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We are deep into the dog days of summer, which hearkens back to memories of swimming pools, catching fireflies and attending your state’s fair. The giant swings that hurled you through the air, the slide that you raced your brother or sister down while in an itchy potato sack and the funnel cakes coated in powdered sugar are all still there, as is the fluffy pink cotton candy and roasted corn on the cob slathered in butter and salt.
But these days, in the age of one-upmanship, some state fairs are leveling up their cotton candy and funnel cake fair fare. Here are some of the more unique foods available at state fairs across the USA.
State Fair of Texas, Dallas
At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair of Texas, running from Sept. 29 to Oct. 22 in Dallas, is the longest-running fair in the nation and one of the largest. The top awards for new foods are still in the judges’ hands, but there are plenty of winners in the 36 new savory and sweet categories.
The State Fair of Texas is known for frying anything that will sit still, from butter to beer. This year won’t be any different. One new treat is a Deep Fried Texas Oatmeal Pie. An oatmeal cream pie is submerged in Dr. Pepper-flavored pancake batter and fried, followed by a sprinkling of Big Red soda reduction and marshmallow sauce to top off the dessert. Save your calories for this one.
Iowa State Fair, Des Moines
In the Midwest, you can join the single largest event in Iowa at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines from Aug. 10-20. You can enjoy the iconic Butter Cow, 16 new food booths, 63 food-on-a-stick options and nine new rides — but that order isn’t recommended. Some of the foods are sure to have you busting at the seams, including the new Grinder Ball by the Bacon Box. This ball of bacon is stuffed with mozzarella cheese, wrapped in bacon, smoked and dipped in marinara sauce. Just remember: Rides first, then Grinder Ball.