Kentucky State Fair visitors can get ready for a brand new treat. As if everything from fried corn dogs, funnel cakes and candy bars weren’t enough to tickle your taste buds, when the State Fair opens this week, this year’s line-up of goodies enhanced by a dip in bubbling oil will feature Deep Fried Girl Scout Cookies.
That’s right. To celebrate Girl Scouting’s 100th anniversary, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana has worked out a special arrangement to have a selection of Fried Girl Scout Cookies offered for concession at the 2012 Kentucky State Fair, which runs August 16-24.
Larry Sivori, a veteran Kentucky State Fair vendor, will be offering the deep fried treats. Flavors available will be Kentucky’s top seller, Samoas; the nation’s top seller, Thin Mints; and the ever-popular peanut butter and chocolate favorite, Tagalongs. For a cost of $7.00, fair-goers can buy a package of six cookies all of the same flavor, or a mixed sampler with two of each flavor.
Girl Scouts will have a poster display near the vending area with information about the 100 year-old organization. Since the sale of cookies began in 1917 as a way to help fund troop activities, the annual Girl Scout Cookie program has grown into the largest girl-led business in the country and generates major benefits for girls and their communities.
“We want people to know there’s more to Girl Scout Cookies than what comes in the box,” says Lora Tucker, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. “Selling cookies teaches girls goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.”
Tucker notes that Girl Scouts are aware that Deep Fried Girl Scout Cookies might raise a few eyebrows from those concerned with health and obesity issues. “Naturally we are fully committed to helping girls grow strong and healthy,” says Tucker. “We would encourage all individuals to enjoy these limited time treats in moderation.”
According to the Kentucky State Fair Board, the Deep Fried Girl Scout Cookies will be a first for Kentucky’s state fair.
"We’re delighted to have this opportunity to be part of our great Kentucky State Fair and reach such a terrific audience of people,” says Tucker. “What a fun, creative way to get people talking about Girl Scouting and how we’re turning today’s girls into tomorrow’s leaders.”