Attendees voted and said the best flavors of the Schuylkill County Fair come from the Tamaqua area.

Gloria Faust and husband Dale of Andreas say their home-baked goodies are delectable because the couple uses a time-honored tradition along with a secret ingredient.

“These are recipes handed down from grandparents on both sides,” said the former Gloria Fritzinger.

On Wednesday, the Fausts grabbed the blue ribbon for Best Food of the Midway at the 36th Annual Schuylkill County Fair in Summit Station.

“We were totally surprised,” said Gloria. “They came here with the queen and princesses and said, ‘you were anonymously chosen by secret people.’”

Gloria said the best-selling items at her stand include sticky buns, several different flavors of whoopie pies, peanut butter pies, eight different kinds of cakes and 10 different kinds of cookies.

“We also baked gluten-free items, too.”

Gloria said customers at the Schuylkill County Fair are very friendly and many are good, old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutchfolk.

“They are fabulous. They said they appreciate us making smaller, individual-sized servings for seniors.”

Attendees raved about Faust’s tasty treats.

“Oh, my grandmother used to make these,” said Taylor Hoover of Pine Grove as she bought a container of Mrs. G’s old-fashioned potato candy.

The peanut butter cakes with chocolate on top are my favorite,” said Jessica Bowden of Clarks Summit.

Gloria, a Tamaqua native, and Dale, native of Andreas, combined their talents 15 years ago to start Aunt G’s Pastries LLC, a home-based bakery business that also does fundraisers.

They sell their baked goods at a permanent booth at Hometown Farmers Market every Wednesday and also at their main location at 303 Snowdrift Road, Andreas. They also set up at special events, most recently at the No. 9 Mine & Museum. Their next on-the-road job will be at the Gratz Fair in August.

Gloria said people enjoy Mrs. G’s products because they’re filled with fresh ingredients and contain no preservatives.

So what exactly is her secret ingredient?

“It’s TLC,” she says. “We put it in everything and we love doing it.”

Attendance strong

Workers at the main gate said attendance has been strong since the start on Monday.

On Wednesday, agricultural competitors were busy prepping livestock for judging.

“We’re milking her now because she will be judged tomorrow,” said Grant Kurtz of Pine Grove as he led Becca, a 3-year-old Holstein to milking stables.

Across the aisle, Kallie Wolfe of Pine Grove was busy hosing down TRC, a 6-year-old Holstein.

Some of the most popular animals were man-made, from stuffed animals at the Midway to wild rides.

Shawn Nafziger of Willow Street, near Lancaster, said his mechanical bull poses a real challenge to the adventurous.

In fact, Logan Ulsh of Summit Station was able to stay atop the bucking, rodeo-type bull for only one minute before he was tossed off.

“They usually last about 45 seconds to a minute,” said Nafziger. “That’s because I increase the speed as it goes along.”

Dozens of spectators brought folding chairs to watch a musical performance by the band RidgeLine.

“This keeps getting better each year,” said Sean Hegarty, of Tamaqua, who said he hopes to return again Thursday to watch the Mudflaps Reunion performance.

The fair runs through Saturday.

Among Thursday’s attractions are a 4-H/Future Farmers of America livestock sale, tractor parade, Mudflaps Reunion, Ag Museum Members Fun Pull, Kids Area Activities, Schuylkill Talent Showcase, Porcupine Pat, Naturalist and Farming for a Day.

The weather was warm and muggy but predicted thunderstorms never materialized.