By Anne Jolly | Associated Press
State fairs offer more than just the thrill of rides and games. They’re a breeding ground for outlandish food creations. Vendors push the very definition of food with surprising and sometimes bizarre combinations, leaving attendees with lasting memories, both good and bad.
Whether you are an adventurous eater or a picky novice, state fairs celebrate innovative food. Let’s explore the world of state fair foods and begin a wild ride.
A tradition of innovation
State fairs have always been a place where the familiar meets the fantastical. These annual events give vendors a platform to showcase their creativity with dishes that are as surprising as they are delicious.
State fairs have gone from agricultural exhibitions to spectacles bursting with novelty and excitement. Once a venue for communities to gather and celebrate their harvests, they’ve also become a fierce competition for culinary creativity. Each year pushes the boundaries of fair food, with vendors vying to outdo the last with ever-more outrageous and delicious concoctions.
But food innovation at state fairs is not just about shock value. It is about creating novel and exciting experiences for fairgoers. This vibrant and evolving foodscape is a testing ground for ideas that may one day become mainstream.
Craziest state fair food concoctions
Each year, vendors outdo themselves with tempting concoctions. Here are some of the craziest state fair foods that have astonished and delighted fairgoers.
Deep-fried everything
Deep-fried food is a state fair staple, but vendors have taken this technique to new heights. Now, things like fried Oreos or Twinkies just feel ordinary and almost anything can be deep-fried. This year’s Iowa State Fair featured deep-fried bubble gum, pepperoni chips and peanut butter and jelly. The Texas State Fair, on the other hand, has deep-fried sushi bombs and Vietnamese coffee.
Bacon-wrapped bonanza
State fair vendors love bacon and treat it like a culinary magic wand. From the classic bacon-wrapped Oreo to deep-fried bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, few foods are safe from a bacon embrace. Vendors happily wrap bacon around anything, from mac and cheese bites to juicy, spicy chorizo. This love of all things bacon has led to some truly epic and sometimes questionable culinary creations.
Donut burgers
If you can’t choose between sweet and savory, then donut burgers offer the best of both worlds. These burgers replace the traditional bun with donuts, creating a delicious contrast between the juice patty and the sugary donut. Though strange, this unconventional pairing has a loyal following among those who appreciate bold flavors and contrasting textures.
Fun with funnel cakes
Forget the plain old funnel cake. While the classic fried dough drenched in powdered sugar remains a staple, vendors are getting playful. Your favorite childhood treat is sold alongside crazy concoctions like deep-fried Kool-Aid funnel cakes, funnel cake sandwiches or hot dogs wrapped in funnel cake batter. A delicious and surprising twist puts a whole new spin on this nostalgic favorite.
Snacking on insects
For the truly adventurous, try your hand at the world of entomophagy – eating insects. Crickets, mealworms and other insects are coated in rich chocolate, creating a crunchy, sweet snack that brings out the insects’ earthy flavor. This daring challenge offers a memorable and enjoyable experience not for the faint of heart.
Scream for weird ice cream
Move over vanilla , chocolate and strawberry. Forget your childhood scoops – here, dessert throws convention out the window, along with the bland ice cream flavors you can find at the grocery store. Weird ice cream flavors are quite a hit at fairs. This year’s Minnesota State Fair boasted sweet corn and kettle chip flavors, just a glimpse into the endless possibilities developed by vendors unafraid to experiment.
Corn dog chaos
Corn dogs are a food-on-a-stick classic, but vendors have taken creative twists by introducing vibrant colors, unique textures and unexpected flavors that turn these handheld staples into edible works of art. Forget the traditional batter and embrace unicorn corn dogs, fruity pebble corn dogs and Korean corn dogs for a fresh take on the conventional batter-dipped sausage.
Impact of state fair foods
State fairs can be launching pads, not just showcases for wild culinary inventions. Outrageous creations can go viral on social media and bring attention and popularity to their creators.
These over-the-top eats are more than just food; they’re spectacles and conversation starters designed to be shared and documented. State fair vendors are etching their names in food history, one deep-fried bacon-wrapped-everything at a time.
Try the fare at the fair
A culinary adventure awaits at your state fairgrounds. So step outside your comfort zone, go beyond the usual blooming onion and take a risk. You might discover your new favorite food. Sometimes, the most unexpected combinations create magic.
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From deep-fried bubble gum to donut burgers, state fair food is all about excitement, variety and pushing boundaries. With each passing year, the food gets bolder, the flavors more intense and the creations more outrageous. So the next time you visit a fair, bring your appetite and an open mind.
Anne Jolly is the creator of the food blog Upstate Ramblings. She loves visiting the New York State fair and indulging all kinds of crazy food.
