Still plenty of time to get your fill of a Big Fresno Fair favorite

Vanessa Vasconcelos Image
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Still plenty of time to get your fill of a Big Fresno Fair favorite
Since 1978 the Dale family has focused on one prize-winning product-- Hot from the oven Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The sweet smell of cinnamon rolls fills the air at the Big Fresno Fair. Since 1978 the Dale family has focused on one prize-winning product-- hot from the oven Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls.

The decadent delights have become a staple of the fair going experience and it all started with Eldon and Janis Dale. Already in the fair business, the high school sweethearts rolled with a new opportunity.

"We started with one little trailer and built it into doing about 50 events a year in mainly California," said Janis.

Nearly four decades later the business spanning multiple generations has three stands and national recognition.

They won't reveal the secret recipe but with each bite you can taste the tradition.

Dale sisters Ryan, Dara, and Erin grew up in the business and continue to build the empire with their own families.

"You date one of our daughters you work the fair-- that's the true test," said Eldon.

"That was pretty much requirement. They had to know how to pull a trailer-- that was our first date I think," said Ryan.

"That was important, and to continue something our parents started, so it was a great opportunity for us to stay together as a family." said ERIN.

Between the three stands, the family covers more than 45 fairs and special events each year.

"This is our home fair-- it's nice to end it at home," said Dane Baldwin, Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls.

Finishing strong at the Big Fresno Fair the Oakhurst natives said this has been their best year yet.

"We were up in volume at every single event that we did, which is amazing considering the length of time that we've been there," said Willie Madaus, Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls.

But don't think you have to wait until the next time the Big Fresno Fair comes around to get your cinnamon roll fix. Clovis True Value is one of five locations that you can get them year round.

"It's our frozen six pack of you bake cinnamon rolls. It's a roll that you let thaw and rise and then bake at home," said Augie Magdaleno, Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls.

As for what's next for the Country Fair empire.

"There's not many professions that you can take your whole family and husband on a year-round basis and make a living and be happy at it," said Dara.

With 10 grandchildren, ages five to 20, they're already getting started on the next generation.