A Day at the Delta Fair 2015

I spent a few at the Delta Fair in Memphis over the weekend. It’s the rare opportunity to ride a coaster in my hometown, so I try to stop by when I have time.

The fair debuted in 2007 and has been growing each year since.

First stop: this bizarre SpongeBob-themed fun house.

Other than the facade and a few crude paintings on the interior walls, the walk-through has little to with the pineapple under the sea.

There were chains, metal bars and a few standard “fun-house” gags.

The fair’s “Kiddieland” area featured a slew of pint-sized rides like this miniature Ferris wheel.

Many of the rides at any carnival offer ample opportunities for “hang time.” I present exhibit A.

I counted four different Ferris wheels on the midway. I guess you can never have too many.

The Fabbri “Drop Zone” tower stood an unassuming nine or so stories tall. I found the drop to be quite impressive, especially considering the tower’s size

The ascent to the top is slow and unnerving. But riders are treated to a beautiful view of the midway and surrounding cornfields.

Disclaimer: I do not like spinning, so this was a “skip.”

Even though I don’t like spinning, I’ll occasionally tackle a spinning coaster.

It’s a standard Reverchon spinning coaster. They seem to be a mainstay of traveling fairs.

The spinning wasn’t too bothersome. But I wouldn’t have ridden it again.

This was by far the most terrifying thing about the cheesy, not-much-there “haunted mansion” ride.

Since the “lower” midway is built on dirt and gravel, dust is inevitable.

The fair’s largest Ferris wheel provided some great views.

You can find just about every typical carnival/portable flat at the Delta Fair.

Much of the upper midway (seen above) is built over a parking lot, reducing the dusty haze the lower midway faces.

The beautiful weather attracted quite the crowd.

Though tempted, I did not ride.

This was fun to watch. Not sure it would be as fun to ride.

With so many Six Flags parks adding these “Ring of Fire” style rides, I decided to see what the hoopla was all about. While fun, I couldn’t imagine myself waiting more than 10-15 minutes to ride one.

I generally don’t enjoy hanging upside down, but I suppose a market exists for that.

I’ll leave you with this parting shot of this friendly alpaca (?). Overall, we enjoyed the afternoon. The selection of rides was stellar, and I’m a sucker for fried Oreos.

While the 2015 Delta Fair has ended, I’m sure it will return in 2016.

Have you attended any traveling fairs or carnivals this year? Share your favorite carnival ride in the comments section below.