Carnivals Are For Adventurous Food Lovers!
Carnivals and state fairs are renowned for their thrilling rides, entertaining games, and, of course, their often outrageous and inventive food offerings. From deep-fried delicacies to bizarre flavor combinations, these events are a playground for adventurous eaters. If you can fry it or put it on a stick, you can bet someone, somewhere, in some sleepy corner of the US has tried to do it. It doesn’t matter if it shouldn’t be physically possible to fry it or stick it. Where there’s a will (and a curious palate), there’s a way.
With the New York State Fair right around the corner, let’s take a gastronomic tour of some of the wackiest and wildest foods found at carnivals and fairs around the country. And while you’re side-eying the list (or getting inspiration for your menu?), we’ll be here ready to help all you busy concession owners sort out your next order from Allens for the NYS or local hometown fairs.
Which Wacky Fair Foods Would You Try?
Fried Jell-O – Texas
This dessert features a cherry Jell-O ball dipped in batter and flash-fried. It is then topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and a cherry.
Kool-Aid Pickles – North Carolina
Known locally as “Koolickles,” these brightly colored pickles soaked in sugary Kool-Aid have become a Southern tradition. They offer a curious combination of sweet and sour, making them a popular snack at North Carolina’s annual state fair.
Pickle Pop – Kansas
Kansas takes the pickle craze a step further with its Pickle Pop, essentially a freezer pop filled with briny pickle juice. It’s a chilling, super-sour pairing that contrasts delightfully with the region’s famous barbecue.
Fried Butter Balls – Montana
At the Montana State Fair, deep-fried butter balls are a must-try for fried food enthusiasts. These decadent bites melt in your mouth and leave a lasting impression.
Hot Beef Sundae – Indiana
Indiana’s Beef Cattle Association created the Hot Beef Sundae to give fairgoers a break from the traditional rib-eye steak sandwich. This savory dish features layers of mashed potatoes, marinated beef, gravy, cheese, corn “sprinkles,” and a cherry tomato on top.
Fried Beer – Texas
Even beer gets the deep-fried treatment in Texas. This innovative dish, where beer is encased in pretzel dough and then fried, won the 2010 Big Tex Choice Awards at the Texas State Fair.
Python Kebabs – California
The California Exposition & State Fair offers python kebabs for those craving more adventurous fare. These grilled snake skewers are seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, Old Bay, and lemon pepper, delivering a unique “taste like chicken” experience.
Chocolate-Covered Scorpions – California
The Alameda County Fair takes adventurous eating to the next level with chocolate-covered scorpions. Despite their crunchy texture, these sweet and slightly terrifying treats are a daring dessert option.
If You Fry It, They Will Come
Deep-Fried Twinkies
A carnival classic, deep-fried Twinkies are battered and fried until golden brown, creating a warm, gooey inside and crispy outside.
Deep-Fried Oreos
Oreos get a delightful upgrade when dipped in batter and fried. The cookie becomes soft and melds perfectly with the crispy coating.
Deep-Fried Ice Cream
Yes, even ice cream can be deep-fried! Coated in a crunchy shell, the ice cream inside remains cold, providing a unique hot-and-cold treat.
It’s A Stick-up!
Alligator on a Stick
A unique Southern delicacy, alligator meat is skewered and grilled to perfection, offering a savory taste that’s often compared to a mix of chicken and fish.
Spaghetti and Meatballs on a Stick
This creative take on a classic Italian dish features spaghetti and meatballs formed into bite-sized portions, coated in batter, and deep-fried on a stick for a fun, portable meal.
Chocolate-covered Bacon on a Stick
A decadent combination of sweet and savory, this treat involves crispy bacon strips dipped in rich chocolate and served on a stick, creating an irresistible flavor contrast.
Deep-Fried Egg on a Stick
A breakfast favorite with a twist, this dish consists of a hard-boiled egg battered and deep-fried, then served on a stick for a crunchy exterior and soft, creamy center.
Elvis on a Stick
Inspired by Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich, this treat features a peanut butter and banana combination, sometimes with bacon, deep-fried and served on a stick, offering a deliciously indulgent snack.
Fun Foods at the 2024 New York State Fair
Food lovers in upstate New York can enjoy daily themed competitions at the New York State Fair in Syracuse from August 21st – September 2nd, 2024. From barbeque to chocolate to pies and cakes, you will find the best of the best of NYS. Dairy Day is Thursday, August 29th, where fair-goers can visit the Dairy Products Building for a 25-cent glass of New York milk and view the 56th Annual Butter Sculpture or check out who won the “Best NY Milk, Best NY Cheese and Best NY Ice Cream Awards.” Join the fun at the Milkshake Contest at 10:30 a.m. and root for your favorite team as they compete to see who can create the tastiest milkshake. With over 100 food vendors, adventurous eaters across the great state of New York are bound to find their new fair favorite.
Classic Carnival Treats from Allen Associates
Allen Associates offers a range of beloved treats that are perfect for any occasion. Carnivals and fairs are a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the most unusual and creative food offerings out there. And they often feature ingredients that shine a light on local food customs and traditions – with a twist! From Kool-Aid pickles to python kebabs, these foods make for an unforgettable culinary adventure. But when you’re ready to return to some beloved classics, Allen Associates has you covered with our delightful range of classic fun foods no concession stand should be without. But when you’re feeling adventurous, we can help you there too! So, whether you’re in the mood for something wacky or classic, we have all the treats and specialty concession equipment you need to succeed this 2024 carnival season.
Source: Food and Wine