The Bloomsburg Fair might not necessarily be known for its ethnic cuisine, but there several stands whose names at least suggest authentic ethnic fare. We went in search of those operations to share the stories behind the stands and their owners, in hopes to shine light on just how ethnic their menu items are.
Polock’s Pizza (Denny & Pearl’s)
Pizza is considered to be an Italian cuisine, but this family of many ethnicities is known to make the “best pizza on the fairgrounds”. A customer couldn’t contain her praise, interrupting one of the owners’ daughters to mention that she counts down the days for her favorite pizza. The daughters’ first time working with their parents at the fair was in 1973, but they have been around much longer than that. The family claims that their secret is their mother. She spends every day in a trailer making the dough, which is delivered to their many stands as needed.
Dave’s Gyros
Gyros are a traditional Greek meal that include meat, fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce on a pita. In Greece, most restaurants offer lamb, chicken and beef options. Dave sells chicken or beef that is shaved fresh from a rotisserie upon ordering. Despite what you may expect, Dave’s Gyro was started by a family of German and English dissent.
Yogi’s Potato Pancakes
Yogi’s serves up much more than potato pancakes. Over the past 48 years, the owners have stayed true to their heritage serving plenty of traditional Polish foods, like pierogis and haluski. Recently, they have expanded their already extensive menu to include American fair favorites, such as fried Poptarts and sweet potato fries.
La Casita De Familia
The owners of La Casita De Familia have just recently added the Bloomsburg Fair to their adventure, but they hope to do more fairs in the near future. The family shares their heritage through classic authentic Mexican plates and loves the thrill that comes with the fair. People were lined up all week long for their fresh fruit drinks.
John the Greek
Around almost every corner, you can find a John the Greek stand—each one serving up a different traditional Greek recipe. John moved from Greece to find a good job in America. Him and his wife, Connie opened a small shop in 1978—selling only Gyros— and have now been participating in the Bloomsburg Fair for over 30 years.
Culture Shock 