Our Deep Fried Ambassador is busy blogging about all things N.C. State Fair related. We’ll re-post all of her Fair entries, but be sure to check out her Pretty*Swell blog.
(This is part 1 of the “Whole Lotta Loony” series chronicling the adventures of your Deep-Fried Ambassador and Deputy Deep-Fried at the North Carolina State Fair.)
The adventure begins!
After pinning on our badges, specially engraved with “Ambassador” and “Duputy” (oops) by one of the fair’s bling vendors, we took off for the Jaycees’ Turkey Shoot.
I’ve always been curious about what exactly happens behind that wooden barricade. Years ago (okay, maybe just a few), I believed that real live turkeys were being lined up and fired at, execution style. I’m pretty gullible, and my friends and family love to capitalize on it.
My latest conjecture was that the turkey shoot was like one of those fake gun games on the midway where you fire off a bunch of rounds at the little paper star target.
Not so much.
Those were REAL shotguns, y’all. 20-gauge. Whatever that means. All I can say is that the experience was startling, a little painful and oddly empowering.
After a helpful tutorial, Deputy Deep-Fried and I sat down and immediately put on our safety gear. In my semi-anxious state, I got a little tangled up in the cord that connects the headpiece to its hook, but finally managed to cover my ears and eyes.
First up was the Deputy. She was a pro. Loaded that gun, took aim and actually hit her target. Mad props.
Me? I popped in the frighteningly large yellow shell, pressed that gun to my shoulder and fired. Then shrieked like a little girl. The kickback was much stronger than I expected.
We filed out after the range was declared clear and waited to find out who among our group had the best shot and won a turkey. Let’s just say lucky number seven wasn’t so lucky.
