Why is fair food so appealing?

Or better yet, why don't we mind paying more for an elk burger and a funnel cake than for a New York strip at the store?

We're lazy.

OK … it tastes good too.

But it always tastes good when you don't have to cook.

Still, it hurt the other day when I had to fork over $8.25 for an elk burger, a funnel cake (with apples) and a Coke.

Was it any good? Let's just say it was no TV dinner.

For those of you who haven't had elk, it's a treat. Elk meat is good for you and tastes even better.

The funnel cake? Well, I can speak for the latter part of that statement. The former I'm not so sure of.

I've taken a highly scientific poll, talking with fairgoers on what their favorite fair food is.

Gyros? Nope, although they received pretty good marks. However, the pita bread was a tad on the dry side.

Foot-long hot dogs? They're good too, but hey … a hot dog's a hot dog.

But everyone seemed to be talking about the mini-donuts.

"Hey, the mini-donuts are here."

"Did you see the mini-donut truck?"

"Look ma, mini-donuts!"

You get the picture.

I've never had mini-donuts. Personally, I equate them to the foot-long hot dog.

A hot dog's a hot dog, a donut's a donut.

But the big turkey legs are what's amusing. They remind me of the Pterodactyl legs you always saw Fred and Barney gnaw on in "The Flintstones."

They were unique. Gumby and Pokey never had them.

Josh and the Piggy Blues truck were also there, representing the local businesses. I was looking for some of those tasty corn puffs.

No dice.

"Sorry. We don't have fryers in the truck."

Oh.

Which brings up another good point. You really don't see Richard Simmons eating fair food.

Maybe that's another reason it's yummy … because it's ain't part of the Deal-A-Meal plan.

Imagine going on a diet with that.

"OK … I had three foot-long hot dogs, and that'll leave me with two cards left. That way, I can use one each for a big piece of fudge and a gyro!"

And if you're good, we'll throw in the donuts too.

Just don't sit next to me on the Tilt-a-Whirl.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at :mailto:dan.fields@austindailyherald.com