Taste of State Fair

The pin for a fair
that never happened.
7/16/20 (dwm)

There was no trip to the Wisconsin State Fair in 2020.  It was cancelled for the first time since 1945 (World War II). 

No trips down the Giant Slide.  

No walk through the Expo building contemplating purchases of stuff we don't need. 

No Cream Puffs.

Wait, what will I do without the sweet dairy goodness?  

Hearing the muffled sobs of a deprived public, fair officials took the treats on the road.

Cream Puffs rolled into Madison Wednesday.

Two lines, short wait.
8/12/20 dwm photo

When I read about the traveling carb show, I placed an order for a three-pack.  The Cream Puff Express was going to be open from 10 - 12.  The night before, I received an email saying because of high demand it was opening at 9.  

I got there at 8:35, directed into a row of cars lined across the Farm & Fleet parking lot.  The Cream Puff stands and refrigerated trucks stood in front of Festival Foods.  After taking some pictures, I got back in expecting to wait 20 minutes before things opened.  Five minutes later, we started moving and a few minutes after that a woman asked for my name and order number.

Don't eat & drive!
8/12/20 dwm photo

A short time later, another woman handed me a box through the passenger window.

The efficiency of the serving line was impressive.  When I saw the line of cars, I hoped it would be less than a half-hour to get the fair treat, I was home in less than 20!

Cream Puffs are usually made at the fair every day, throughout the day.  The shells are dusted with sugar out of the oven, sliced open and filled with cream.  After purchase we huddle around a high-top table and eat.

It's a good thing I only eat these once a year.
8/12/2020 dwm photo

I believe these were made at State Fair Park 70 miles away then delivered for distribution; I didn't think they could meet my taste expectations. 

Minutes later, I was home with the box.  We screwed off the top to catch half the cream and took a bite.

Just short of being an authentic State Fair experience; it was a tasty reminder of why we love the fair and cream puffs so much.

Let's meet and eat at State Fair in 2021!