This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Ellen Casalino, of West Jordan, wasn't necessarily looking to discover her spiritual purpose in life or to plan her funeral while attending the Utah State Fair on Tuesday afternoon.
But that was just a sampling of what dozens of vendors were selling at September's annual extravaganza spotlighting the state's agricultural lifestyle, as well as fairway rides, quirky food and commerce.
"There are unique things here that you can't find in stores," Casalino said. "You get all of these distributor-type vendors instead of things you see in stores all in one place. I don't like people coming to my home to sell me things. So I come to the fair."
On Tuesday, fairgoers once again gathered at booths listening to the pitches of salespeople wearing head microphones and demonstrating knives, salsa makers, pans, cleaning products, medical devices and all types of hardware.
Bradley Leyman, of Los Angeles, has been selling products such as the Mixer Plus for 35 years.
"This is marvelous," he said of the Utah State Fair. "I like talking to people. We are pitch men. That's what we do."
While Leyman and partner Simone Sheppard meet new people each year, they also run into repeat customers, some of whom offer fresh tomatoes for a salsa demonstration, or just exchange friendly greetings.
"People teach their kids manners here," said Sheppard of Utah fairgoers. "There is a different feel here. In some places, people expect things and can't say thank you."
It seems likely that some fair products truly aren't available in local stores, such as the $19.95 South African Killifish that Billie Jenkins of Hutchinson, Kan., was selling.
Jenkins' product comes in the form of small eggs packed in a tea bag-like package. When put into water, at least eight of the fish are guaranteed to hatch and grow. The kit includes sea monkeys to feed the little fish, that while they look like goldfish will eventually grow to about two inches in length in a fish bowl. Once put in water, it takes about 24 hours for the fish to grow.
"This is a user-friendly fair," Jenkins said, while adding how much she liked joking with Utah customers. For example, when one bystander asked if the water beads sold to decorate the bottom of fish bowls are edible, Jenkins laughed and replied only if they're soaked in tequila first.
Jeff Thornberry, of St. George-based Gadgets and Neat Stuff, attends many fairs. He said each one has its own character. What he liked about the Utah fair is that many of the activities and entertainment are free, making it more affordable for families.
Of course, that also means families might have more to spend on gadgets he sells, such as a $40 pair of Swiss-made steel tweezers, billed as the best in the world, as well as the world's loudest whistle or strongest magnifying mirror.
Other products on sale at the fair include foodstuffs, such as fudge or candied apples, as well as self-defense lessons, beads and bracelets with claims of helping aches and pains, hot tubs, cell phones, electric cigarette, the Bible on compact disks, steam mops, sewing machines and the ultimate hose nozzle.
Most products are accompanied with lifetime warranties, which means that if something breaks in the course of a year, it's easy to return it at next year's fair. Chances are, most of the vendors will be back in 2011.
Looking for a gadget? Shop the state fair
The fair continues through Sept. 19 at the Utah State FairPark, 155 N. 1000 West, Salt Lake City. Admission is $9 (kids 5 and under are free). For a calendar of today's events, see C2.