Often referred to as the best 11 days of summer, the Wisconsin State Fair is an event that truly has something for everyone. From rides to exhibits and everything in between, the State Fair is a cultural experience for those who call Wisconsin home.
The biggest attraction, however, is the culinary offering at the fair.
Imagine everything deep-fried, mind-blowing combinations, and unusual flavors in every direction. This year, the Wisconsin State Fair announced 100 novel additions from suppliers throughout the area, including Sporkies and Drinkies – a collection of exquisite food and drink items commemorated by 13-foot statues placed in front of each finalist’s home.
The Gather Wisconsin team headed to the Wisconsin State Fair to experience all things food – and we have some thoughts worth sharing. Here are the top three foods to try this year if you’re going to the Wisconsin State Fair!
When life gives you lemons…make this dessert! It’s the perfect fairground take on the unofficial drink of summer. Hawaiian sweet rolls dipped in French toast batter, filled with a melt-in-your-mouth lemonade filling, drizzled with lemon sugar and topped with icing…need we say more?! It’s no wonder this dessert won the 2024 Sporkies contest!
“The deep-fried lemonade pieces took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Who doesn’t love a classic lemon dessert?” said one fairgoer.
If you love melt-in-your-mouth lemon cream and scorching fried dough, you’re in for a real treat!
2. Birya Egg Roll from Fiesta Grill & Cantina
As a member of the Gather team said, “This dish is a real feast for the palate!”
Five days later and here we are Still thinking about this beef birria. Culinary worlds collide in this dish. Enjoy the flavors of slow-cooked beef in a zingy consomé birria, deep-fried in a delicious, crispy spring roll shell, topped with fresh cilantro and onion.
This was the perfect addition to our State Fair meals and we’re surprised it wasn’t included in this year’s Sporkies contest!
Calling all breakfast fans! What’s the best thing about a cinnamon roll? Of course, the gooey, melty center!
“This was the best part of a cinnamon roll in one convenient package!”
While this dessert may seem a bit unconventional, it takes the best qualities of a cinnamon roll, combines them with chai-infused brown sugar butter, wraps them in fresh lumpia dough, and covers them with a delicious espresso-flavored cheesecake spread.
A must-try at this year’s Wisconsin State Fair, this delicious treat was a natural among the Sporkies finalists, and we can see why!
Here are our top picks from the Wisconsin State Fair – but what are yours?! If you check them out in West Allis this week, be sure to tag us on social media @gather.wi and check out Gather Wisconsin on Wisconsin Milk House State Park Foundation while you’re there! Don’t forget to download our State Fair bingo card before you go!
