Food options plentiful

nel cake, which typically costs around $5 to $6 per helping, continues to reign. Gary Moore of Stockbridge chalked up approximately 70 miles round trip to experience the Gwinnett County Fair with a plate load of frosted funnel cake in hand.

“Funnel cakes definitely put me in the mood,” said Moore, who plans on making a return visit before the fair closes shop. “I’m a pretty healthy eater. But if you don’t gain five pounds after visiting a fair, then something’s wrong.”

Becca McCleskey of Hoschton has her own guilty pleasure. Fried Oreo cookies ($6) are typically reserved for fairs, and it’s something she looks forward to each year. McCleskey’s order arrives in a small paper container, the cookies piled on top of each other like tiny, irresistible pillows.

“I tell everyone I have to go to the fair at least for the fried Oreos,” she said.

Meanwhile, Janiece Stewart prepares for that first bite of her fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. As her teeth cut past the golden batter, and sink into the peanut butter and chocolate, Stewart’s eyes widen. The reaction seems similar to one she might have on the nearby roller coaster, proving that the appeal of fair food may indeed be found in the unbridled thrill.

“I like the way the crunchiness mixes with the candy,” she mumbled with a mouthful.

From ribs on a stick to skewered fried pickle slices, both priced at $7, the Gwinnett County Fair calorie counter keeps clicking.

And timely food trends are finding their way onto the midway alongside corn dogs and funnel cakes.

The frozen yogurt craze has hit the fair, and the Sweet Monkey Frozen Yogurt stand is making its Gwinnett County Fair debut. This portable version of a contemporary yogurt joint offers an