Indulging in the Culinary Delights of the Iowa State Fair: A Mouthwatering Journey

The Iowa State Fair has long been a hub of culinary innovation, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of its vendors. From deep-fried delicacies to savory masterpieces, the fair has consistently delivered a feast for the senses. This article delves into the captivating history of the "Best New Fair Food" competition, highlighting the winners that have left an indelible mark on the taste buds of fairgoers over the years.

Elevating the Fair Food Experience: A Showcase of Culinary Artistry

Shrimp Corn Dog: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors

The 2013 winner, the Shrimp Corn Dog from Zag's Po Boys, exemplified the fair's penchant for innovative twists on classic favorites. This deep-fried shrimp on a stick, topped with a sweet jalapeño glaze, offered a delightful balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice that tantalized the taste buds. The fusion of seafood and cornmeal batter created a unique and satisfying fair food experience, setting the stage for the culinary adventures to come.

Funnel Cake on a Stick: A Portable Indulgence

In 2014, the Funnel Cake on a Stick from Arnold's Concessions Brat Haus, Arnold's Funnel Cakes, and Jada's Funnell Cake took the spotlight. This ingenious creation allowed fairgoers to enjoy the beloved funnel cake in a portable and convenient format. Whether in vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, the batter-dipped and fried treat, topped with icing and served on a stick, provided a delightful and handheld way to savor the fair's signature dessert.

The Pork Almighty: A Savory Masterpiece

In 2017, the Iowa State Fair introduced the Pork Almighty from Steer 'N' Stein, a true culinary marvel. This 32-ounce pop with a bowl on top was filled with a mouthwatering combination of twisty fries, pulled pork, queso, Cookies barbecue sauce, onions, green peppers, and shredded cheese. This towering creation showcased the fair's commitment to delivering larger-than-life flavors and satisfying the cravings of even the heartiest of appetites.

The Apple Eggroll: A Sweet Twist on a Classic

The 2018 winner, the Apple Eggroll from Applishus, offered a delightful fusion of sweet and savory. These eggrolls, filled with apples and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, were served with a caramel dipping sauce, providing a unique and indulgent fair food experience. The combination of the crisp eggroll wrapper and the warm, spiced apple filling created a harmonious balance that left fairgoers craving more.

Georgie's Roast with the Most Wrap: A Flavor-Packed Sensation

In 2019, the Georgie's Roast with the Most Wrap from G Mig's Wrap Stand captivated the taste buds of fairgoers. This cheddar tortilla wrap was a culinary masterpiece, featuring beef pot roast, a white rice mixture with Chorizo sausage crumbles, roasted green chilies, cheddar jack cheese, candy corn salsa, crispy corn tortilla crumbles, and a sour cream drizzle with a side of salsa verde sauce. The complex layers of flavors and textures created a truly memorable fair food experience.

The Finisher: A Towering Triumph of Barbecue Delights

The 2022 winner, The Finisher from The Rib Shack, was a true showstopper. This baked potato was topped with a mouthwatering combination of chopped brisket, smoked pulled pork, and bacon brisket mac and cheese, all crowned with a drizzle of BBQ sour cream and a garlic rub butter. This towering creation embodied the fair's commitment to delivering bold, satisfying, and indulgent fare that left a lasting impression on the palates of attendees.As the Iowa State Fair continues to push the boundaries of culinary innovation, the anticipation for the 2024 "Best New Fair Food" competition is palpable. Fairgoers can look forward to a new wave of creative and delectable offerings that will undoubtedly captivate and delight. The rich history of this competition serves as a testament to the fair's unwavering dedication to providing an unforgettable gastronomic experience for all who attend.