Piedmont Interstate Fair: Here are the can't miss foods, rides and attractions

It was like a taste of nostalgia walking into the opening day of the Piedmont Interstate Fair on Tuesday, Oct.11.

The smell of carnival food and the sights and sounds of the rides and children laughing couldn't help but get you in a good mood for some fun. The fair will run through Sunday, Oct. 16 at 575 Fairgrounds Road, in Spartanburg.

Families walked through the fairgrounds with children eager to get on the fast rides. The neon lights from the signs illuminated the sky above people walking around. Here are things you should experience when you plan your visit to the fair.

"Ring of Fire" and "No Limit" highlight rides

If you are a carnival ride enthusiast, the Piedmont Interstate Fair has you covered. The fair offers a variety of rides, from twists and turns for adrenaline chasers, to slow and steady rides that still offer that thrill.

I put my fear aside and hopped on "The Ring of Fire," a high-speed, looping rollercoaster that brings riders 60 feet into the air. This lightning-fast ride gave me some good screams but gave 12-year-old, Liam Wheeler of Woodruff, the thrill he wanted.

"We rode a couple of rides, but this was a blast," Wheeler said. "It went so fast going around. Now, my favorite thing is that [Ring of Fire]."

Wheeler said he and his family had attended the fair for five years and will continue to attend.

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Ever Arnold, 9, of Spartanburg, enjoyed riding all of the fast rides. She said the rides may the fair more fun.

"It's important to me because of the Dragon's Quest," Arnold said about one of her favorite rides. "People should try the swings, because they're fun. The more rides I took, the more fun it became."

If the Ring of Fire seems too fast for you, I would recommend the "No Limit" ride. This ride spins and swings passengers 50 feet into the air, allowing you to feel as if you are gliding. But don't worry, you don't go upside down on this one.

Piedmont Interstate Fair features assortment of unique fair foods

Food vendors are another highlight at the fair. From funnel cakes to turkey legs, be sure to go hungry so you can try something.

I went to the fair with an empty stomach to try as much as I could and to let you know what you absolutely cannot miss.

Pinguinos Hermanos: Fruit Shaved Ice

It was pretty warm in Spartanburg, despite the fall season. I cooled off with this sweet treat from Pinguinos Hermanos. They don't serve your typical snow cones with artificial syrups, and instead fill your shaved ice with fresh fruit and sweet cream.

I had the Georgia Peach shaved ice, which consisted of chopped peaches and strawberries and was soaked in a sweet cream that makes it taste almost like a smoothie. This was the ultimate treat and not overbearingly sweet as the fresh fruits made it enjoyable and refreshing.

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Seriously Smoked: Smoked Corn

Want to enjoy barbecue without the hassle? Seriously Smoked has you covered. From enormous turkey legs to pork chops, Seriously Smoked had a variety of delicious meats laid out on a grill that you can't say no to.

I decided to try the smoked corn on a cob, and I was glad I did. For $4, you receive an entire smoked corn, smoked in the husk and smothered in butter. The first bite of the corn ultimately bursts with smoky and grilled flavors, with a small punch from the butter and sweet corn giving a sharp punch.

Be careful because it is served right off the grill, so it's extremely hot. Don't do what I did and accidentally grab it in the direct center, although you will have an excuse to lick your hands clean.

Fresh Cut French Fries: Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

It was time for a snack after all this delicious food. I headed over to Fresh Cut French Fries, and grabbed a tray of fries and some freshly squeezed lemonade.

Do not ignore the fresh lemonade, as it beats any store brand. The lemonade is sweet and refreshing, leaving a punch of fresh citrus after every sip. For $6, this lemonade is worth cooling off your vocal cords after screaming on the rides. The souvenir cup was an added bonus that provides half priced refills.

DeAnna's: Rib on a Stick

DeAnna's is a vendor that focuses on the variety of different gyros, as well as corn dogs and other fair foods. While walking by, I noticed they served a dish that seemed easy enough to carry around but was also unique: rib on a stick. You receive five large chunks of rib meat on a skewer, encrusted in barbecue sauce.

The meat was incredibly tender, as it melted right off the skewer with one bite. The barbecue sauce also was flavorful, giving off a sweet and tangy flavor from the grill. It is the perfect, mess free way to enjoy ribs while exploring the rest of the fair.

Fried Oreos

Fried Oreos are a must have at any fair or carnival. Not only are they rich with warm, chocolate flavor but they aren't as messy to eat as a funnel cake.

For $10, I received five large Oreos, deep fried in a crispy, golden shell and dusted with powdered sugar. The first bite was heavenly, as the creamy center from the Oreo oozed out and blended well with the gooey, chocolate cookie. The consistency was similar to a molten lava cake, as the cream center was also warm.

Piedmont Interstate Fair attractions

The Piedmont Interstate Fair offers more than just rides and food such as pig races, live music, a kid's comedy show and even a petting zoo with animals you could only find at a zoo.

Dana Wright of Woodruff said she has been coming to the fair with her family for generations. She loves the contests hosted at the fair.

"I have been coming to the fair for almost 50 years," Wright said. "My mother would bring me, I would bring my children and now I bring my grandchildren. I loved to enter the contests. I've entered the bowling pins and the recyclables."

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There are also a bunch of carnival games available to play and win prizes. At Bank-a-Ball, Bernard Bussey shared an exclusive trick to help players win a prize.

"The trick is to hit the ball on the top of the board," Bussey said. "Let it roll offer your fingers or else it'll bounce, and not make it in."

For ticket pricing and other information, visit their website.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Piedmont Interstate Fair: Here are the can't miss foods, rides and attractions