Wednesday, October 9, 2019

The 2019 Arkansas State Fair Food Guide.

All the eats, from the staples of cotton candy, funnel cakes and corn dogs to the extravagant, weird and just plain unusual - right here in your handy internet guide. Bookmark this page to use the entirety of the Arkansas State Fair.



The new eats:

Here are the new foods introduced at the Arkansas State Fair Media Day.


Chicken and Waffle Bites.  Crispy sweet-battered chicken chunks fried and covered in maple syrup, these tasty bites are offered at Pat's Kitchen in the food court for $5.


Coca-Cola Cake.  The old Southern favorite comes to the fair this year and will be served at the Big Show Diner.


Crawfish Pies. J and B Concessions is frying up these Natchitoches Meat Pies filled with savory crawfish and sauce inside the Big Show Diner or the Budweiser shack by the Ag in Action building for $5 for two.



Dilly Dogs. These are pork hot dogs shoved into a scooped out whole dill pickle, dipped in corndog batter and deep fried. Served with mustard or ketchup. $7 at the Dilly Dog stand in the food court.


Fried Doughnut Balls.  In its second year, Roll With It is adding these balls of flavored doughnuts to their lineup alongside ice cream.


Fried Lasagna.  This year's Best Tasting winner at the Tasty Toms, Theresa's Italian Kitchen fries up these slices of cheese lasagna roll, basted in garlic butter and topped with marinara and Parmesan cheese for $10.


Funnel Cake Cheeseburger. The New Food Dude shares this new, outrageous dinner and dessert stacked into one, a burger patty, lettuce, tomato, and the condiments of your choice along with bacon and/or cheese if you'd like, between two powdered sugar dusted funnel cakes.


Pineapple Twist Shortcake. The pina colada flavor in this dessert comes from a handmade pineapple coconut preserve served over pound cake. The pairing comes under vanilla ice cream and a scattering of toasted coconut. Get yours at the New Food Dude stand in the food court.




Possum Pie.  The longtime Arkansas dessert (also known as four layer delight) finally arrives at the state fair in all its chocolate-and-cream-cheese glory.


Sweet Bacon Cake. A slice of pound cake wrapped in bacon, battered and deep fried for a sweet and salty combination. Get it at the New Food Dude stand in the food court.

Here are the items you'll find at the 2019 Arkansas State Fair, in alphabetic order.

Alligator Bites. That's right, these chunks of alligator meat are Cajun seasoned and battered, deep fried and served up in a basket. Get your gator basket at Larry's Gator House for $10.



Alligator on a Stick. Chunks of alligator meat, white onions, zucchini and potato on a stick, dipped in a lightly peppered tempura batter and deep fried. Larry's Gator House (Gator on a Stick) has it for $14.

Alligator Swamp Dog.  Get yourself this... thing at Larry's Gator House for $8.



Alligator Sausage Sandwich. Another Larry's Gator House offering, this is an alligator sausage link on a hot dog bun for $7.

American cheese on a stick. Find it at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1 for $3.


Apple pie funnel cakes. A cinnamon-dusted funnel cake topped with apple pie filling and ice cream. Find it at the white stand next to Bud and Burgers at the south end of the Midway, and at the Elephant Ear stand at the Barton Colliseum driveway from the midway for $9. You can also get one with apples, cinnamon and whipped cream at the Funnel Cake Stand in the food court for $10.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Fries. Winkle Concessions has them for $8.


Bacon-wrapped chicken on a stick. You'll find this delicacy at the new Winkle Concession, the teal food trailer across from the Bud Light Pavilion for $9. Voted Best Tasting at the Tasty Tom Awards in 2018.


Bacon wrapped corn dogs. Winkle Concessions (the new teal trailer with the happy pig named Willard) has these ready for you for $7 in a jumbo size.



Bacon-wrapped Jo Jo potatoes.  The bacon-cheese-fry without the cheese, each of these thick potato wedges are wrapped in a single strip of bacon before being fried.  Yes, you can get it with cheese sauce. Find them at Pat's Kitchen for $8.


Bacon-wrapped sausage on a stick. You'll find this delicacy at the new Winkle Concession, the teal food trailer across from the Bud Light Pavilion for $8.



Baked potato. Get a big hefty baked potato (we're talking a pound of potato!) with your choice of sprinkle-ons, or loaded with cheese and bacon, from the guys grilling in the old pickup truck at Larry's Redneck Corn in the Food Court. Loaded baked potatoes are $7 at the Big Show Diner and at the Arkansas State Fair Food Services trailer by the Bud and Brews station near the FFA petting zoo building (chili there is $1 more).

Banana Twin Pops (new). The popular two stick popsicles are just a buck at Hiland Dairy's stand.



Barbecue Beef Parfait. Take a hot beef sundae and bump it up. This is smoked beef brisket with barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes and baked beans all in a cup. Get it Arkansas-style and add coleslaw from the Hot Beef Sundae guy for $9.

Barbecue beef sandwiches.  While pulled pork sandwiches with or without barbecue sauce are offered elsewhere on the fairgrounds, Mickey's Grill in the Food Court offers beef barbecue sandwiches for $8. Get it with chips and a drink for $10.

Barbecue fries. Fries with cheese and barbecue sauce are being offered by the All-American Cafe truck near the end of the Midway for $9. Winkle Concessions has their version for $8.


Barbecue pizza. Swain's Pizza in the Food Court and by Hiland Hill on the Midway is offering a thick-topped pork barbecue pizza amongst its selections.



Bavarian cream funnel cakes. Just when you thought there was nothing else you could put on a funnel cake, here we go with Bavarian Cream funnel cakes. The richest dessert you'll find on the fairgrounds. Get one for $10 at the Funnel Cake stand in the food court.


Beef kebabs. Savory, Keto-friendly sticks of meat from Mickey's Grill at the heart of the Food Court.

Beer. Local beer such as Ozark Beer is available at Arkansas State Fair booths around the fairgrounds. At the stand on the south side of the Food Court by Gate 5.


Beignets. A true taste of New Orleans, these powdered sugar-dusted puffed pastry squares are hard to find in Arkansas. Get your order for $6 at Larry's Gator House on the south end of the Food Court.



Bird Dog.  A deep fried chicken breast treated like a hot dog, with your choice of toppings (bacon, cheese sauce, jalapeno peppers, etc.).  Introduced at the 2014 Arkansas State Fair. You'll find it at McKinney Food Services near the south end of the Midway and across from the Big Show Diner. $10.

Biscuits and Gravy. Get your breakfast fix on any time of day at the Kountry Korner Cafe at the end of the midway for $4 and $7.

Black Angus Beef Pita. Paizi's Gyros has the with beef and vegetables in a pita for $12.


Blooming onion. Okay, Grater Tater sells these as Flowering Onions, but you get the idea - a whole onion, specially sliced, battered, deep fried and served with dipping sauce.  The shape is the novelty (though Outback Steakhouse has been doing these for years). $8.

BLT sandwich. Available at the Kountry Kitchen Cafe at the end of the Midway for $7; with fries, for $9.

Boudin balls. Want some Louisiana-style sausage?  The popular white sausage made from pork is available at Larry's Gator House for $7. Or just get boudin sausage (not balls) for the same price.

Boudin sandwich. Get your boudin on with this sandwich from Larry's Gator House at the south end of the Food Court (top of the hill) for $8.

Breakfast.  Yes, you can get breakfast at the Arkansas State Fair.  Sure, the midway doesn't open at the crack of dawn, but there are plenty of people out and about with livestock, events that are being judges and people looking at arts and crafts.  At the Kountry Korner Cafe, you can get a breakfast with three slices of bacon or two sausage patties, scrambled eggs, toast or biscuits and gravy for $9.

Breakfast sandwiches.  Breakfast biscuits with egg and cheese, bacon and cheese or sausage and cheese are $4at the Kountry Korner Cafe.



Bucket of fries. Get them at the Fresh Cut French Fry stand near Cattle Barn 3 on the midway, where the bucket is still $8 but refills are $4 (add cheese or chili for $1 more).

Bucket of nachos. They're at the McKinney stand near the big stage  on the north side of the Food Court. $6 a bucket, or $8 for an even bigger bucket.

Buffalo Ranch spiced nuts.  Ozark Candies and Nuts pairs Buffalo seasoning with ranch dressing to create a savory snack.  Find it in the Hall of Industry. $10 a cone.



Burgers. You can get an old fashioned hamburger or cheeseburger at many places on the state fairgrounds. Here are some of the places and the varieties available.
Boss Hogg's at the Gate 5 entrance has half pound burgers for $10 - lettuce and tomato are a buck more.
Bud Light Pavilion: $7 for a charbroiled burger, a dollar more for cheese.
Hall of Industry Lobby:
New Food Dude in the Food Court has burgers for $7, a dollar more for cheese.
Half pound burgers are $9 at the Philly Cheesesteak Stand on the Midway near Hiland Hill and by the Bud Light Pavilion.
Burgers are $7 at the Big Show Diner or the Budweiser stand near the Ag in Action building - a dollar more for cheese.

Burritos.  Oversized burritos are available at the Big Show Diner.  You can get bean burritos for $5, beef burritos for $6 or chicken burritos for $7 there. Or, for $10, get a big burrito filled with cheese, lettuce, beans, rice and your choice of meat - chicken, beef or pork.

Calzone. Available at both Swaim Pizza on a Stick locations for $12.



Candy apples.  Throughout the fair:
Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the Barton Colliseum entrance and the Cotton Candy stand at the middle of the Midway: $4 regular, $5 with topping. Check the Lemon Shake-Up Stand in the Food Court, the Caramel Popcorn stand at Gate 1 - and the Candy Apple stand at the south end of the Food Court. Also at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry. They're $4 at the Cotton Candy stand near the Hall of Industry.



Candy cones. These are plastic cone-shaped bags filled with candy such as gummy worms, Lego sugar blocks and more. Find them at Ozark Nuts in the Hall of Industry.






Caramel Apples.  You'll find these fair favorites in the Hall of Industry and at several other vendors around the fairgrounds.  Nothing like a classic! Versions rolled in nuts or M&Ms areat Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.
Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the Barton Colliseum entrance: $4 regular, $5 with topping. The Caramel Popcorn stand near Gate 1 and the Cotton Candy stand in the middle of the Midway have them for $5, $6 with topping.

Caramel Corn.  Get a bag for $5 at the Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the entrance to Barton Colliseum or at the Caramel Corn stand by Gate 1.




Catfish. Get a basket with fries for $12 at the Taste This! Trailer, the black trailer in the middle of the food court. Gators and Taters has catfish fillets for $10, $12 with fries or okra.

Cheese curds (new). Get 'em fried for $6 at Grater Tater.

Cheese dip.  Of course Arkansas's own creation, originally delivered by the Donnelly Faily, makes its appearance every year at the state's largest fair. You'll find  the original Arkansas State Fair original recipe blend at the Big Show Diner. Dip comes with chips for $7.

Cherry Lemonade. Fresh squeezed at Grater Tater, $3 for 16 ounces, $5 for 32 ounces, $7 for 52 ounces or $12 for 64 ounces. Refills for $3 for 32 ounces, $4 for 52 ounces and $6 for 64 ounces.

Cherry Limeade. McKinney Concession near the Big Show Diner has it 32 ounces for $6 and $3 for refills. Swain's Pizza on Hiland Hill near the midway too. Also offered fresh squeezed at Grater Tater for the same prices listed for cherry lemonade, above.

Chicken and Cheese Crispito. Get one of these flour tortilla fried goodies at Pat's Kitchen for $3.

Chicken and Donuts (new). Get a tray of fried, glazed doughnut holes and fried chicken strips for $10 at the Roll It Frozen Cream stand in the food court.


Chicken and Waffle Bites (new).  Crispy sweet-battered chicken chunks fried and covered in maple syrup, these tasty bites are offered at Pat's Kitchen in the food court for $5.



Chicken Gizzards. I kid you not. Boss Hogg by Gate 5 is offering these up in baskets at Gate 5.



Chicken on a stick.  A deep fried chicken breast strip on a stick does make for easier transport and dipping. Pat's Kitchen has them for $8. McKinney Food Services near the Bud Light Pavilion is charging $10, $12 with fries. Hogg's near Gate 5 and the south end of the Midway has them for $12.


Chicken Salad Stuffed Cucumbers. Check out these cucumbers filled with homemade chicken salad for $8. Easy to eat, cool, refreshing and you won't feel guilty afterward. Find them at the New Food Dude in the food court.


Chicken Strip Basket. Bud and Burgers and the Hall of Industry both have chicken strips for $5, $8 in a basket with fries.


Chicken Wings. You can find different varieties of chicken wings at Grater Tater - hot, barbecue or ranch for $8. There are also wings at, surprisingly enough, Wings and Fries on the Midway near the Big Show Diner, in plain, hot, Buffalo, honey garlic, barbecue, lemon pepper, seasoning salt, salt and pepper or honey mustard for $14 a small or $19 a large, with fries.


Chicken wings, tenders and fries basket. Look for the Wings and Things wagons on the Midway. They come in plain, hot, Buffalo, BBQ, lemon pepper, or salt and pepper. Additional toppings (ranch, honey mustard, chili, cheese, brown gravy, salsa, bacon or sliced jalapenos) is a dollar more.

Chili Dog Tamales (new). A weiner, stuffed into a tamale, served covered in chili and cheese. This crazy dish is available at Larry's Snow Cone Shack on Hiland Hill, 3 for $10.

Chili Cheese Dogs. The All-American Cafe concession near the end of the Midway has all-beef chili cheese dogs for $5. Dilly Dogs has chili cheese dogs for $5 in the food court.
Get one at the Bud Light pavilion, the Hall of Industry, the Big Show Diner or Bud and Burgers for $7.

Chili Cheese Fries. Hall of Industry. New Food Dude. On the midway $9 for a small or $13 for a large at Wings and Fries.

Chip stick. An entire potato spiral cut, speared on a skewer and deep fried. $10 at the Spiral Fries stand on the Midway.

Chocolate dipped cheesecake. Get yours from the Hot Beef Sundae guy at Gate 5 for $8.



Chipotle glazed nuts. Ozark Candies and Nuts has combined roasted chipotle peppers with sugar and butter to create a perfect coating for cashews and other nuts. Warm but not too spicy. $10 a cone.



Chocolate Milk.  Hands down, the most reasonably priced item you'll find at the Arkansas State Fair. Hiland Dairy offers cold sweet creamy treats of all sorts on Hiland Hill, between the Live Wolf Pack and the Moogician.  A cup-sized carton of white, skim or chocolate milk, it's just 50 cents.

Clam Strips (new). Get a basket from Gaters and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion for $9, $11 with fries or okra.


Coca-Cola Cake (new).  The old Southern favorite comes to the fair this year at the Big Show Diner for $5 a slice.

Coffee.  The second cheapest beverage at the Arkansas State Fair is coffee... available at the Big Show Diner or the Hall of Industry Lobby for a dollar. It's $2 at the Finnel Cake stand in the food court, and $3 on the Midway at Philly Cheesesteak and at the lemonade concession across from the Bud Light Pavillion.


Corn Dog. See Superdog. Also available all over the fairgrounds:
Chris's Corn Dogs in the food court has them for $5 and $8.
$6 regular and $7 jumbo at McKinney Concession at the south end of the Midway.
$7 at the Philly Cheesesteak Stand near Hiland Hill on the Midway.
$8 for a jumbo corn dog at the Corn Dog stand on the Midway at Hiland Hill and in front of the Big Show Diner ($6 for a regular).
The Corn Dog stand by Alpine Bob's on the west side of the Midway has all-beef corn dogs for $6, with all-beef footlong corndogs for $8.
They're $7 at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1.


Corn in a Cup. Exactly what it's called, corn off the cob in a cup. Add your own butter and seasoning. Larry's Snow Cone Shack has them for $5.


Corn-on-the-Cob. Look for the two guys with the old truck that's been converted into a grill - to find grilled corn and baked potatoes, plain or loaded and with all sorts of things to sprinkle on. Larry's Snow Cone Shack is offering it for $5.


Cotton Candy. All ovr the fairgrounds.
Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the entrance to Barton Colliseum, $5 regular, $10 large.
Caramel Popcorn stand on the Midway by gate 1, $5.
Cotton Candy stand in the middle of the Midway, $5 and $10.

Cowboy Burger (new). A half pound burger with swiss cheese, hickory-smoked bacon, barbecue sauce and an onion ring, served at the All-American Cafe near the end of the Midway for $10.


Cowboy plate. A pile of spiral cut spuds or fries covered in slow roasted beef with sausage, peppers and gravy. Find it at the Spiral Spud stand near the Barton Colliseum entrance from the midway for $14.

Crab cakes (new). Two crab cakes are $9 at Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion, $11 with fries or okra.

Crawfish eggrolls (new). Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion is offering these wonton-clad delights for $10, $12 with fries or okra.


Crawfish Pies (new). J and B Concessions is frying up these Natchitoches Meat Pies filled with savory crawfish and sauce inside the Big Show Diner for $5 a pair.


Cricket pizza. Cheese pizza baked with whole dried crickets. They're sorta like Rice Krispies when you bite into it. $10 a slice at Swaim's Pizza on Hiland Hill.

Curly Fries.  The curvier version of the potato snack is available at a booth in the midway at the intersection with Hiland Hill for $6 regular, $8 a plate or $10 a bucket. You can also add sour cream, ranch, hot peppers, gravy, chili sauce, cheese or bacon bits for $1 more each. You can also get a basketful at Pat's Kitchen for $6 - $8 with chili and cheese. Grater Tater does them for $7.

Daily lunch specials. The Big Show Diner has complete meals each day. They are:
Monday: Chicken strips, mashed potatoes with white gravy, corn on the cob, garden salad and roll
Tuesday: Pork chops, mac and cheese, pinto beans, tomato cucumber salad and cornbread
Wednesday: Barbecue chicken, potato casserole, baked beans, slaw and roll
Thursday: Spaghetti and meat sauce with green beans, garden salad and garlic bread
Friday: Hamburger steak with onions, turnip greens, great northern beans, boiled new potatoes and cornbread
Saturday: Baked chicken, baked potato, sweet corn, garden salad, roll
Sunday: Pulled pork, mustard potato salad, baked beans, slaw and bun or Texas toast

Deep fried corn. The guys at Larry's Redneck Corn (two guys and a truck that's also a big grill) are offering deep fried corn on the cob this year. The deep frying caramelizes the corn, making it sweeter. $7.


Deep fried Oreos. The cheapest of these happen to be at Two Brothers Concession on Hiland Hill and at the Funnel Cake stand at the south end of the Midway this year, $5 for four. They're $6 at Winkle Concessions near the Bud Light Pavilion, $7 at the Elephant Ear Stand near the driveway to Barton Colliseum, and $8 on the midway at the Giant Funnel Cake Sundae stand.

Deep fried pineapple rings. Pineapple rings dipped in a sweet cake-like batter, deep fried and served hot. Like a wonderful crispy version of a pineapple upside down cake. Find them at the New Food Dude trailer on the Food Court. $7.

Deep fried Pop Tarts. Back for a third year, Two Brothers Concession (the ice cream parlor on Hiland Hill) has them for $5.


Deep fried strawberry shortcake on a stick (new). Pat's Kitchen deserves praise for this light but crispy chunk of shortcake drizzled with strawberries in sugar syrup, topped with whipped cream for $8


Dilly Dogs. These are pork hot dogs shoved into a scooped out whole dill pickle, dipped in corndog batter and deep fried. Served with mustard or ketchup.


Dippin' Dots.  The ice cream of the future is at an Arkansas State Fair stand near you -- or at least near the Food Court.  Enjoy these pellets of ice cream in several flavors, including Cookies n' Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake and Cotton Candy. Plain cones start at $4 with larger sizes and cups going up to $8. They even have Dippin' Dot floats for $6.

A Dippin Dots trailer is on the west side of the Midway, and there you can get your dots for $6, $8 or $9 a container.

Dirty Bird. This is the Bird Dog from year's past (a chicken breast fillet deep fried and treated like a hot dot with cheese and bacon on top) bumped up a notch with hot freshly made chili. Find it at the McKinney stand in front of the Bud Light Pavilion for $10.



Elephant ears. Big sugar and cinnamon dusted pastries as big as your head. $7 at the Elephant Ear stand on the Midway near Barton Colliseum. Toppings are $2 more. They're $8 at the Funnel Cake station near the Star Gazer ride on the Midway and at the Giant Funnel Cake Sundae stand near the Big Show Diner.


Flaming Hot Cheetoes Corn Dogs (new). The Corn Dog stand by Alpine Bobs ride on the west side of the Midway is offering these spicy corn dogs for $8 each, $10 for footlongs.

Flavored ice creams. These twisted cones come with additional flavors on vanilla soft serve, in flavors such as mocha cappuccino, pineapple, blue raspberry, tropical orange, cool mint, butter pecan, chocolate and strawberry, $4 and $6 a cup at the Twisted Ice Cream place near Gate 5.

Floats and Flurries. The Two Brothers Ice Cream Concession is located this year on the edge of the Midway on the road leading up to the Hiland Dairy performance area  It offers root beer and Coke floats and flurries with M&Ms, Reeces cups or Oreos for $5 each.
There are also floats available at the ice cream stand by the Ag in Action building for $5.
The Ice Cream shop by the mirror maze on the midway sells Oreo and Reece's flurries.
Wonderstick offers them for $6 and $8 each.



Fried bologna sandwiches.  The Kountry Korner Cafe at the south end of the Midway is offering this old-school Arkansas favorite, a thick slice of bologna on white bread.  Your choice of mayo or mustard or none at all, along with lettuce, tomato, onion or pickle for $6. With fries, it's $8.



Fried cheese (no stick). Pat's Kitchen has fried cheese sticks for $5. You can get mozzarella cheese sticks at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1 for $5.

Fried cheese on a stick. Grater Tater offers these in either pepper jack or mozzarella for $5.

Fried cheeseburger on a stick.  Ground beef and cheese are packed together on a stick, dipped in corn dog batter and deep fried.  Surprisingly good, especially with ketchup or mustard. This will sound crazy, but you can find it at the Cheeseburger on a Stick stand (look for New Food Dude) in the Food Court.

Fried cheesecake on a stick.  Exactly what it says it is, a sweetly battered and deep fried slice of cheesecake on a stick.  Holds together better than the regular chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick. At the funnel cake stand at the end of the Midway for $8.

Fried cornetto (new). An Italian cone-shaped pastry, deep fried and filled, $8 at Theresa's Italian Kitchen.


Fried Doughnut Balls (new).  In its second year, Roll It Frozen Cream is adding these balls of flavored doughnuts to their lineup alongside ice cream for $7 in several flavors - powdered sugar, sticky caramel, chocolate, strawberries and cream, and turtle.

Fried green tomatoes (new). Get a basket of four hefty slices for $6 from Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion.


Fried Lasagna (new).  This year's Best Tasting winner at the Tasty Toms, Theresa's Italian Kitchen fries up these slices of cheese lasagna roll, basted in garlic butter and topped with marinara and Parmesan cheese for $10.

Fried Milky Way.  Another twist on deep fried candy bars at Grater Tater for $5.



Fried Oreos.  Yes, in addition to the bacon-wrapped fried Oreos, red velvet fried Oreos and who knows what else, you can get regular, "old fashioned" fried Oreos at the Hawaiian Ice Stand uphill from the end of the midway.

Fried pickle chips. The Jumbo Corn Dog shack near Gate 1 has them for $5.




Fried Pickles in crumb batter. Get a basket of spears at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court for $5.




Fried pickles in tempura batter.  Much closer to the original Bernell Austin version, these are tempura battered pickle spear chunks fried and served with ranch dressing.  My favorite choice for fried pickles at the fair. Find them at Grater Taters for $6.

Fried Pop-Tarts. Get yours at the stand next to Bud and Burgers on the south end of the Midway.

Fried Ravioli. Get your T-Rav fix, in cheese or beef, for $6 with marinara sauce for dipping at Grater Taters in the food court.


Fried Snickers bar.  Yes, they're still around. Get one at the south end of the Midway at the funnel cake stand for $5 or at Grater Taters for the same.

Fried Twinkies.  Since someone figured out you can deep-freeze a Twinkie, batter and deep fry it for something truly devilish and light, these have become a fair staple. The cheapest ones at the fair are at the funnel cake stand at the end of the midway, where they're $5. The Elephant Ear stand on the Midway near Barton Colliseum charges $7.



Fries.  Like French fries? Boss Hogg's has fresh cut fries as well as seasoned fries.
Philly Cheesesteak stand near the Bud Light pavilion or on the Midway by Hiland Hill, fresh cut for $5. McKinney Concessions at the end of the Midway does them for $5 and $8 more, with the option of adding cheese and/or chili for a buck more apiece.

Frito chili pie.  Similar to nachos, these tortilla strips bear chili and cheese. Grab one for $7 at the Hot Beef Sundae stand. You'll also find them at the Corn Dog stand near the Alpine Bobs ride on the west side of the Midway for $6. They're $5 at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand on the Midway near Gate 1.

Frog legs (new). Get three frog legs for $10, $12 with fries or okra, at Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion.



Frosted Flake Fried Chicken. Why settle for cornmeal batter when you can have your chicken fried in a coat of Tony the Tiger's favorite cereal? As you can imagine, THEY'RE GREAT. Find them at the New Food Dude stand for $8.



Fruit Punch.  A recipe dating back to the 1850s is still in use at the Big Show Diner (a throwback from when Mexico Chiquito operated the State Fairgrounds location).  Deep red and redolent of pineapple juice, it's a favorite that comes back year after year.

On the Midway, the Corn Dog stand at the intersection of Hiland Hill and the one in front of the Big Show Diner have 32 ounces for $7 (refills are $5).



Fudge:  A great sweet to grab on your way out to take home for later. Find it in the Hall of Industry at Ozark Nuts. It comes in Belgian chocolate, chocolate peanut butter swirl, pecan turtle, sea salt caramel, bacon maple walnut and cookies and cream varieties for $5 each.



Funnel cakes.  Found everywhere at the Arkansas State Fair; the challenge is finding the strangest, tastiest and cheapest. Two Brothers Concession has the cheapest at $6, with a buck extra for chocolate or caramel topping. The Funnel Cake stand in the food court is serving them up for $8, with extravagant toppings for two bucks more - choose from spiced apple, chocolate, caramel, cherry, Bavarian cream, Pineapple Supreme, strawberry or peanut butter.

On the Midway, the Elephant Ear stand has funnel cakes for $7, with toppings $2 more. The Funnel Cake truck by the Star Gazer ride has them for $8 with $2 toppings.
Funnel cakes can also be found at the funnel cake stand on the hill at the end of the midway for $7.
The Giant Funnel Cake Sundae Stand near the Big Show Diner has them for $8.



Funnel Cake Cheeseburger (new). The New Food Dude shares this new, outrageous dinner and dessert stacked into one, a burger patty, lettuce, tomato, and the condiments of your choice along with bacon and/or cheese if you'd like, between two powdered sugar dusted funnel cakes. $9.

Gator and Bait Basket.  Alligator and crawfish with fries for $12 at Larry's Gator Shack on the south end of the food court.

Giant pulled pork sandwich.  This oversized sandwich contains more than half a pound of pulled pork.  You choose whether to add the barbecue sauce.  You can get one at Boss Hog's stand near the end of the Midway or near Gate 5 for $10.



Giant pretzels.  Salty, chewy dough?  Here's your fix. Find them at Swaim's Pizza stand on Hiland Hill (also available covered in pepperoni) for $8. The Bud station near the Ag in Action building offers them for $4, a dollar more for cheese. They're $5 at the pizza stand at the end of the kid's area.




Grater Taters. Always popular, the yellow stand at the corner entrance to the Food Court near Gate 5 always has these thinly sliced and fried potatoes that explode into these cohesive mountains of chips for $7. Get yours with a variety of toppings, including chili, cheese, ranch, hot sauce - or even bacon. The first topping is free, each additional is a buck more.

A similar potato chip product, spiral spuds, are available at the Spiral Spud trailer at the midway intersection leading up to Barton Colliseum. For a dollar more choose additional toppings such as sour cream, ranch dressing, gravy, chili sauce, cheese, bacon bits, banana peppers or hot peppers.


The All-American Cafe offers their version, called Ribbon Fries, for $8 at the end of the Midway. They're also $8 at Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion.


Greek Salad.  Paizis' has them -- your choice of beef, chicken, seafood or gyro meat on a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and Feta cheese.  Healthy and huge!  You'll find them at the Paizis' stand in the Food Court for $14.


Greens. Get 'em at Boss Hogg's by Gate 5, complete with chunks of ham, for $5.

Gumbo. Larry's Gator House serves up a cupful for $8.



Gummi Kebabs. Gummi candy on a big stick at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry.



Gyros.  Paizis' is back with their traditional yet wonderful Greek fare. Choose from lamb, Cajun chicken or rosemary chicken, grilled shrimp or Black Angus beef or a hot vegetable version, all wrapped in a pita for $10 - or get My Big Greek Gyro for $13 with more fillings and more feta cheese. Veggie-only version is $9.


Hot Beef Sundae. So simple but so good, this concoction of beef in gravy over mashed potatoes with cheese "sprinkles" and a cherry tomato on top is thw 2017 Tasty Tom winner for best tasting new fair food (a version has previously appeared at the fair). Find them for $9 at the Hot Beef Sundae stand in the Food Court.

Hot Cheetoes and Cheese (new). This new combination is popping up around the fair. Get a tray at the Corn Dog stand near the Alpine Bobs ride on the west side of the Midway for $5. Larry's Snow Cone Shack has them for $8.

Hot Chocolate. Best price is at Roger Westmoreland Concessions in the food court, where it's $2 a cup. It's $3 at the Hot Beef Sundae stand near Gate 5. Get a small hot chocolate at Philly Cheesesteak Stand by the Bud Light pavilion or on the Midway by Hiland Hill for $4. So does Refill Station across the street, where refills are half price.

Hot Dogs. Several locations around the fair serve hot dogs. Here's where to get yours:
The Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1 has $3 hot dogs.
The All-American Cafe concession near the end of the Midway offers all-beef hot dogs for $4.
Dilly Dogs in the food court offers hot dogs for $4.
Bud Light Pavilion, Hall of Industry and Bud and Burgers for $5.
The Corn Dog stand near the Alpine Bobs ride has all-beef dogs for $5.
Larry's Snow Cone Shack has a combo with a hot dog, bag of chips and a can of cola for $6.

Hot Tea. As soon as I find some I'll let you know.

Hot Water Cornbread . At Boss Hogg's, these rounds come on the side when you order a soul food dinner. You can also get a tray on their own. $5.



Ice cream.  The Ice Cream Parlor in its fuschia and purple wagon run by Two Brothers Concession, just up Hiland Hill from the midway, serves vanilla, chocolate and swirl soft-serve, with shakes and flurries also available. A small soft serve is $3.50 and a large is $5. The same prices are available at the ice cream stand just down from the Ag in Action building.

The Funnel Cake station by the Star Gazer ride on the Midway has bowls or cones of soft serve vanilla, chocolate or twist for $5. They're $5 at the Giant Funnel Cake Sundae stand by the Big Show Diner.

The Dippin' Dots stand in the Food Court does chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream and butter pecan cones for $4 and $5 for a waffle cone.

Ice Cream by the carton. Hiland Dairy has several varieties of its ice cream available in pints - including vanilla, Tin Roof Sundae, butter pecan, Moose Tracks, Cookie Overload and chocolate - for $3 each at the dairy's stand on Hiland Hill.


Ice Cream Rolls. Check out the Roll It Frozen Cream stand in the food court for $7 in flavors such as strawberry cheesecake and Oreo cream.

Ice Cream Sandwiches. Hiland Dairy is offering Creamy Burger Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwiches for $2.

Iced Tea.  Drink healthy at the fair is to consume refreshing, unsweetened iced tea.  Available at the Lipton Tea Boxes, located in the food court and at the end of the midway, Oh, there's sweet tea there, too. And fruit punch. $3 medium, $5 large, $3 refills, flavor additions available. This year you can also get a bucket of tea (my speed!) for $12 with $6 refills. Dilly Dogs has sweet tea for $3 and $5 as well.



Indian fry bread.  The puffy rounds can be topped with cinnamon and sugar or strawberries and cream. Find yours at Pat's Kitchen for $6, plain or with cinnamon and sugar, or $8 with strawberries and whipped cream.



Indian fry bread tacos.  The fifth year for these plate-sized treats, a fully assembled taco with all the fixings, except the shell's been replaced by a puffy fry bread for $10.  Ask for sour cream and salsa.



Italian sausages.  You'll see these in big coils in the window at a number of places, sizzling away all day on a grill with peppers and onions. Get a big section of one at Gold's Skillet in the Food Court. They're also available at the Philly Cheesesteak Shop next to the Bud Light Pavilion or on the Midway by Hiland Hill or by the Bud Light Pavilion for $9.



Jumbo pickles.  They're big, they're salty and sour and they're $3 at Mickey's Grill or Pat's Kitchen. Get a big pickle on a stick for $3 at the Corn Dogs and Pretzels stand just down from Gate 1 in the midway.

Jungle Punch. Hiland Dairy can hook you up with a bottle of fruit punch, pink lemonade or orange Jungle Punch for a buck - a great price for kids who want a beverage.



Kebabs.  Beef, chicken or pork, you'll find meat on a stick at Mickey's Grill, where there's always something sizzling on the blackened grill. $9 for one or $16 for two, served on a flour tortilla (ie, edible plates!).

Kool-Aid Smoothies (new). Roll It Frozen Custard has this blend of Kool-Aid and ice cream for $7, in flavors like Strawberry Kiwi, Cherry, Peach Mango and Raspberry.

Krazy fries (new). The All American Cafe near the barn end of the Midway offers Krazy Fries with bacon, cheese and Ranch dressing for $8.



Kettle corn.  Sweet and salty, ready to eat hot or take home, you can get yours  at Michener's Kettle Corn, the big brown pork rind stand outside the Hall of Industry, $5 a small bag or $9 for a large.

Key lime cashews (new). All the flavor of key lime pie, coating creamy cashews, sold by Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $10 a cone. Get a sample!

Kona Ice. 10 flavors you add yourself, from Pina Colada to lime, Tiger's Blood, Ninja Cherry, Wedding Cake and Grape.  $4 for Classic, $5 for King and $7 for Kowabunga sizes.



Lemonade. Varieties exist all over the Arkansas State Fair.  Choose wisely. If you'd like a cane sugar version, go to the Gator on a Stick stand on the south end of the Food Court (at the top of the hill). A corn sugar version will be available at the grill truck next to New Food Dude in the Food Court. And a version called Cowboy Lemonade is offered at the rusty tin shack on the Food Court's west end.

The cheapest fresh-squeezed lemonade on site is $3 a regular or $6 a large. You can find this at the funnel cake stand up the hill from the south end of the Midway. You can also get it at Dilly Dogs with cherry or strawberry flavor for $6.

Grater Tater has fresh squeezed, $3 for 16 ounces, $5 for 32 ounces, $7 for 52 ounces or $12 for 64 ounces. Refills for $3 for 32 ounces, $4 for 52 ounces and $6 for 64 ounces.

Fresh lemonade is available in the food court at Taco King or Jones Concession for $4 regular and $6 large.

Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion has 34 ounce cups of lemonade for $5 each.

On the Midway, the Corn Dog shack at the intersection of Hiland Hill and the one in front of the Big Show Diner both have it $8 for 32 ounces with a $5 refill, or $5 for 16 ounces. Add strawberry for a buck more.
You can get frozen lemonade at the Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the Barton Colliseum entrance for $5.
The lemon-shaped lemonade stands in multiple locations have lemonade for $5 a regular and $8 large, with a $5 refill and a dollar more for an added flavor.


Lemonade in a Bucket. Seriously, the largest serving of lemonade you can find at the State Fair is from this purveyor within the corridor between the Midway and the Hall of Industry, or at Pat's Kitchen. It seems to be universally $12 this year with a $6 refill.

There's also the lemonade tanker, a 64 ounce mug of lemonade, for $12 at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick. Refills are $6.

Limeade. Yes, you can indeed get a limeade at the Arkansas State Fair. Try Grater Tater for fresh squeezed for $3 for 16 ounces, $5 for 32 ounces, $7 for 52 ounces or $12 for 64 ounces. Refills for $3 for 32 ounces, $4 for 52 ounces and $6 for 64 ounces. Or head to the Funnel Cake stand in the food court for cherry limeade for $4 and $6.

Lobster mac and cheese (new). A bowl will run you $13 at Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion.

Lobster roll (new). Gators and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion is offering them $10 each or $12 with fries or okra.


Mac and Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes.  Carb lovers, rejoice. This is a pound-size baked potato filled with mac and cheese. Find it at Larry's Redneck Corn, the truck converted into a grill on the Food Court.

Macho nachos. A big pile of chips with cheese, beef and all the fixings for $9 at the Hot Beef Sundae stand near Gate 5.


Mango. Delia's on Hiland Hill offers healthy eating with fresh, peppered mango slices.




Mealworm pizza. You read that right - pizza made with dried mealworms for added protein. It is indeed a thing, one that costs $10 a slice at Swaim's Pizza on Hiland Hill.

Meatball subs. $6 at the pizza stand at the end of the kid's zone.

Milkshakes. A variety of flavors are also available at the Last Frontier Snow Cone Stand on Hiland Hill in a variety of flavors. Two Brothers Concession on Hiland Hill has them for $5. They're $6 on the Midway at the Funnel Cake station near the Star Gazer ride.

Nachos.  Almost everywhere at the Arkansas State Fair, you'll find nachos.  They come in all shapes and sizes.
New Food Dude has them for $5 and $6, loaded for $7
Dilly Dogs has them for $5 and $7 - just a buck more for chili.
Kountry Kitchen offers them for $5 with just cheese sauce, or $8 with BBQ pork.
The Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1 has them for $5 with a dollar more for "deluxe."
Big Show Diner: Chili cheese nachos for $6.
They're $6 for a tray or $8 for a bucket at the Jones Concession Funnel Cake stand in the food court.
McKinney Concessions at the end of the Midway has them $6 with cheese, or $8 with cheese in a bucket.

Onion rings.  Get 'em beer-battered at Larry's Gator House on the south end of the food court for $8.

Open-faced roast beef sandwiches (new). Get a steaming hot roast beef sandwich with gravy for $9 at the Hot Beef Sundae stand near Gate 5.

Oysters (new). Get a half dozen fried oysters at Gaters and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion for $9, $11 with fries or okra.


Pecan log rolls. Nougat rolled in pecans at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $3, or $7 for a larger roll on a stick.

Philly bowl. All the things you love about a philly cheesesteak sandwich, without the hassle of bread. Here's one for you folks who can't do the bread - a bowl full of shaved beef, Monterrey jack cheese, grilled onions and peppers, all served over hot fresh cut French fries. Find it at Boss Hogg's near Gate 5 for $12.


Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.  A lot of places serving these around the fairgrounds.  Hot grilled beef with onions and peppers, usually served with provolone or swiss cheese. Find them at Pat's Kitchen in the Food Court for $9, at the Turkey Leg stand next by the stage next to the Hall of Industry. The Bud Light pavilion and the Hall of Industry has Philly steak and cheese sandwiches for $7. Boss Hogg's has them. And of course, you'll find them at the Philly Cheesesteak Stand beside the Bud Light pavilion, at the big skillet (Gold's) at the corner of the Food Court and at Dilly Dogs for $10.

Philly steak nachos. Philly cheesesteak with peppers and onions, served on tortilla chips at Pat's Kitchen for $12.


Pickle pizza (new). Swaim's Pizza in the food court offers dill pickles and dill spice on white cheese. It's pretty good! $12 for a 12" pie.


Pineapple juice. Get yours at Taco King in the food court, $4 for regular and $6 for large.


Pineapple Twist Shortcake. The pina colada flavor in this dessert comes from a handmade pineapple coconut preserve served over pound cake. The pairing comes under vanilla ice cream and a scattering of toasted coconut. Get yours at the New Food Dude stand in the food court or the Twisted Ice Cream stand near Gate 5 for $6.

Pineapple whip. Cool, creamy soft serve combined with pineapple juice make this a must-have state fair treat. Find them at the whip stand at the south end of the Midway for $4, or at the twisted cone station near Gate 5 for $4 regular and $6 a large.


Pizza. The traditional pie is available several places around the Arkansas State Fair. Swaim's has slices of cheese pizza for $6. Pepperoni, meat or deluxe is $7. Stuffed pizzas are $9. 12" "mini pizzas" are $12.

The Midway version is at the pizza srand at the end of the kid's area, where slices are $5 and whole pizzas are $20, but they're smaller pizzas and they're only available in cheese and pepperoni. Pizza By The Slice on the Midway at $7 for pepperoni, double cheese, sausage or Hawaiian.



Pizza - on a Stick!  Unlike the corndog-like or battered versions conjured at other fairs, this is a bonafied baked pizza on a paddle-like stick. Swain's Pizza at the base of Hiland Hill near the midway. Various toppings available. They're $12 a stick.


Polish sausage. Get it straight from the gigantic skillet at the corner of the Food Court, complete with onions if you like, for $10 - or get a better deal and pick up one from the Philly Cheesesteak Stand near Hiland Hill or next to the Bud Light Pavilion for $9.



Popcorn. Well of course. Available many places around the fairgrounds. It's $3 and $5 for bags at the cotton candy stand at the south end of the Food Court. The Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the Barton Colliseum entrance: $4 regular, $5 for large.



Pork BBQ sandwich. A hefty serving of barbecue sauce soaked pork from Boss Hogg's. Get it in a dinner, if you'd like. You can also find barbecue pork sandwiches at the Kountry Kitchen stand at the end of the Midway for $7, or $8 with fries.



Pork chops.  They tend to come big, and they're grilled over hot coals.  You'll find them at Boss Hogg's near the south end of the Midway and by Gate 5, on their own for $10 small or $12 large.



Pork rinds/pork skins.  Apparently the skin of a pig is best served freshly fried and dusted with spice.  You can get them hot or in a bag to take home at Michener Kettle Corn, a booth right outside the Hall of Industry. They come in BBQ, Cajun and plain and are $5 a bag ($9 for a large bag). Pork rinds are also available at Bud and Burgers for $5.

Pork tenderloin sandwich, unbreaded. New to the fair this year, this unbreaded slice of pork tenderloin comes on a sandwich for $8 at the Kountry Kitchen, and with fries for $2 more.


Pork tenderloin sandwich. This Iowa or Indiana favorite is a breaded pork tenderloin slice served on a bun. Find it at Gold's Concessions near the Hall of Industry, for $8. Also $9 at the Philly Cheesesteak stand next to the Bud Light pavilion and $8 at the Kountry Korner Cafe at the end of the Midway ($10 with fries). A gigantic version is served for $8 at the All-American Cafe near the end of the Midway for $8.


Possum Pie.  The longtime Arkansas dessert (also known as four layer delight) finally arrives at the state fair in all its chocolate-and-cream-cheese glory.




Praline pecans. Ozark Candies and Nuts is once again offering these praline-coated pecans, which take the south Louisiana favorite to a good place.  You'll smell these the moment you walk into the Hall of Industry. $10 a cone.


Pumpkin spice funnel cakes. Funnel cakes with real pumpkin folded into the batter, lightly spiced and with cream cheese frosting on the top.  Moist, too.  I approve of this funnel cake alteration. Find them at the Hawaiian Shaved Ice Stand at the end of the Midway for $8.



Pumpkin Spiced Mixed Nuts. While other applications of the spice have mixed results, this is the combination everyone's been waiting for. The folks at Ozark Candy and Nuts have their fingers on the pulse of this nutty, nutty world. Find them in the Hall of Industry. $10 a cone.

Quesadillas. Get a cheese quesadilla for $8 or a beef, chicken or pork quesadilla for $9 at the Taco King stand in the food court.


Red beans and rice.  The most filling meal at the Arkansas State Fair, you can find it at Larry's Gator House for $6.



Red velvet funnel cakes.  They're at the Hawaiian Ice stand between the end of the midway and the Ag in Action Barn. $8. You can also get them at the Funnel Cake stand in the food court for $8.

Reuben sandwich. Get a big one hot out of a skillet at the Reuben sandwich stand near the Food Court.



Ribeye steak sandwich. Boss Hogg's on the Midway and by Gate 5 has them for $14.



Ribs.  Rack or half rack, pork ribs are grilled over hot charcoal at several places across the fairgrounds.  Find them at Boss Hogg's near the south end of the Midway or by Gate 5. They're $32 for a full rack with two sides and cornbread, or $24 by themselves. A half rack is $22 as a dinner and $14 on their own. Fried ribs come four bones and fries for $12.

Rice Bowl (new). Paizi's Greek food stand is offering bowls of rice topped with gyro lamb or chicken and Greek vegetables for $9.

Root Beer. Find a bottle at the Lemonade Stand on Hiland Hill. Also available at Cowboy Root Beer (the tin-sided stand on the west side of the Food Court) and at Larry's Pineapple Whip near Gate 5.

Root Beer Float. Get one at the Ice Cream Parlor (Two Brothers Concession) at the base of Hiland Hill just off the midway for $5. You can also get one at the ice cream stand next to Bud and Burgers by the Ag in Action booth.


Salsa. Get fresh tomato salsa with tortilla chips at The Big Show Diner for $4.



Salt-water Taffy. Ozark Candy and Nuts inside the Hall of Industry carries this old-fashioned fair classic in a variety of flavors and colors.


Sausage pops. Pat's Kitchen is doing a breakfast sausage on a stick, wrapped in pancake batter and served with maple syrup for $8.



Sausages.  In addition to jalapeno and cheese filled, Italian, Polish and Cajun sausages, you can get sausages wth peppers and onions at Gold's Skillet, near the Hall of Industry in the Food Court. Pat's Kitchen also has them. The Philly Cheesesteak stand beside the Bud Light Pavilion and Stage has them for $9 each.


Sausage sandwich. With peppers and onions at Pat's Kitchen for $8. They're $9 at Dilly Dogs.



Scorpion pizza. Scorpion pizza (cheese pizza with scorpions on top) is the craziest new fair food from 2017. The stingers have indeed been removed. See if your friends will share this with you. Grav tried it. See his reaction below. Swaim's Pizza on Hiland Hill.



Shrimp. Get a half dozen fried shrimp at Gaters and Taters next to the Bud Light Pavilion for $9, $11 with fries or okra.


Shrimp burger. A North Carolina burger, but the patty is ground shrimp and spices with chipotle mayo and bibb lettuce. Find it at Taste This!, the black trailer at the heart of the food court. One of my favorites. $10.

Shrimp Pita. Get it at Paizi's Gyros packed with grilled shrimp and vegetables for $12.


Slushies. This year, you'll be able to make up your own blend of cold, frozen delights with an on-site mix and match Slushee stand. Check out Artic Island across from the Bud Light pavilion, where you can mix and match in special cups ranging from $5 to $9. Refills based on size.

Smoked Mac and Cheese. A side item with the flavor of barbecue - at Boss Hogg's next to Gate 5 or at the south end of the midway. $5.


Snicker Donut Balls (news). Roll It Frozen Cream has them for $10.


Snow Cones.  The cheapest snow cones at the Arkansas State Fair are at the Lemonade Stand just south of the intersection of the midway and the driveway leading to the front of Barton Colliseum. There, they are $3 each but only come in grape, lime, blue raspberry or cherry.

Last Frontier Snow Cones is offering a couple dozen flavors for $5 on Hiland Hill, including banana, black cherry, cherry, cinnamon, cotton candy, grape, green apple, orange, and watermelon.

Cotton Candy stand on the Midway near the Barton Colliseum entrance has them for $5, but only in rainbow, lime and blue raspberry - so does the Caramel Popcorn stand at Gate 1 and the Cotton Candy stand in the middle of the Midway.

See also Kona Ice.



Soul Food. Boss Hogg's by Gate 5 offers dinners with yams, greens, Italian green beans and all sorts of things, two sides when you order pork chops, chicken on a stick or any other meat special on the menu. Sides are $5 each or you can get them with dinners there.



Spaghetti and meatballs on a stick.  Back for a third year, these are big beef meatballs with spaghetti noodles, battered, deep fried, dusted with Parmesan cheese and served with marinara.  One stick makes a meal. At Theresa's Italian Kitchen in the Food Court for $8.

Spaghetti Burger. Spaghetti, marinara, cheese, meatballs on a bun at Theresa's Italian Kitchen for $10.


Strawberries in cream. Cool off with a simple treat. Delia's offers cups of fresh strawberries with fresh whipped cream.

Sundaes. $7 at the Giant Funnel Cake Sundae stand near the Big Show Diner.

Superdogs. There are corn dogs all over the fair -- some pre-made, some hand-dipped, none finer than those brought by Randy's Superdog, which has been coming to the Arkansas State Fair for 40 years now.  Long, longer and longest, they're good meat dogs dipped fresh and deep fried.  Listen for the clanging bell -- that's when they're being pulled from the grease and are ready to go.

Superdogs are $9. The regular sized dogs are $6 and the Mega Dogs are $14. Cash only.

Sweet Bacon Cake. A slice of pound cake wrapped in bacon, battered and deep fried for a sweet and salty combination. Get it at the New Food Dude stand in the food court for $7.

Tacos. Get two hard or soft shell beef tacos at the Big Show Diner for $6. Or choose your own filling of beef, chicken or pork at the Taco King stand in the food truck for $4, with two for $6 or three and a drink for $10.

Taco Salad. At the Big Show Diner with chips, beans, salsa, cheese dip, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, taco beef, bell peppers, chili, cheese and sour cream, $10. The Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1 offers its version for $6.



Thanksgiving Tacos. The winner of both the best tasting and most creative categories at the 2017 Tasty Tom awards, this is a soft flour tortilla (larger than this example shown here) filled with smoked turkey, dressing, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce at Pat's Kitchen for $8.



Turkey leg.  Is there any Arkansas State Fair without this massive fowl limb around?  Smells great, tastes wonderful, may put you into a tryptophanic coma before you're ready to leave the fair.  Acquire late in your visit, take it home for proper dismantling and a nap. Mickey's Grill has them for $12, and the the Turkey Leg stand at the foot of Hiland Hill is offering them for $13. Boss Hogg's has them for $14.


Vegetable soup and cornbread. Another good choice for those eating healthy at the fair, the Big Show Diner is offering a hearty bowl of vegetable soup and a chunk of cornbread for $6.

Veggie pita. Gget a pita stuffed with all the veggies you like, plus Feta cheese and tzatziki sauce if you like, at Paizi's Gyro's in the Food Court, for $9.

Waffle Fries. $5 at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1, $6 in a bucket.


Walking Taco.  All the flavor of a taco salad, in a bag -- specifically, the bag the chips came in.  Get one at Pat's Kitchen for $8. You'll also find a version at the Jumbo Corn Dog stand near Gate 1 for $6. The one at Larry's Snow Cone Shack is $10.

Water. Cheapest place to find bottled water is at the funnel cake stand at the end of the Midway, a couple of vendors down from the burger shop. It's just a buck there. Grater Tater has $2 water bottles. Get water $3 a cup or $4 a bottle at Kountry Kitchen at the end of the Midway. Or use your own cup and utilize the water fountains in the Hall of Industry.

Watermelon juice (new).  Get a cup of watermelon juice at Taco King in the food court for $4 ($6 large).


Wonderstick (new). A hook-shaped hollow corn pastry filled with ice cream. One version tastes like Captain Crunch, the other is similar to Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Made from corn, these ice cream bearing tubes are gluten free.

See what was new, great and popular over the last ten years here.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more fair food updates throughout the event.


8 comments:

  1. Who has the Possum Pie? I love it. No one in my family makes it and where I can find it locally, they top it with meringue .

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    Replies
    1. BJ's Market Cafe has a possum pie with whipped cream topping. At one point, Bobby's in Maumelle had one too.

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    2. It's sometimes available at Bobby's Country Cookin' on Shackleford. I've also seen it at Bobby's in North Little Rock and at Stoby's and PattiCakes Bakery in Conway. The Honey Pies version comes with a meringue-marshmallow fluff. Might also check Dan's I-30 Diner.

      If your local is a different local, let me know and I can share.

      Delete
  2. Where would I find the Possum pie at the Fair?!?!?!

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  3. The Possum Pie at the Fair will be in the Big Show Diner, along with Coca-Cola Cake and coconut cream pie.

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  4. Food vendors take credit cards?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Please tell me where to find Boss Hoggs!! Awe man...

    ReplyDelete

Be kind.