They're all ears

COEUR d’ALENE — It was crazy busy at the North Idaho State Fair on Saturday, and even busier at The Original Elephant Ears booth.

Generations were serving up the fair favorite as fast as they could, sprinkling cinnamon and sugar on top.

Sandra Davis has been the matriarch of the fair's delicious destination since her dad, Leo Lee, started serving those amazing ears 49 years ago.

Saturday, she was joined by daughter Briettney Lybbert, son Blair Davis and grandchildren Max Davis and Thatcher Lybbert.

Most were wearing shirts that read, "Git' Your Elephant Ears Here!" with a picture of an elephant.

And then there were a number of friends and kids — one as young as 5 — pitching in at the Food Court, where business was brisk, as usual, on the final Saturday night of the big event.

"It's a lot of work," said Briettney. "You kind of need all hands on deck."

It was Lee and men in his ward at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who initially made the elephant ears, donating proceeds to Boy Scouts.

Later, they recruited Boy Scouts to help and, eventually, it became a family operation.

Sandra said all seven of her children have made elephant ears. Aunts, uncles and cousins have done their part as well.

The Original Elephant Ears is reportedly the longest-running booth at the fair.

Proceeds today go to LDS missions, which Sandra believes explains its longevity.

"I think it’s the love of service," she said. "That’s what I think it is."

These days, young and old perform tasks, from setup to cleanup, from rolling dough to deep-frying ears — about 10 seconds on each side — to greeting customers and handing off the ears.

Before the fair ends tonight, the confectioners will have made more than 4,000 elephant ears.

For the 10-day fair, Briettney generally arrives by 7 a.m. and doesn't leave until 10 or 11 at night.

"I kind of keep it going. I don’t have a real job. I’m a mom," she said, laughing, adding she does punch the clock at times as a massage therapist. "The kids really run it."

The $10 price was a bargain, as far as fairgoers were concerned because the line was constant.

Briettney said customers have told her, "This is the only reason I come to the fair is to get my elephant ears from you guys."

"I love that," she said.

There has been talk of retirement. But, each year, the next generation insists they come back again do it all over again.

Briettney said they already know what will be printed on their shirts next year: "50 Years of Ears."