NORFOLK, Neb. -- What is one of the most important things when it comes to fairs? The rides? The entertainment? How about the food?

Putting funnel cakes aside, Mike and Kathy Tinker have been coming to the Pierce County Fair for over 5 years now. 

“We did Dixon Fair, we did Boone County Fair. Then we are open every Wednesday up here in town,” Mike Tinker said.

While serving a variety of foods, Tinker’s also has a location set up in Pierce during the week. It is off of 2nd and Main Street, as they are dedicated to providing excellent service and quality food to their customers. 

“We do have a location, it is Second and Main in Pierce," Tinker said.” It’s the old elevator. We set up there every Wednesday and then some other days when something is going on in town.”

As big as the truck may seem, it may come as a surprise that Mike and Kathy are the only ones inside. Most of their kids have gone off to college and have new jobs, leaving Mike and Kathy to run the stand themselves.

They do however, get help from the community.

“My kids do help,” Tinker said. “I got a daughter and a couple sons that still go to college. I have a boy in college so he is not around. The other one is off on his job, but we do get some help. They have their own lives now so it’s mainly just me and her (Kathy) doing it. So it is a lot of long days.”

Being at the Pierce County Fair every year, Tinker’s is expecting a large crowd of people in the coming days. The only concern that Tinker has is the heat.

“I’m expecting it to be really busy,” Tinker said. “I mean, last year was really busy all the time, but it’s really hot so maybe no one is going to want to eat.” 

Tinker’s will be at the Pierce County Fair until Sunday.