That’s Where a Rat Can Glut, Glut, Glut, Glut!

Remember the scene in Charlotte’s Web where Templeton the Rat is let loose at the county fair and he breaks into song? Templeton eulogizes the carnival’s discarded, edible goods as “A Veritable Smorgasbord,” eating his way through forgotten watermelon rinds, soggy sandwiches, and, of course, gobs of other gorgeous gook to gobble. He’s our kind of guy, that Templeton, but he’s missing some of the key treats: Where’s the deep-fried Oreos, dude? How about battered Snickers bars? Truth be told, folks at the fair don’t tend to abandon deliciously battered, fried packages of melty chocolate. They’re just too tasty. So while there may not be any of those goodies left for little Templeton, there’s sure to be plenty available for loquacious humans willing to sing their praises at the South Florida Fair.

That’s right: The Fair’s at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach) through February 3, and with it comes all the food, the vomit-inducing carnival rides, the strange combinations of musical acts, country side-shows, and even a famous pig or two. So you can eat your deep-fried Oreos, jump on that crazy ride that spins you upside down (please, not in that order), and catch Grand Funk Railroad and Saliva (please, keep the bodies off the floor) all at the same venue. Tickets cost $15, or $25 with a ride wristband. You can nab ΄em cheaper online too; just visit www.southfloridafair.com.
Jan. 24-Feb. 3, 2008