Fairs offer us a literal window into the world. In this episode of As We Eat, Kim and Leigh explore the history of the World’s Fairs and then they dive into the curious history of famous fair foods.
Fair Foods offer a look in to Past, Present, and Future
Fairs offer us a literal window into the world. From small county fairs to large state fairs to grand World Exhibitions, people come from all over to learn about our past and catch a glimpse into our future. In this episode of As We Eat, Kim and Leigh explore the history of the World’s Fairs and how their showcases of culture, cuisine, agriculture, and technology have continually ushered in new eras of exploration and enjoyment.
World’s Fairs
The very first World’s Fair took place in London in 1851 with the express purpose of helping people to understand other cultures, including the opportunity to sample cuisines from Morocco, Turkey, and China. In 1893, The World’s Fair in Chicago showcased the country’s agricultural bounty in juxtaposition to its growing love affair with manufacturing and canned goods. These new technologies meant that the fruits (and vegetables) of America’s fertile farmlands could be both canned and transported across the continent (and beyond) via railroad thus opening hearts, minds, and cupboards to new possibilities in cuisine. Many things that we take for granted now – read-made pancake mixes, chewing gum, and other sundries – made their debut at these fairs – and whether we know it or not, continue today as World Exhibition and Agricultural Fairs continue to showcase new technologies and foster connections between diverse countries and its peoples.
Favorite and State and County Fair Foods
Kim and Leigh dive into the curious history of some of our favorite fair foods – namely cotton candy and corn dogs – to discover an unusual legacy of how they came to State Fairs in Texas, Minnesota, and beyond. Both treats uncover the curious legacy of American ingenuity and entrepreneurship and are a testament to our fascination with foods rooted in sugar or deep-fried… or both. Modern cotton candy draws upon an old tradition of hand spinning silver and gold webs of fine sugar threads to make nests, baskets, and ornamentation for sweetmeats. Corn dogs are said to have originated after a rainy day on an Oregon beach ruined a vendor’s stock of buns.
World’s Fair Exposition, Dubai
To round out this frolic through the foodie fairground, As We Eat touches on the modern iteration of the World’s Fair Exposition. The latest Exposition launches this October in Dubai and promises an entire pavilion dedicated to helping visitors “discover how everything from climate change to technology will change how we source, prepare, and cook food.”
Fair Foods Transcript
🎧 Click here for the full, interactive transcript of this episode 🎧
Sources We Found Helpful for this Episode
Books We Think You’ll Enjoy Reading
Recipes You Really Need to Try
Profiteroles – The Heritage Cook
Mini Corn Dogs – Pook’s Pantry
Fair Scones – 31 Daily
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What’s In Your Pantry - A 4,000 year old spice, Flamingos, and the Royal Road
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Fair Foods