By DIONNE GLEATON, T&D Staff Writer

What is a hot dog without chili, or a hamburger without ketchup? If you ask Jo Browning, she might ask what a corn dog is without first being hand-dipped.

Of course, she's been preparing them that way at the Orangeburg County Fair for more than a quarter century. In fact, people flock to Jo's Concessions for the lightly sweet, crunchy taste of the corn dogs she prepares with a smile and lots of love.

"I've been here about 34 years. It makes me feel good because I know they're enjoying my food year after year," said Browning, who is one of many vendors who have planted their stands out at the 97th Annual Orangeburg County Fair this year.

"I've worked five fairs and about 16 festivals over the many years, but I am now retired except for Orangeburg," Browning said, laughing.

She said her fryers and other utensils are usually ready to help feed a hungry fair crowd within 45 minutes.

"I just get everything right. Then, I have to start making corn dogs. There's no stopping point. I'm just taking a break now. We make our batter. It's made out of corn meal, sugar. ... It's actually a Dipsy Dog batter, but you have to know how to mix it. That's part of my secret," Browning said with a wide grin.

What does the Folly Beach native like so much about the Orangeburg County Fair?

"I like the people. They're very nice and friendly, and I've worked with them all these years," Browning said. "The people have been very nice to me, and I have the same customers every year."

Browning's extensive experience in the vending business has made her an expert in socializing with both young and old. Longevity has its perks.

Browning recently served a customer she fondly remembered as having been pregnant with twins. The customer came by her stand Wednesday night with her 12-year-old twins in tow.

"They celebrated their 12th birthday with me that night. Their mother was one of my good customers back then. You know, I've been seeing these people over the 30-plus years I've been here. It's just a blessing. The Lord's been good to me," Browning said.

Browning says she wouldn't be able to it all without her dedicated employees.

"I have four in the morning and four at night. They're pretty much the same people I've worked with. They're wonderful and know how to serve the public. They can make good change because two of them work at the bank right here in Orangeburg," she said, laughing. "They're dependable ... and are very nice and clean, and that means a lot to me."

The 70-year-old Barnwell resident said the frie-ips she and her husband, Bobee, have made in Orangeburg are special to her.

"I normally come in a week before the fair and visit some of my friends. It's almost like a homecoming. I see them year after year, and we visit some of them throughout the year."

She has no plans to stop her vending business any time soon. How long will she continue?

"I don't know. I still feel good and until the day comes that I don't, I'll be here," Browning said.

T&D Staff Writer Dionne Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5534. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com

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