The Canfield Fair is among the most highly anticipated events of the year for many Mahoning Valley natives.  From 4H festivities to the Demolition Derby, there are plenty of reasons to look forward to at the fair each year -- but I'd be hard-pressed to state a reason more compelling than all of the incredible fair FOOD.  Being a longtime vegetarian, I do miss out on some traditional favorites, like gyros, corn dogs and stuffed peppers.  But I certainly have my own guilty pleasures... and here are my five must-haves!

1.  Lemonade 

Nothing can quench your thirst on a 90* day quite like fresh squeezed lemonade!  Does anyone else refer to them as "Lemon Shake Ups"?  No?  Just me? 

A Cold Drink on A Hot Day / Photo Courtesy of @canfieldfair 

2.  Cavatelli Bread Bowls

Carbs don't count at the Canfield Fair.... right?!  

A Classic Cavatelli Bread Bowl / Photo Courtesy of @canfieldfair 

3.  Caramel Apples

Get your daily serving of fruit with these super nutritious snacks!  Candy, Caramel or Chocolate covered - doesn't matter, I like them all!  

Candy Apples at the Canfield Fair / Photo Courtesy of @wfmj 

4.  Authentic Fair Fries

Drowning in vinegar is the only way to eat fair fries.  Change my mind.

French Fries at the Canfield Fair / Photo Courtesy of @canfieldfair 

5.  Molnar's Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls may not be exclusively "fair food", but there is something about the way Molnar's family concessions serve up these sweet and sticky treats at the Canfield Fair that makes me feel like fall is right around the corner.  

Sweet and Sticky Cinnamon Rolls from Molnar's Concessions / Photo Courtesy of @canfieldfair 

Which fair food tradition do you look forward to each year?