Indulge in the Culinary Delights of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is a beloved summertime tradition, but for many, the true draw lies in the mouthwatering array of fair food offerings. From deep-fried delicacies to creative concoctions, the fair has become a haven for food enthusiasts. This year, the Favorite Fair Food Contest promises to showcase the best of the best, with local media personalities serving as the discerning judges.

Savor the Flavors of the Fair: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

Showcasing the Finest Fair Fare

The Favorite Fair Food Contest is set to return to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, offering a platform for local vendors to showcase their most tantalizing creations. This highly anticipated event will feature a diverse array of categories, including Entree/Sandwich, Side, Beverage, Dessert, Featured Local Ingredient, and Most Creative. Each category will be judged by a panel of esteemed local media personalities, ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation of the competing dishes.

The contest will kick off on July 9, the day before the official opening of the fair, providing a tantalizing preview of the culinary delights to come. Vendors interested in participating must submit their entry forms to the Fair Office by 2 pm on the day of the competition, with each vendor limited to two categories and one item per category. This ensures a diverse and exciting lineup of offerings for the judges to savor.

The presentation times for the various categories have been carefully scheduled, allowing the judges to thoroughly evaluate each dish and make their decisions. From the savory Entree/Sandwich category at 4 pm to the sweet and creative Dessert category at 5:15 pm, the competition promises to be a true celebration of the fair's culinary prowess.

A Taste of the Past, a Vision for the Future

The Favorite Fair Food Contest has a rich history at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, with past winners including beloved classics like deep-fried apple pie, cheese curds, and Italian sausage. However, the competition has not been formally held in several years, leaving a void that the fair organizers are eager to fill.

Executive Director Rusty Volk, who has been instrumental in reviving the contest, recalls the beginnings of the food competitions nearly a decade ago. "It died off a bit around the COVID years, but we felt this was a good time to bring it back," Volk said. "Food is a big part of why people come to fairs: to have fun and fill their bellies."

Volk's enthusiasm for the contest is palpable, and he encourages participating vendors to push the boundaries of creativity. He fondly remembers a former winner, a spiraled apple on a stick that was deep-fried and topped with whipped cream and fruit. "That food vendor had to hire two or three more people (after winning the food competition) and we damn near ran out of apples down at Gordy's because they couldn't keep up!" Volk's recollection highlights the transformative power of the contest, not only for the vendors but also for the local community.

A Celebration of Local Flavors

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is a hub of local culinary talent, and this year's Favorite Fair Food Contest will showcase the best of the best. In addition to the judged categories, the fair will feature a diverse array of local vendors, including Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets, Big Papa BBQ, Egg Roll Express, and Live Great Food, among others.

For those eager to get a head start on the fair's culinary delights, the kickoff event on July 9 will offer a preview of the offerings. Visitors can explore the various food stands, enjoy live music from The Dweebs, and witness the Favorite Fair Food Contest unfold before the official start of the fair.

Whether you're a seasoned fair food enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, the Northern Wisconsin State Fair promises to be a gastronomic adventure like no other. With the return of the Favorite Fair Food Contest, the fair is poised to elevate the dining experience, showcasing the creativity and passion of local vendors and satisfying the cravings of food-loving fairgoers.