The Great New York State Fair

September 4, 2013 - 7:40am
Traditional carnival foods may be one-time treats for some, but also showcase the lack of nutritional knowledge many Americans have about food.

There is perhaps no better way to observe the state of American health culture than at The Great New York State Fair.

Proudly displayed on posts and columns are “I ♥ NY Smoke Free” signs next to concessions’ menus offering fried dough, Oreos, foot-long hot dogs, beer and pizza pies. The entrance to the Kids’ Zone is labeled a “smoke-free zone,” but it contains a dessert stand and a taco concession.

Smoking is bad — that much the State Fair believes. Carnival food, however, is fair game.