Often referred to as the best 11 days of summer, the Wisconsin State Fair has something for everyone. The Wisconsin State Fair celebrates the people, products and traditions that make our state special. It’s a place where agriculture, entertainment and community come together each year.
Arguably the biggest draw, however, is the Wisconsin State Fair food scene.
Think crispy, cheesy, sweet, savory and everything in between. Every corner of the Fair offers something new to try. This year, vendors have once again raised the bar with creative new menu items competing in the annual Sporkies and Drinkies competitions.
What are the Sporkies and Drinkies?
The annual Sporkies and Drinkies competitions are among the most anticipated traditions at the Wisconsin State Fair. Vendors submit their newest food and beverage creations for a chance to earn one of the Fair’s highest culinary honors.
Entries are judged on appearance, presentation, taste, originality and creativity by a panel of Wisconsin chefs, restaurateurs, media personalities and food enthusiasts. Whether they take home the trophy or not, the finalists quickly become some of the most talked-about foods at the Fair.
Here are three Sporkies finalists we’re adding to our must-try list this year.
1. Cream City Cone from WurstBar
This handheld creation is packed with Wisconsin flavor from top to bottom.
A warm Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzel cone starts with a dip in dill pickle mustard. It’s loaded with bratwurst, sautéed onions, mushrooms and melted cheddar. A crispy white cheddar cheese curd and mustard drizzle finish this ultimate savory bite.
If you’re looking for a food that’s uniquely Wisconsin, this one checks all the boxes.
2. Sweet Lemon Berry Cheese Curds from Saz’s BBQ
No trip to the Wisconsin State Fair is complete without cheese curds, and this finalist gives the classic snack a sweet makeover.
Ellsworth Creamery white cheddar cheese curds are fried until golden, tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with raspberry sauce. A side of homemade sweet lemon zest whipped cream ties everything together for a combination that’s sweet, salty, crispy and refreshing all at once.
3. Bayou Crunch Cup from Exotic Meat Grill
Ready to branch out? The Bayou Crunch Cup stacks crispy sidewinder fries with Cajun slaw, alligator nuggets, breaded crawfish bites and a rich comeback sauce. It’s topped with pickled okra and a whole crawfish for a southern-inspired creation that’s as eye-catching as it is flavorful.
If you’re looking to try something completely different this year, this is the one.
Wisconsin State Fair Drinkies Finalist
Need something refreshing between food stops? The Cookie Butter Coffee Float from Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts is worth adding to your list.
This sweet treat blends vanilla ice cream with cookie butter-infused iced coffee before being topped with a Biscoff cookie crumble rim. Along with cookie butter drizzle and a whole Biscoff cookie. It’s the perfect mix of dessert and coffee to help power your day at the Fair.
These are just a few of the incredible Sporkies and Drinkies finalists you’ll find at the Wisconsin State Fair this year. Which one are you trying first?
We’d love to see your favorite Fair food finds. If you check these out in West Allis this week, make sure to tag us on social at @gather.wi and check out Gather Wisconsin at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation Milk House while you’re there!