TheRapidsNerd Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Every year over labor day weekend is a little advertised yet entertaining fair at the old airport, not far from my flat. For the past 3 years, I've forgotten about it until the last day of the weekend, then saw it...while it was closing. Not this year by cracky! My girlfriend and I conquered the fair (as well as funnel cake and snow cones) with gusto. Now it's picture time! And we'll end this PTR on a good point. Thank you all for reading. Joe Camel making a guest appearence. Up next, John Schnieder. Alright, somebody around TPR likes Leemurs, but after that heavenly funnel cake, I can't remember who. Beemer? Derek? Crikey! Another bugger of a caption! Apparently the popcorn is just as AMAZING as the pizza at the other end. Witty caption not found. One of the better pics from the day. With that many flags, the pizza must be AMAZING! 30 flags! More flags, more aneurysm! This shot didn't work out as planned, but girlfriend found it mechanically artsy and suggested I keep it. Sure, why not. Anybody else want a bomb pop after looking at this? Fireball at Sunset. Man, that dandruff shampoo just ain't working! Me trying not to be messy. FAIL! It got all over my pant leg. Oh the powdered sugar awesomeness.....Take a moment to bask in it's beauty. While other vendors had French Fries, this one had Freedom Fries. Revolutionary idea there. Ah, the Screamatorium. Looks nice on the outside, pitch black inside, a couple decent elements, and lots of head banging. So is this what a Vekoma SLC is like? I've always thought Fireballs were cool. It's like a coaster and a swinging ship had a love child. Girlfriend on the...now what was that ride called again.....gimme a minute and I'll think of it.... Yes, that rock o plane looked totally safe.....(cringe) This was a funky octopus with arms the swung, verses the standard stiffy variety. Ok, this guy was cool. Why? He didn't smell of cabbage. He was quick on the wit, and weather or not I totally sucked at darts, he would hook me up with a prize for my girlfriend. Sure, THEY ALL say that, but this guy was a trip. Yep, girlfriend went home with a medium size frog. Strangely, that was also the first time I've ever won a date/girlfriend a prize at any fair. Made the moment extra special. Prophilactic football anyone? They had nubs. Seriously. Now this TR is Ernie and Moose approved. Ferris wheel and a short bus. Thank you Captain Obvious! There was a Miner Mike, but it's not really a credit and I just didn't have enough ho in me to take a ride. I know, what's with my priorities? Woohoo! I'm on the loose again! Who cares if it's an old runway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VegasCoaster Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 I have never seen a ferris wheel where they have the carriages facing different directions. Looked like someone didn't read the directions while assembling it for a while and then I noticed its every other one, so maybe it actually was on purpose. Better than most ghetto fairs I've been to! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eskater132 Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Great Photos! One of the better ghetto fairs definitely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 1, 2008 Author Share Posted September 1, 2008 Dude, they never change this fair! I've been about 3 times before and with the right group of people it can be tons of fun. And every time I see someone puke. Ah, good ole Alabama...can't get out fast enough. Although looks like they repainted the entrance to the haunted house. They threw in the Saw puppet and Captain Spaulding. But it sounds exactly the same, pitch black claustrophobia that smells like animal urine. Ahhhh! Get out of my head! (So true.) Yes, we walked into the whole thing with a sense of humor and had a good time. Ironically, someone did shout at their shoes, not on the Himilaya or Rock o Plane, but on the Ferris Wheel....right before we were about to get on. Girlfriend witnessed it, I missed it, and we passed. Interestingly, some of the charm and magic of the fair was still there and I relived a few happy childhood memories. Glad girlfriend and I went. Ooops! Where are my manners? Thank you all for the kind words on the photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElToroAddiict Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Nice photos.My local"ghetto"fair starts on Thursday.Such a piece of crap and waste of money,lol.The only adult ride we have is a rock-o-plane which barely flips.Maybe ill take a few pics. Again.Great photos.Looks like a nice fair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cygnus12 Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Nice TR! You know, this looks like an OK fair; it's nothing like this one fair I went to back in June. They had a Yo-Yo that spun at like 2 RPM, a Round-Up with no lights save for two giant flood lights in the center, and a ferris wheel with no lights at all; not even any pointing at it. Good lord, it was the epitome of ghetto. Here's the TR if you want to check it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterdude5 Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Don't worry dude it's impossible to eat a funnel cake without getting the powder sugar on yourself. Nice trip report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dino Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Nice TR, seems to be one of the better ghetto fairs around. Looks like you had fun. I guess it's cause you went with your girlfriend, as ghetto fairs tend to be only as good as the company you keep. Like CTU Agent said, with the right group of people it can be a ton of fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobafett Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Nice pics and report. How was the funnel cake? Was it soft? Last one I had wasn't good. It was rock hard. ! I like the outside of the haunted house. Gotta give props to Captain Spalding! I love little ghetto fairs like this. This one actually looked nice compared to some that I have been to and seen on TPR. Long live ghetto fairs! and the carnies that run them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
printersdevil78 Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Nice TR! Sure beats my Labor Day weekend outing at the Crab Derby. And I thought only the Maryland carnies smelled like cabbage.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 Nice TR! Sure beats my Labor Day weekend outing at the Crab Derby. And I thought only the Maryland carnies smelled like cabbage.... It's all in the perspective friend. Seafood festivals rock, and I remember some good ones in Maryland. Don't get me started on peel and eat spiced shrimp.......Yum! Do they really smell of cabbage? I just thought it was an Austin Powers joke. How was the funnel cake? Was it soft? Last one I had wasn't good. It was rock hard. It was firm in my mouth, but not too hard and tasted sweet with all the powdered sugar on it. It got kinda messy at the end and went all over my pants leg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobafett Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 ^That's sounds like a good funnel cake. I like it when the sugar melts into the cake and gets all gooey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moose Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 ^Sounds like something other than a funnel cake. Thankyou for the ducky pic. And i agree with the GF on the pic she made you keep, it's a very interesting shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobafett Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 ^If they put the sugar on as soon as the cake comes out of the oil, it takes on this weird consistency and gets gooey and boy does it taste great. I know of only a couple of places where I live down the sugar that do this, other places wait to put the sugar on, so just ask them to put the sugar on immediately, you'll be glad you did! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 ^bobafett, you taught me something new. I'll have to try that next time. Thank you! moose: ^Sounds like something other than a funnel cake. LOL! Yeah, I couldn't resist a bit of descriptive humor there, but kudos to bobafett for a graceful sidestep. I'm still laughing at ElToroExtreme's new avatar pic. Awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillerman1 Posted September 7, 2008 Share Posted September 7, 2008 Is this in Huntsville at the old airport? If so, I went to it a good 10 + years ago when I used to live there. Good times and nice to see the ghetto torch bring carried on...thanks for the pics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 7, 2008 Author Share Posted September 7, 2008 ^ You are correct friend, and that's about the last time I went (97?), when they still had the helicopter rides over the city. Interestingly, I keep hearing this is one of the better ghetto fairs. Very cool and who knew, eh? Redstone's Oktoberfest is this coming week and girlfriend and I plan to be there. Yay for beer, brauts, and rides! Depending on what pics I get, I'll probably just tack that onto this thread. We'll see. Thanks for the kind words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Alright, somebody around TPR likes Leemurs, but after that heavenly funnel cake, I can't remember who. Beemer? Derek? Yep, that'd be yours truly. Sad to see it cooped up in a crappy cage at a ghetto fair though. Either way, fun report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrillerman1 Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Rapids Nerd...I remember Redstone's Oktoberfest being pretty cool back in the day (why don't they actually hold it IN OCTOBER?!) Hope you make it out and can share some pics with us although I think it's predicted to rain all week up here just north of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 12, 2008 Author Share Posted September 12, 2008 Redstone Arsenal puts on an Oktoberfest celebration every year (in September) with fair rides, carny games, funnel cakes, and, of course, beer. No this is not NEARLY as good as the AWESOME German fairs we've all seen, but I still had fun and gave an acceptable nod to my mixed Euro heritage. On to the pics mine friends! And finally, success! I was able to get the Dragon Wagon credit. Yes it's powered, but with these 15+ years between cycles, I'm counting it. Thank you all for reading and you can stop laughing at my coaster count any time.... Yes, you really could get a picture with a boxing kangaroo. He was also working security tonight. Now that is one intents Oompah Band. Ok, time to say WHEN. (that was the Headless Spider going fast btw) Headless Spider...AT NIGHT! B-Mode Yeti not included. Yup, happy buzz setting in. I swear tried to find Frozen Coke for you Jahan. I swear I did... Just in case you forgot the ride's name amidst the bad Johnny Cash jokes. "I fell in to a..ring of fire..." "C'mon world...join in...start a ghost train..." Why do I keep taking pictures of this? Well, it does look groovy at night. Cool sky, though the cock-eyed angle says the buzz was setting in. I'm certified and of legal drinking age. Still a lightweight who opted for the 16 oz plastic bottle of Miller Light, vs the Arnold Schwartensteins people were drinking. Hey man, I gotta drive home AND be at work Friday. The German ancestors will just have to deal. Come to Butthead.... I call Alien torture device. Sorry folks, best caption I got right now. Spining mouse car + drunken barrel + tilt a whirl + football =....you know, I really have no idea. That is just one messed up flat. Hi Magic Mountian. And speaking of fail...Hey lady! You're doing it wrong! I'm having good luck with Ferris Wheel shots lately. They come out wheely good. All together now...FAIL! Hmmm...no flags. I see the Lemonade is not nearly as AMAZING as the Northeast Alabama Fair's. (gasp!) More heaven! I'm in heaven. Thar be craft tents an other fineries. Bah! Give me tankard and booty! Speakin O landlubbers, I sees the legendary Headless Spider with me good eye. It be a myth no more says I! Arr! Me little bath buddies be sportin thier eye patches fer Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19! Look alive Moose and Big Mike, this pick be for you two land lubbers! Alien torture device or super collider? You decide...while I pay Robb a quarter. Ya'll, that just ain't right! Yes, another swinging ship/coaster love child, cleverly themed to Johnny Cash no less. It's seems Pinhead, Chucky, and Pennywise have gone into the railroad business. Speaking of trains, how are ya Matt? Like this Frog Hopper full of stoned frogs. Uh huh, somebody's been doing Toad again. Glad to see they had a lot of stuff for the kiddies to do.... Yay! A Dragon Wagon! Finally a new...waddya mean only little kids?! Boooo! Oh! Those are Funnel Cakes! Hmmm...wonder how that Lemonade Fried is? I didn't try the Akes, but the popcorn and candy apples smelled really good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParkTrips Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 thats not powered! wheel-driven lifts are acceptable since its still gravity powered.. its a credit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterDude211 Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Good PTR! I always hit all our ghetto fairs when I was at home, but now I am unable to since the whole college thing. I wish I was able to make it back to one of them because they always put me in the "fall mood". It seems like they really altered their ride selection since the last time I went. However, the rides still look really mediocre to me. But then again it's Alabama...can't expect too much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted September 12, 2008 Author Share Posted September 12, 2008 It seems like they really altered their ride selection since the last time I went. However, the rides still look really mediocre to me. But then again it's Alabama...can't expect too much! According to one carnie, they've added a bit more than last year. Since this is my first year, no prior reference here. thats not powered! wheel-driven lifts are acceptable since its still gravity powered.. its a credit All the sweeter! And thank you Joe for a great find in that shirt. Awesome! Awesome shirt!! Funny update. Do you know how long Oktoberfest is going on? Thank you, but ParkTrips is the real one to thank and the one who found it. I just laughed my butt off and ordered it. Oktoberfest runs September 11-14. Friday 5 pm-1am ($10), Saturday 12pm-1am ($10), Sunday 1pm-8pm ($8). Admission, food, and carnie games are all you pay for. Thank you all for the kind words and Thank you bobafett for the tip on the funnel cake. Excellent call! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dino Posted September 13, 2008 Share Posted September 13, 2008 Great update. Those shots of the loaded fries & funnel cakes were just beautiful. Fairs always have the unhealthiest/best tasting foods . Oh and congratulations on the dragon credit, hopefully it won't be another 15+ years till you hit "4ish". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted September 13, 2008 Share Posted September 13, 2008 Love the captions. Love the shirt. However, nothing has made me laugh harder than this recent commercial. Now we know what you've really been up to lately, Michael! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts