He cuts the socks in strips then somehow braids them to make a rug. They are the best. He uses different colors so they aren't all white. They wash up like crazy and last forever. I love them!!! We need a picture. |
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Post by kristi on Jul 27, 2014 8:07:53 GMT
My friend buys sheets at the fair & last week another friend bought a mattress.
My big yearly splurge is funnel cake.
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linda~lou
Pearl Clutcher
Keep calm and eat crumpets
Posts: 2,744
Location: Motown but my heart is in San Francisco
Jun 25, 2014 21:57:08 GMT
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Post by linda~lou on Jul 27, 2014 8:25:31 GMT
I just went to our street fair. There is a guy there every year that makes throw rugs out of tube socks. He cuts the socks in strips then somehow braids them to make a rug. They are the best. He uses different colors so they aren't all white. They wash up like crazy and last forever. I love them!!! We need a picture. There you go Annie! Not sure if you can find them in UK though.    |
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 27, 2014 9:45:53 GMT
Wow! I love them. We have similar items, but you're right, I've never heard of them being made from socks.
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BarbaraUK
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Surrounded by my yarn stash on the NE coast of England...............!! Refupea 1702
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Location: England UK
Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
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Post by BarbaraUK on Jul 27, 2014 10:13:45 GMT
We have four expo halls full of shopping. It's one of our favorite places because of the cool things, but also because it's cooler in there (it was 100+ today in Sacramento) The expo halls have EVERYTHING -cookware with full demos, indoor grills, bbq accessories -mattresses, sheets, pillows -every cable company (DirecTV, Dish, UVerse, etc) -tons of jewelry booths -massage things (pillows, chairs, foot massagers, head massagers, etc) -pet things (dog treats, collars, beds, etc) -knives, scissors -political booths (both major parties, local groups) -food (fudge, jerky, candy, dips) -soaps, bath salts, lotions, creams, hair gizmos -decorative items, sports memorabilia -toys, games -ladders, house fans, bathtub/shower remodels, gun safes -Tupperware, Scentsy, Miche, etc It's a lot of fun and the sales people aren't usually too pushy but of course they all have "today only" specials The biggest event of this type in England is called the Ideal Home Exhibition but isn't quite that size.  However, visits there have seen us coming home with all sorts of things that we didn't really want or need but which looked a real necessity at the time.  I think the biggest thing we ever bought at one of these events was a wooden shed being sold by our local Forestry Workers. It looks like a Hansel and Gretel house and is still going strong years after being purchased!! |
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Post by formerpea on Jul 27, 2014 12:04:09 GMT
Fried dough & kettle corn are a must! I always look at jewelry & usually wind up buying something. I like to look for odd flavors of homemade jam - last year I bought Strawberries & Cream - OMG - to die for! Buying more than one jar this summer.
Back in 1992 we traveled from NY to Mass. to visit The Big E, (I remember this vividly because Hurricane Gloria was moving up the East Coast & the entire ride up that's all we heard on the radio). Anyway I bought one of those "never needs sharpening, serrated, best knife in the world" knives. Well it's been on my knife block since then & it still is one of my go to knives to slice, dice & cut just about anything. Seriously rivals some of my $100 knives and I paid $19.99 for it AND go a second one "free".
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Country Ham
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Jun 25, 2014 19:32:08 GMT
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Post by Country Ham on Jul 27, 2014 12:25:50 GMT
Kettle corn and Funnel Cakes. I think we are talking different types of fairs though lol.
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Post by formerpea on Jul 27, 2014 12:37:21 GMT
PS - I WANT one of those sock rugs!
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Jul 27, 2014 12:44:48 GMT
I bought some knock-off Origami Owl charms this year.
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Post by melanell on Jul 27, 2014 12:59:36 GMT
I used to buy awesome homemade pottery at this one fair, but I haven't been to the craft area of that fair in probably close to a decade, now.
As a kid I bought jewelry.
DH likes to buy food to bring home...local honey, homemade jam, maple syrup, that kind of thing.
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Post by luanne on Jul 27, 2014 13:14:02 GMT
Nail polish pens
cushy pillows for my girls
fudge
saltwater taffy
love the fair...
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Post by auntkelly on Jul 27, 2014 14:52:45 GMT
Last year my husband and I bought a decorative hand blown glass ball for our garden at our local arts festival. I really love it and would love to get a couple more to go with it.
We go to the Oklahoma-Texas football game every year and it is played at the Cotton Bowl right in the middle of the Texas State Fair. We always have to sample the food booths-the corn dogs are our favorites!
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Post by pastlifepea on Jul 27, 2014 15:17:28 GMT
I have a genetic predisposition to buy ridiculous amounts of condiments. I was at the Gilroy Garlic Festival yesterday and came home with three new mustards for my collection. One is a garlic flavor of course, and the other two involve tequila, bacon, and other fabulous things.
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Post by tania7424 on Jul 27, 2014 15:24:06 GMT
This year might be the last year dd shows at the fair and dh is insisting we get a chainsaw carved bear for the yard I made it six years but think I'll have to give in this year! DH wants one of those so badly. LOL |
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(yeah, that was a big purchase I didn't plan on making)
refupea #245
I made it six years but think I'll have to give in this year!
But also hair bows when my daughter was younger and some jewelry.
However, visits there have seen us coming home with all sorts of things that we didn't really want or need but which looked a real necessity at the time. 
I think the biggest thing we ever bought at one of these events was a wooden shed being sold by our local Forestry Workers. It looks like a Hansel and Gretel house and is still going strong years after being purchased!! 
