It’s that time of year again … time for state and county fairs to ramp up the fairgrounds across the country.  State fairs originated as a competitive exhibition of livestock in various categories, the display of farm products which were not necessarily for sale, and other competitions among participants in categories including handicrafts, baked goods, jams and jellies, etc.  The events have long since expanded to include carnival rides and games, music, races, etc.  Millions of people visit a county or state fair every year.  They can be a lot of fun!

One of the most talked about components of fairs in recent years has been the proliferation of unusual and unexpected food choices offered to the attendees.  Food choices that undoubtedly grew from staples to nourish the participants have grown to become an attraction in and of themselves.  Anything that can be served “on a stick” has always been popular as has anything “deep fried”.  Funnel cakes and hot dogs just don’t draw the crowds that they used to so the culinary carts at most fairs have had to get creative.

Every year, there seems to be a “fun new treat” that gets all the attention.  I find much of these foods to be quite disgusting.  I was disappointed in Deep Fried Oreos but I’ll never forget the first time I tasted Deep Fried Butter.  Yum!  Foods like Hash Brown Hot Dogs and Deep Fried Klondike Bars have been sold at California fairs while Corn Dog Pizza and Fried Beer can be found in the fairgrounds of Minnesota and Texas.  Creative or just "icky"?

This year, the Indiana State Fair brings us Spaghetti and Meatballs Ice Cream.  This weird meatless concoction (gelato noodles, strawberry tomato sauce, shredded white chocolate cheese and chocolate meatballs) won the honor of becoming the state fair’s signature food this year.

Who thinks of these things?  If it’s chocolate-covered bacon that you crave, you’ll have to go to California.  Me?  I’ll stick to corn dogs.  They’re hard to ruin and the line is always shorter.

What’s the strangest “fair food” that you’ve eaten?

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