On any summer bucket list is a trip to the local fair, and while it’s fun to see old friends, that’s probably not what you came for. The rows and rows of trucks and booths serving up carnival food is the real reason you actually left the couch and stopped watching countless documentaries on Netflix.
From sweet popcorn to the classic corn dog, we’ve got all 12 signs of the zodiac covered. There’s a perfect carnival food out there waiting for you, or you could just eat them all.
Aries (March 21 – April 20): Walking Taco
Photo courtesy of @rcmgallery on Instagram
The Walking Taco, or to some, the Frito Pie, is an accessible favorite at fairs and ball games. Like Aries, the bag of chips, meat, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and salsa is energetic and fiery. Those born under the sign are natural-born independents and leaders, making the Walking Taco’s individual serving perfect for the summer.
Even if you can’t make it to any carnivals this summer, Spoon has you covered with an easy recipe of the snack, as long as you have a bag of chips around.
Taurus (April 21 – May 21): Snow Cone
Photo courtesy of @ikathyy on Instagram
Tauruses are refreshing to be around, much like the icy and sugary Snow Cone. The clean lines of different flavors and colors is right up your alley since you’re so orderly. If the Snow Cone is already one of your favorites, then you’re most likely to stick with the same flavors time after time because sometimes change isn’t a good thing in your mind.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21): Gyro
Photo courtesy of @illest_eats on Instagram
In a gyro, there’s often a lot going on. There’s the shaved meat, the summery tzatziki sauce, the veggies, and the soft pita. Geminis can handle it all though, often balancing too much on their plate anyway. The Greek sandwich is never boring, meaning a Gemini will always have something going on.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Caramel Apple
Photo courtesy of @spoon_colgate on Instagram
Cancers are strong and resilient, making a tough apple with a sticky caramel coating the perfect carnival food. Sure, it can be a messy choice, but you can handle it. You also have an amazing memory, so if you’re looking to get nostalgic, the caramel apple will send you straight back to being a kid again.
Skip the lines waiting for the gooey fruit and make your own at home with any candy topping you want. Oreos? M&M’s? Chocolate chips? Why not try them all?
Leo (July 23 – August 22): Funnel Cake
Photo courtesy of @oliviarosecover on Instagram
Everyone wants a piece of you, Leo, just like everyone can never keep their hands off of the fried funnel cake. You’re warm and creative, which makes the sugar-y and swirled dough a perfect choice for a fun summer afternoon at the carnival.
Why not make them into fries and bring the carnival right to your kitchen because sometimes the craving is just too strong.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Soft Pretzel
Photo by Angelia Heimsoth
The soft pretzel is the classic and practical choice of carnival food, which makes it the perfect option for the equally levelheaded Virgo. It’s not messy, so you’re frenzied cleanliness will not be disrupted by the snack.
They’re so easy to make at home too, and if you want to get crazy this summer, crank up the heat with a spicy cheese dip.
Libra (September 23 – October 22): Deep-Fried Cheesecake
Photo courtesy of lindsay_starr_p on flickr
Carnivals offer almost anything fried, from Oreos to butter, but why not make any treat even more indulgent? Libras are romantic, and what’s more romantic than a pillowy slice of cheesecake? Answer: a deep-fried slice of cheesecake.
You often find pleasure in the simple things, and even if this seems like a step outside your comfort zone, anything deep-fried is a pretty simple treat.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Fried Pickles
Photo courtesy of @therockandafunplace on Instagram
Fried pickles are a carnival favorite anywhere in the country, so no matter where you live, snacking on a few of them is a must. Scorpios are a pretty secretive bunch, but so are fried pickles. When you think about it, any food could be under that delicate layer of fried breadcrumbs.
Scorpios are also energetic risk-takers, so diving into a pile of ambiguously fried food should be no daunting task. Fries are boring, so take a chance on a new alternative.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Corn Dog
Photo courtesy of @vegasfatkid on Instagram
Like a Virgo, a Sagittarius is also pretty sensible, and what’s more sensible than food on a stick? The corn dog is arguably the most classic pick on this list, which is a great match for the frank Sagittarius.
You also like freedom, so when it comes to your choice of condiments, everything from ketchup to relish is fair game.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20): Onion Rings
Photo courtesy of @smileeyreilly on Instagram
Capricorns like to keep a low profile, so in a carnival full of oozing cheese curds and strawberry shortcakes with heaps of whipped cream, onion rings can be overlooked. Still, everyone loves you.
A few onion rings are perfect for you because you’re always on the move. You hate complacency, so why not throw a spicier twist on life (and your favorite snack)?
Aquarius (January 21 – February 19): Kettle Corn
Photo courtesy of @mskellyforsythe on Instagram
As an Aquarius, you’re fun and rebellious, so a big bag of kettle corn is the right snack for you. Why settle for a greasy mess when you could have a snack you can toss around with the perfect amount of crunch and sweetness.
Sure, kettle corn is perfect for sharing, but you’re too individualistic for that. No one is going to judge you for eating the whole bag, but you wouldn’t really care anyways.
#SpoonTip: Save some of that kettle corn for later and pimp it out in 21 different ways.
Pisces (February 20 – March 20): Cotton Candy
Photo courtesy of @cottontailcandy on Instagram
Cotton candy: the kind of mysterious sweet that will leave your hands and most of your face covered in sugar. For a Pisces, the pillow-on-a-stick is perfect, as you’re both pretty sweet but also delicate.
Cotton candy helpings are often huge, which mirrors the depth of your emotions and feelings towards others. Everyone will want a piece of you, no matter how hectic your life can get.