THE BALLOON MAN

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But keep your cash in your pocket. We've got a few deals you can look for when the Florida State Fair kicks off tomorrow.

New food at the Florida State Fair: mashed potatoes and gravy on a stick
Mashed potatoes and gravy.
Really, it doesn’t get any more comfort food than that, does it?
Wait, the Florida State Fair thinks it does.
How about fried -- on a stick.
Yes, friends, get ready for this year’s Ultimate Fair Food Snackdown!!
The 2011 fair, which runs from Feb. 10-21, will feature several new menu items, plus some new rides to entice you into the fairgrounds, according to a press release sent by the fair.
In addition to the mashed-tater caloric colossus, look for the Grilled Meatloaf Sundae. It’s a complete meal, served up in a cup: mashed potatoes, topped with meatloaf, gravy, shredded cheese, and a cherry tomato to finish it off. (We’re betting they offer a Spork to eat it with.)
Joining it in the meal-in-a-cup division is the Hog Wild Sundae. This belly-stretcher includes pulled pork, coleslaw and tortilla chips and is drizzled with a chipotle barbecue sauce and topped with jalapeño peppers. (Look for it on a Taco Bell menu soon!)
Hey, what’s a sundae diner without dessert? This year’s picks at the Best Around Concessions (just around the corner from the Giant Slide) include the new Red Velvet Funnel Cakes. And everyone’s favorite duo -- sugar and bacon -- is back this year as the Maple-Bacon Cupcake, courtesy of Tampa’s the Cupcake Spot. It’s a buttermilk cupcake topped with maple-bacon frosting and a crispy piece of bacon.
Stop, stop, you’re thinking. This is way too much to digest. But wait, there’s more!
• After last year’s Krispy Kreme burger by Carousel Foods proved so successful, look for the French Toast Burger.
• And you really need to take a deep breath for this one: Carousel will be offering the Ice Cream Burger, consisting of your favorite cheeseburger, stuffed with fried ice cream. (Wait, is this even possible?)
• That traditional staple Kettlecorn is so last decade. Popcorn Creations now offers an assortment of gourmet popcorn, including Oreo Crunch, Cheese and Bacon or Dill Pickle. Bonus: You can mix your favorite flavors together for your own custom blend.
• This isn’t wacky, but if you’re getting queasy just thinking of any of this, you can go for classic New York deli fare with pastrami and reuben sandwiches sold at the Big New York Taste in a Small Space booth.
Don’t forget the midwayThe fair will have 106 rides to whirl around on, including the Giant Wheel and Hydro Shock.
New this year is the Daytona Kiddie Ride, which is an interactive ride allowing the rider to steer the car (for the budding NASCAR members of your family). And for the little ones, there’s also the Hillbilly Train (maybe there’ll be a Jethro Bodine sighting).
New for older daredevils is the Roller Coaster (Comet) Riptide from Deggeller Attractions and something called Remix, where guests go on a high-flying, spinning adventure.read more at: http://www.tampabay.com/