Flavorwire

Kool-Aid pickles and fried food on sticks, wacky local traditions, and strange pageants and contests are just a few of the things that make state fairs everywhere fun, but sometimes weird experiences. They’re great places to people watch, which is exactly what photographer Joey Harrison did during the 1970s. The Michigan-based shutterbug took some fascinating snaps of visitors and workers at the Ionia Free Fair and other local festivals. Behold the awesome fashions, expressions, and awkwardness found amongst Harrison’s keen state fair pictures after the jump. For an event that’s supposed to be filled with fun, some of these people look hilariously miserable.

Image credit: Joey Harrison [Spotted via Voices of East Anglia]