There is truly nothing better than a state- or county- fair. I say that not just as a person who loves the fair, but as a 4-H alum. Throughout my teenage years, I spent the first full week of August operating the dunk tank, feeding animals, and watching the Ferris wheel turn as the sun set on the Middlesex County Fairgrounds. Needless to say, I’m sort of an expert on the subject. And because of that, I can confidently say that the food is the best part of the fair.
Look, I’m not here to criticize anyone who goes for the rides or the show. I have fond memories of those, too, and some personal favorites. Plus, the entertainment aspect is a huge draw for many. But fair food is a delicacy difficult to replicate elsewhere. With that said, here’s a list of reliable classics, must-eats, and ways to find what might be your new favorite fair food.
The Sweet
No matter what fair you attend, you have try the newest iteration of fried dough. Whether it’s funnel cake or zeppole, it doesn’t matter. It’s going to be good. Afterward, chance it on something you’re not quite sure about. For a long time, I was anti-fried Oreo, but when I finally tried one, I realized what I had been missing.
The Savory
The savory options are where fair food really shines. While there are classics like fried chicken and barbecue that you’ll dream about for the remainder of the year, make sure to branch out. I have tried so many delicious offerings that were so good, they changed my annual fair menu permanently. For instance, I discovered my love of street tacos and gyros at my county fair. Also, you’ll want to make sure you get a sampling of something distinctly your state. As a Jersey girl, that often meant sausage sandwiches. Sometimes you walk through the food stands at the fair and see something that sounds completely insane. And the next thing you know, you’re buying it.
The sides
The Montana State Fair is known for its fried butter balls (not to be confused with Butterball Turkey). That’s right, fried balls of butter. How does it stay together? I have no idea, but people love them. If you find yourself in Ohio during the State Fair, make sure to get a muddy pig, which is a slice of bacon dipped in chocolate. More often than not, I avoided stranger foods but on occasion, I indulged in some non-traditional fair treats. A personal favorite of mine was the Rockhard Pickles stand that sold very large pickles on a stick.
In the end, there are very few things that taste as good as an overpriced paper plate of hot, fried dough.
