Jan Simrell has been making pies for decades, and is one of the most proficient piemakers I have ever met...






The Backyard Barbeque Company continues on at 1407 East Main Street in Magnolia. Order ahead at (870) 234-7890 or through the website (https://www.backyardbbqmag.com) or check out and see what’s going on there on the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100025794587487).
Check back throughout the fair for more entries added daily.
What new fair fare will cause tongues to wag and people to stare? This annual guide is why I am here. I spend time each year reaching out to vendors and prowling the Arkansas State Fairgrounds to determine the menu for each year's event. That means a lot of time watching, comparing, sampling, and photographing. I've been doing it since 2008.
For those of you new to the guide, I visit the Arkansas State Fairgrounds multiple times before and during the fair to compile an annual collection of all the dishes I can find, from alligator to yams and everything in-between. I also contact operators in advance to see what they're bringing to share with our hungry fairgoers.
Do note - most of the purveyors of state fair food are charging at 10.65% transactional sales tax and surcharge on credit and debit card sales. Many of those who aren't, are charging a buck or two per transaction. Save money, bring cash.
As always, if you're with a website, newspaper, magazine, television station, radio station, or just need some information to use for your website, please cite my efforts. If you need full resolution images, or you'd like to have me come talk about the fair on your show or in an interview, email me at kat@tiedyetravels.com.
NEW ITEMS
The Roger Westmoreland funnel cake stand at the center of the Food Court has a new variety this year -Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cakes. Pumpkin pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, powdered sugar - the moment it comes across the counter you'll smell autumn.
H2Que BBQ out of Jonesboro is offering a new take on smoked turkey legs by packing them full of Louisiana-style dirty rice. The popular mac-and-cheese stuffed legs will also be back this year. They also offer the Von Brisket BLT - a BRISKET, lettuce and tomato sandwich I am totally here for.
Dirty drinks are here, too - not alcoholic drinks, but some of your favorite beverages like various Jarritos, sodas, and Monster Energy Drinks matched with cream. Find that stand right in front of the Big Show Diner.
Note - some vendors are charging either a flat $1 fee or a percentage of each sale for credit or debit cards. As always, cash is welcome everywhere.
Foods that have been confirmed are in black.
All-Beef Corndogs. Unlike the pork versions, you'll find these on the Midway at the Hot Dog and Nacho Stand for $10. Get a foot long version for $12.
All-Beef Hot Dogs. An all-beef hot dog in a bun with condiments for $6. Chili cheese version two dollars more. Find them at the Hot Dog and Nacho booth between Crazy Mouse and the bumper cars.
Alligator Swamp Dogs. A Cajun version of the hot dog that you'll find at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Angus beef in pita. Paizi's Gyros offers prime Angus beef seasoned, roasted and served with fresh vegetables in a pliant pita for $16.
Baby back ribs. You can find them at Gold's Boss Hog near Gate 5, and at the Boss Hog stand at the south end of the Midway. You can get them as half a rack or a whole rack, smoked or fried, or four bones in a dinner with two sides and hot water cornbread.
Bacon cheese French fries. At the Wings and Fries stand on the Midway, they're $10 small and $14 large.
Bacon funnel cake. Available at the yellow funnel cake trailer by the south end of the Midway for $12.
NEW! Bacon on a stick. A thick slab of bacon on a stick, deep fried, $10 from Sue Sue's Concessions on the west end of the Food Court.
Bacon ranch fries. At the Wings and Fries stand on the Midway, they're $10 a small and $14 for the large.
Bacon-wrapped chicken on a stick. $15 for thick cut bacon around a nice chunky skewer of chicken at Sue Sue's Concession on the west side of the Food Court.
Baked beans. Saucy baked beans with a bit of pork in them, $7 a side or $10 a bowl at Cheryl's Famous/Boss Hog's near Gate 1.
Baked catfish. Miss Anna's has baked - not fried - catfish and seasoned rice offered with your choice of sides, including mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage, mixed greens, black eyed peas, pinto beans, green beans, or candied yams for $22 a plate.
Baked potato. Get yours with your choice of butter, sour cream, cheese or spice blends at L and M Concessions in the Food Court. Or build-your-own stuffed potato at Brandon Concession on the west side of the Food Court for $10, with a base potato weighing three pounds or more with butter, salt and pepper, then adding whatever toppings you like for $2 more, including shredded cheese, nacho cheese, sour cream, chives, pico de gallo, onion straws, jalapenos, broccoli baked pork and beans, garlic parmesan, or chili. Adding ranch dressing or buffalo sauce is $1. You can also add bacon, guacamole or chorizo for $3 and pulled pork, chicken, or carne asada for $6.
Barbecue brisket sandwich. H2Que BBQ has them for $14 at its station on the Midway near the entrance to Barton Coliseum, and at the east side of the Food Court as well.
Barbecue chicken sandwiches. Find them at H2Que BBQ on the east side of the food court or next to the Midway entrance of Barton Coliseum for $13. Mickey's Grill in the Food Court also offers them at this price - and $2 to add fries.
Barbecue pork dinners. Served with a couple of sides at Boss Hog's near Gate 5.
Barbecue pork nachos. Pulled pork barbecue on chips with nacho cheese can be found at H2Que BBQ at the east side of the food court or near the Midway by the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $13. They're also available at the Bud Light Pavilion for $15.
Barbecue pork sandwiches. Find it at Boss Hog's near Gate 5 and at the back of the Midway for $12. H2Que BBQ on the east side of the food court or next to the Midway entrance of Barton Coliseum for $13. They're $15 at the Bud Light Pavilion.
Barbecue sandwiches. Not sure the meat content - I'm so sorry, I forgot to ask, They're $9 at the counter just inside the Hall of Industry.
Beef barbecue sandwiches. Get yours at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $13, or in a combo for $3 more.
Beef burritos. Don Elote off the Midway near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has them for $13. Authentic beef burritos wrapped in flour tortillas with choice of rice, beans, and other fillings at Ormic's Taco King for $17.
Beef kebabs. Get them at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $12.
Beef lo mein. Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court has it for $17.
Beef on a stick. Asian-style, find it at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court for $13, or with rice or lo mein for $18.
Beef quesadillas. Two big flour tortillas with cheese and beef in-between, served in wedges and sold at Ormic's Taco King for $13.
Beignets. Fried fresh at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Birria Tacos. Spicy, shredded beef melted together with cheese in fresh, puffy tacos at Don Elote's yellow Mexican Food stand near the entrance to Barton Colliseum, right off the Midway, three for $14.
Biscuits and gravy. Every morning, you can get yours at the Midway Cafe at he south end of the Midway for $6.
Black Angus burger. A half pound burger at the All American Cafe in the Food Court will run you $15 with fries.
Black Angus pita. This is a gyro made instead with black angus beef with those vegetables and taziki sauce on pita for $16 at Paizi's Green Foods.
Blue Plate Special. Daily meat-and-two plates offered at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner for $22.
Boss Hog Burger. Big burger at Boss Hog's near Gate 5 for $12. Deluxify it for $2 more.
Boudin links. For traditional boudin links, go to Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $11.
Breakfast burrito. Get a sausage, egg, and cheese burrito or bacon, egg and cheese burrito for $5 at the yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway.
Breakfast Funnel Cake. Get funnel cake for breakfast at the yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway for $12 - cinnamon and honey, Oreo cookie, bacon, chocolate, caramel, strawberry, cherry, apple, or blueberry and cream cheese.
Brittle. Juanita's peanut or pecan brittles can be found at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $12.
Buffalo chips. These are buffalo-seasoned potato chunks. They're $9 a side or $17 a bowl at Sweet T's Family Sub Shop at the Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway
Bug Pizza. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick in the Food Court offers pizza topped with crickets, scorpions or mealworms for $15.
NEW! Build-Your-Own Baked Potato. Set up your own massive build-your-own stuffed potato at Brandon Concession on the west side of the Food Court for $10, with a base potato weighing three pounds or more with butter, salt and pepper, then adding whatever toppings you like for $2 more, including shredded cheese, nacho cheese, sour cream, chives, pico de gallo, onion straws, jalapenos, broccoli baked pork and beans, garlic parmesan, or chili. Adding ranch dressing or buffalo sauce is $1. You can also add bacon, guacamole or chorizo for $3 and pulled pork, chicken, or carne asada for $6.
Burgers. Cheapest burgers at the fair are at L and M Concession on the south side of the Food Court, where hamburgers are $7 and cheeseburgers are $8. The counter to the right when you first walk into the Hall of Industry has them for $8, with a cheeseburger being $9. Boss Hogg's offers half pound burgers. You can also get one at the Bud Light Pavilion for $8 ($9 with cheese), at Miss Anna's in the Big Show Cafe for $10 ($12 with cheese). And cheeseburgers are $14 at the Busch Light Cooking Shack at the south end of the Midway. They're $12 at the black Cheeseburger and Poutine stand by the funhouses midway through the Midway, a dollar more for cheese and $2 more for bacon.
Cajun Asian Seafood Shrimp and Crab egg roll. Egg Roll Love by the Blue Ribbon Club has lots of different egg rolls, including this Asian Filipino fusion option that's crabmeat and mozzarella cheese in a wonton wrapper, served with Island sauce. $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Cajun fried ribs. Cajun-spiced deep fried ribs have become a favorite at Boss Hog's near Gate 5, served with Cajun fries.
Cajun nachos. Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court has a plate of these Louisiana-spiced nachos for $15.
Candy. The Busch Light Cooking Shack near the FFA Barn offers various candies for $3 a package, as does the Midway Cafe.
Caramel apple chips. $6 at the Cotton Candy Apple stand on the north end of the Kids Zone.
Caramel corn crunch waffle cones. A gluten-free waffle cone full of ice cream topped with caramel popcorn makes for one heck of a dessert. Try it from Wonderstick for $9, two locations in the Food Court.
Catfish. Two pieces of fried catfish with hush puppies and tater tots will run you $14 at Gator's Cajun Shack at the south end of the Food Court.
NEW! Chamoy pickle. The spicy pickle is $4 at the Candyland stand between the Midway and Barton Coliseum.
Chocolate milk. The very best deal at the Arkansas State Fair! You can get a half pint for 50 cents at the Hiland Dairy booth out front of the Hall of Industry.
Champurrado. Don Elote's Mexican Foods near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has this traditional hot chocolate beverage that's made from corn flour and cinnamon-infused water along with cocoa and vanilla. You can get a cup for $5.
Cheeseburgers. See Burgers.
Cheeseburger poutine. $16 at the black Cheeseburger and Poutine stand by the funhouses midway through the Midway.
Cheesecake. $10 a slice at the yellow funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway,
Cheese on a stick. Think corn dog, but a chunk of cheese instead of a hot dog. That's what you'll get when you order this specialty at Westmoreland Concessions, like the one in front of the Bud Light Pavilion for $7 in either American or Pepper Jack cheeses.
Cheese pizza. Swain's Pizza on a Stick sells it as a large slice for $9, or as a 10" mini pizza for $15.
Cheesecake. With or without toppings like chocolate, caramel, or strawberry sauce for $8 at Granny's Kitchen Concession two trailers down from Gate 1.
Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Egg Roll Love has these hearty, beefy filled wontons at its food truck near the Hall of Industry, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Cherry limeade. The popular drink is available at the All American Cafe at the northwest corner of the center of the Food Court or the Gyro stand near the south end of the Midway for $9, with refills for $5. The yellow-and-red striped Hot Dogs and Nacho stand west of Crazy Mouse has 32 ounce cups for $8 and 64 ounce cups for $12, with a $8 refill. Get yours for $9 at McKinney Concessions in the Food Court and at the end of the Midway. Roger Westmoreland Concessions also has cups for $9.
Chicken barbecue sandwiches. At Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $13.
Chicken corn empanadas. Three beautiful handheld seasoned chicken and corn hand pies for $12, offered at Don Elote's Mexican Food.
Chicken egg roll. Filled with chicken and vegetables and served up by the Cleveland-influenced Egg Roll Love concession by the Hall of Industry, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more. You'll also find them at Chan's Chicken on a Stick for $4.
Chicken fries. $8 at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner.
Chicken gyros. Paizi's offers succulent roasted chicken in a pita with taziki sauce, tomatoes, onions and greens for a healthy bite for $16.
Chicken kebabs. Get them at Mickey's Grill in the Food Court for $12.
Chicken pitas. Paizi's offers three different flavors of chicken - rosemary, garlic, and cajun - served up with vegetables and sauce in a fresh fluffy pita for $16.
Chicken salad sandwich. Find it at the concession just inside the door of the Hall of Industry.
Chicken strips or tenders. A basket at the Busch Light Cooking Shack near the FFA Barn is $14 for three strips with fries.
Chicken wings. A basket of wings with fries is $14 at the Busch Light Cook Shack.
Chili cheese fries. At the Wings and Fries stand on the Midway, they're $10 small, $14 large.
Chili dogs. $8 at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner or at the yellow-and-red striped Hot Dogs and Nachos stand to the west of Crazy Mouse on the Midway.
Chipotle roasted cashews. Spicy, meaty cashews served by the coneful at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry - $12, two for $20, three for $27, four for $36, five for $40.
Chips. A bag of chips is $3 at the Midway Cafe and the Busch Light Cook Shack. Chips are also available at the Bud Light Center Stage Pavilion for $3.
Chocolate covered bananas. Get one at Wonderstick for $6 or Granny's Cheesecake and More for $8.
Chocolate covered cheesecake. Wonderstick in the food court has chocolate covered cheesecake slices for $9. The funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway offers slices for $10, as does Granny's Cheesecake and More.
Chocolate dipped marshmallow. Granny's Cheesecake and More two trailers away from Gate 1 has them with or without nuts for $5.
NEW! Chocolate pretzel caramel covered cheesecake. Another way to guild the proverbial lily that is cheesecake - at Granny's Cheesecake and More near Gate 1 for $12.
Churros. They're 2 for $7 at the Candyland stand near the Midway entrance to Barton Coliseum.
Cinnamon almonds. Served hot in a cone at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry - $12, two for $20, three for $27, four for $36, five for $40.
Cinnamon pecans. Pecan halves roasted with cinnamon and sugar, served in a cone at Ozark Candy and Nuts inside the Hall of Industry - $12, two for $20, three for $27, four for $36, five for $40.
NEW! Cinnamon sugar pretzel. Get one for $7 at the Candyland stand near Barton Coliseum, or add caramel or chocolate for another $2.
Coffee. A cup is $3 at the funnel cake stand at the end of the Midway or at the Midway Cafe. The funnel cake stand also has flavored iced coffee for $5. You can also get a cup at the stand inside the fron entrance of the Hall of Industry.
NEW! Coffee beverages. Sip N' Sunshine is setting up atop the hill on the south end of the Food Court and offering medium ($7) and large ($9) coffees and lattes in flavors such as cookie butter, pistachio butter, pumpkin chai, pumpkin spice, pecan pie, caramel apple, and salted cinnamon roll flavors.
Collard Greens. Get them at Sweet T's Family Sub Shop at the Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway for $8.
Cookies. Get a big cookie at the the Busch Light Cooking Shack near the FFA Barn for $3.
Cool Mint Crunch Dippin' Dots. The ice cream of the future in a refreshing mint ice cream pebble with a crunch to it! Find them at Dippin' Dots for $8 small, $9 medium, or $11 large, in the Food Court.
Corndogs. Chris's Corn Dogs on the south side of the Food Court (little yellow cart) has corndogs for $6. McKinney Concessions has several locations around the fairgrounds offering fresh batter dipped beef and pork corndogs on a stick. They're $10 for the footlong dogs. And at Sweet-T's on the Midway by the Turkey Leg Tent, they're $14.
On the Midway, regular corndogs are $7 and jumbo corndogs are $10, at the stand by the Gravitron and the one in front of the Big Show Diner.
Corn in a cup. Get a cup of plain corn or Mexican-style corn in a cup with your choice of condiments at L and M Concessions in the Food Court.
Corn on the cup. Elote from Don Elote's in front of Barton Coliseum for $6 with crema, cheese, and paprika.
Cotton candy. While you can find it all over the fairgrounds, the local favorite is at Linda's Lemonade, traditional pink and blue cotton candy on paper cones exactly the same as we've enjoyed it for a lifetime. $7 a regular bag or $8 for a jumbo. It's $6 at the Cotton Candy Apple stand on the north end of the Kids Zone, with a Monster Bag for $9. The Cotton Candy stand in front of Crazy Mouse on the Midway has regular bags for $8 and large bags for $16.
Crab and shrimp egg rolls. Egg Roll Love's Cleveland-style filled egg rolls include this seafood version, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
NEW! Cream cheese Oreo waffle burger. A "burger" where the meat is cream cheese, Oreos and caramel sauce and the "bun" is two waffles. L and M Concessions has them for $10.
Curly fries. At the Wings and Fries stand on the Midway, they're $10 small and $14. Toppings extra.
Cutwater Spirits. $10 at the Busch Light Cook Shack and elsewhere across site.
Deep fried German chocolate brownies. Delectable brownie bites filled with caramel coconut and chocolate frosting, battered and deep fried and glazed with caramel syrup and coconut - these may be the sweetest bite you can find at the fair. It's at the L and M Concession trailer on the south end of the Food Court.
Deep fried mac and cheese. Do you remember when the very idea of deep frying macaroni and cheese was just nuts? Though you can now get them at lots of brick-and-mortar shops, you can find them on the fairgrounds at Fried What? for $10
Deep fried Milky Way. Fried What? across from Gate 5 has them for $9.
Deep fried Nutella. The hazelnut chocolate sweet batter dipped and fried on a stick can be found at Granny's Cheesecake and More near Gate 1 for $9.
Deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Fried What? has become synonymous with crazy fried creations, having come up with everything from the Dough-Re-Oreo to the fried Key lime pie. This year's entry is even better, a crustless creamy peanut butter and grape jelly creation that's gilded with powdered sugar and a raspberry boysenberry couli called Razorback Sauce. It's the 2023 Tasty Tom winner for Most Creative. Get one for $10.
Deep fried pineapple rings. Caramelized by heat, these golden rings are similar in flavor to pineapple upside down cake at L and M Concessions.
Deep fried Snickers. Yes, they still exist, they're still good, and they're at the Candyland stand near the entrance to Barton Coliseum for $7. They're $8 at at the yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway. Fried What? near Gate 5 also has them for $9, as does Granny's Cheesecake and More near Gate 1.
Deep fried strawberry shortcake. Fried What? has it for $10.
Deli sandwiches. You'll find a stand selling deli cold cuts on bread at Sweet T's Family Sub Shop, set up within Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway. You can get a Philly for $16, or a Polish or Italian for $14.
Dipped ice cream cone. The ice cream stand in front of the Big Show Diner has them for $7. You can get a dipped waffle cone for $9.
Dippin' Dots. The ice cream of the future comes in 10 different flavors - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cool mint, banana split, cookies and cream, strawberry cheesecake yogurt, rainbow ice, cookie dough and cotton candy. Prices are $8 regular. $9 medium, $11 large, with $8 for a waffle cone. There's a Dippin' Dots in the Food Court next to Mickey's Grill and one on the Midway next to CrazyMouse. Prices are the same.
NEW! Dirty Pickle Colada. Sweet, salty, and savory all together - this is a combination of pineapple energy drink, coconut, pickle brine, whipped coconut milk, and fresh dill. I'm not even sure I'm brave enough to try it. $15.
NEW! Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries in a Cup. For $15, try Dubai Chocolate drizzled over strawberries in a cup at Granny's Cheesecake and More a couple of trailers down from Gate 1.
Elote. Don Elote's Mexican Food is offering the cups of corn with mayo and toppings for $8 at its stand in front of Barton Coliseum. You can also get it on a stick for $6.
Elephant ears. They're big, flat, crispy and an alternative to the traditional funnel cake, and they can come topped with cinnamon and sugar, cherry filling, apple filling and more. Find them at the elephant ear trailer in front of Barton Coliseum on the Midway side of the ramp. They're $9 each, plus $2 per topping (apple, strawberry, cherry, chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, Bavarian cream). The Elephant Ear and Funnel Cake Stand near the center of the Midway charges $10, with toppings another $3.
Flautas. Three chicken flautas, covered with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, $11 at Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court.
Flauta Cups. Ormic Taco King is offering three beef flautas in a cup with lettuce, sour cream and sauce, for an easy-to-carry snack for $11.
Flavor Burst Cones. $7 in the flavor you desire at the ice cream stand in front of the Big Show Diner. Same place in a waffle cone, $9. Same place in a fancy cone, $11.
Floats. Two Brothers Concession uphill from the Bubble Tea stand offers them for $7. Find them at Wonderstick in the Food Court for $8. The Elephant Ear and Funnel Cake Stand near the center of the Midway charges $8 as well.
NEW! Frappes. Sip N' Sunshine is setting up atop the hill on the south end of the Food Court and offering medium ($7) and large ($9) frappes in various flavors.
Fried bologna sandwich. A classic Arkansas favorite, $7 at the Midway Cafe at the south end of the Midway. This toasted-bread version includes your choice of condiments and selection of cheese, lettuce, tomato, or pickle.
Fried brownies. Two dipped and fried brownies with ice cream. Find them at Fried What? near Gate 5, two with ice cream for $10. Without ice cream, you can find fried brownie bites five for $8.
Fried Food Sampler. Get a tray with two fried Oreos, two fried brownie bites and two fried mini Snickers for $12.
Fried green tomatoes. Get a basket of the classic with ranch at the Fried What? stand near Gate 5 for $11.
Fried ice cream. Fried What? offers scoops of batter fried ice cream for $11.
Fried pecan pie. Wedges of pecan pie on a stick, battered and deep fried, come out gooey and hot. You'll find them at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $11.
Fried pickles. Bernell Austin's creation from the Duchess Drive-In of Atkins, Arkansas has spread from coast to coast, and at our state's largest event, you can find them at Fried What? near Gate 5 served with ranch dressing for $11.
Fried pies. Like Yo Mama's sells all sorts of flavors of fried pies inside the Arts and Crafts Building. They're packed and ready to go, the perfect last minute grab and go thing to take with you when you're heading out.
Fried smoked BBQ ribs. H2Que BBQ is offering bones of fried ribs that are first hickory smoked, then fried, then dunked in a housemade sweet teriyaki sauce for an experience you won't soon forget for $15.
Fried S'mores. A marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers, battered and deep fried, sold at Fried What? across from Gate 5 for $11. They're two for $8 at the yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway.
Fried Snickers bar. Battered, deep fried candy bar is molten when bitten into. The chocolate, caramel and pecan delight can be found at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $9, and at the Candyland stand near Barton Coliseum off the Midway for $8. Granny's Cheesecake and More near Gate 1 offers them for $9.
Fried Strawberry Shortcake. Vanilla sponge and strawberries in their own juice, dipped in batter, fried, and topped with whipped cream. Find it at Fried What? near Gate 5 for $10.
Fried Twinkies. It's been well over a decade since this sweet confection in this configuration first hit the scene. They're $7 at the yellow funnel cake stand at the south end of the Midway, and $7 at the Candyland stand near the Midway entrance to Barton Coliseum. Fried What? also offers the Hostess product battered and deep fried across from Gate 5 for $8. The Elephant Ear and Funnel Cake Stand near the center of the Midway charges $8. They're $9 at Granny's Cheesecake and More near Gate 1.
Fries. See French Fries.
Frito chili pie. Frito corn chips, chili, and cheese available for $8 at the yellow-and-red striped Hot Dog and Nachos stand west of Crazy Mouse.
Frozen Lemonade. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick is offering frozen lemonade for $11 for 32 ounces and $20 for 64 ounces - refill not listed. The Cotton Candy stand in front of Crazy Mouse on the Midway offers them for $6 and $9.
NEW! Fruit tea! The Bubble Tea cart near the swings on the Midway has $10 cups of fruit tea in mango, dragonfruit, passion fruit, and strawberry flavors for $10.
Funnel cake sundae. It's back - $15 at the Elephant Ear and Funnel Cake Stand near the center of the Midway.
Gatorade. Get a bottle at the Busch Light Cooking Shack for $5.
Giant pecan rolls on a stick. A more than double sized portion of the traveler's classic, at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $9.
Greek salad. The Gyro fry truck near the south end of the Midway sells these complete with lettuce, olives, Feta, black olives, tomatoes, onions, taziki sauce and your choice of meat for $16.
Gumbo. For the person who wants to make sure to be warm both inside and out as the temperatures drop, this Andouille and shrimp gumbo is from Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $11, or a seafood version for $13.
Gyro fries. Hot French fries topped with gyro meat, feta cheese and cheddar cheese can be found at the Gyro Fry truck near the south end of the Midway for $16.
Gyro platter. A big platter with gyro meat, rice, vegetables and salad is $22 at Paizi's Greek Foods in the Food Court.
Hamburgers. See Burgers.
Horchata. Ormic's Taco King in the Food Court offers the popular Mexican beverage for $5 and $10.
Hot Cheetoes with cheese. Find them at the Candyland stand between the Midway and Barton Coliseum for $6.
Hot Cheetoes chili cheese dog. An all-beef hot dog, topped with chili, cheese, and hot Cheetoes, $8 at the Hot Dogs and Nachos stand (yellow and red striped) to the west of Crazy Mouse.
Hot Chocolate. When the weather is cool, hot chocolate's just right for sipping. It's $3 a cup at the funnel cake stand at the end of the Midway. It's also available in the Hall of Industry at the stand by the front entrance.
Hot dogs. The Hot Dog and Nacho stand (the big yellow and red striped one west of Crazy Mouse) has several different variations on hot dogs, starting with the base all-beef model at $6 and the footlong version for $8. Add chili, cheese, and hot Cheetos for $1 each. They're $6 at the counter just inside the Hall of Industry. $7 for a kid's dog at the black Cheeseburger and Poutine stand by the funhouses midway through the Midway.
Hot Mess Turkey Leg. A smoked, split turkey leg filled with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, tortilla chips, pulled pork, nacho cheese, and jalapenos at H2Que BBQ for $35. Feeds a family.
Hot water corn bread. Rounds of hot, buttery cornbread served on the side for one of the many dinners offered at Cheryl's Famous/Boss Hog's - or you can get a handful on their own for $5.
Hot wings. Boss Hog's does hot wings. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has them for $10.
Ice cream - hand dipped. If you're looking for scoopable ice cream, go to the Hiland Kids Zone in front of the Hall of Industry and get Hiland Dairy pints - vanilla, chocolate, Moose Tracks, chocolate chip cookie dough, butter pecan, and Cookies Overload for $3 a pint. You can also get hand-dipped waffle cones at Dippin' Dots in the Food Court for $8 with vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan or cookies and cream.
Ice cream novelties. Get a chocolate covered vanilla ice cream popsicle, a Nutty Royale sundae cone, or an ice cream sandwich for $2 at the Hiland Dairy stand in front of the Hall of Industry.
Ice cream - soft serve. Two Brothers Concession by the Turkey Leg stand in the middle of the Midway offers soft serve chocolate, vanilla, and swirl ice cream for $5 a small or $6 for a large in a cone or a cup, CASH ONLY. Wonderstick in the Food Court sells ice cream in its iconic J shaped cones for $9. They also have waffle cones for $8 and $6 for a regular cone, $8 for a bowl or $6 for a cup, all in vanilla or chocolate soft-serve. The Elephant Ear and Funnel Cake Stand near the center of the Midway and the Ice Cream stand across from the Big Show Diner both offer soft serve ice cream cones for $6.You can also get your ice cream in a flower cup for $6 at the Ice Cream stand there, or in a waffle cone for $8. A fancy cone will run you $10.
Ice cream sandwiches. Pick up an ice cream sandwich at the Hiland Dairy stand in front of the Hall of Industry for $2.
Iced coffee. The yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway has flavored ice coffee for $5 in hazelnut, coconut, French vanilla, zero sugar French vanilla, cookies and cream, white chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, peppermint mocha, and chocolate flavors.
Iced refreshers. The yellow funnel cake by the south end of the Midway has these flavored waters in strawberry acai, berry chill, pineapple passionfruit, and mango dragonfruit lemonade for $5.
Hot tip (or cold tip): The Lipton Iced Tea Box by the Swine Barn has flavored syrups you can add to your iced tea or hot coffee!
NEW! Icees. The popular carbonated crushed ice drink is available at a special Icee stand at the south end of the Food Court at the top of the hill. Medium is $7, large is $9, color changing is $12, and a sports bottle full is $15. Refills are $6.
Jalapeno poppers. Fried and filled with cream cheese at Fried What? six for $10 with ranch dressing. See also Texas Twinkies.
Kids Meal Specials. The All-American Cafe in the Food Court has a kid's meal with hot dog and fries for $15.
Kool-Aid. H2Que BBQ has red and grape Kool-Aid for $5 a 32 ounce cup - that's cheaper than the squeezed lemonade everywhere around the fairgrounds.
Krazy Fries. An entire plate of fresh-sliced paper-thin skin-on potato slices, covered with bacon and cheese at the All-American Cafe in the Food Court for $15.
Lemonade/Lemon Shake-Ups. Prices around the fair:
Chen's Concessions on the west end of the Food Court has cups for $8 with no additional charge for cherry, blueberry, or strawberry flavor. Refills are $5.
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has 20 ounce cups for $4.
Sip N' Sunshine has lemonade for $5 a medium and $7 a large with dozens of add-in flavors.
Mickey's Grill has lemonade $5 for a regular cup or $8 a large.
The corndog and lemonade stand in front of the Big Show Diner on the Midway has them $5 regular and $9 large with $5 refills and a dollar extra to add strawberry.
The lemon-shaped concessions west of the spinning swings has $6 small and $10 souvenir, with $5 refills and $1 shots of strawberry, cherry, lime, or blue raspberry.
Gator's has fresh squeezed by the cup for $10.
The yellow-and-red striped Hot Dogs and Nacho stand west of Crazy Mouse has 32 ounce cups for $8 and 64 ounce cups for $12, with a $8 refill.
Corky Westmoreland Concessions in front of the Bud Light Pavilion: $9 fresh squeezed in souvenir cup.
Swaim's Pizza on a Stick: $9 for 32 ounces with a $5 refill, $18 for 64 ounces, $2 for added flavors.
The Candyland stand near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has them for $9 for 32 ounces, in a strawberry cup for $10, and $5 for a refill. 64 ounce pails are $18 and 64 ounce tankers are $25, each with a $9 refill.
Limeade. Find it at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick in the Food Court.
NEW! Loaded fries. Brandon Concession on the west side of the Food Court offers a large serving of fries with French fry salt for $10 - to which you can add whatever toppings you like for $2 more, including shredded cheese, nacho cheese, sour cream, chives, pico de gallo, onion straws, jalapenos, broccoli baked pork and beans, garlic parmesan, or chili. Adding ranch dressing or buffalo sauce is $1. You can also add bacon, guacamole or chorizo for $3 and pulled pork, chicken, or carne asada for $6.
Loaded tater tots. Grab a tray for $10 at the Blooming Onion stand near Gate 5.
Lotus Energy. These new energy beverages come in a host of different flavors and are offered by Sip N' Sunshine at the top of the hill on the south end of the Food Court for $8 and $10.
Mac and Cheese. $7 small, $10 large at Cheryl's Famous/Boss Hog's near Gate 5.
Mac and cheese loaded baked potato. Get yours at L and M Concessions in the Food Court.
NEW! Maple bacon cheesecake burger. Okay, this may be too much. They're $17 at the Cheeseburgers and Poutine trailer by the funhouses.
Meatballs. They're offered by Sweet-T's, the Pork Tenderloin stand on the Midway, next to the turkey leg guy. They're $14. That may also be the price for a meatball sandwich.
Meat the Mac. H2Que's epic meal-in-a-cup layers pulled pork barbecue, baked beans and barbecue sauce along with its creamy macaroni and cheese to give you a complete and portable barbecue feast, all in a cup for $13.
Mexican Street Corn Pizza. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick offers this creation, which is kernels of corn, cilantro leaves, and cheese on a homemade white sauce base, for $12 a slice.
Milkshakes. You can find them at Two Brothers Concession at the intersection of the Midway and Marine Hill or at the south end of the Midway fir $7. They're $10 at the ice cream stand across from the Big Show Diner in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Mini pizzas. Personal pan pizzas are available at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick for $15.
Mickey's Grill in the Food Court: $7, or $8 with chili.
Hot Dog and Nachos west of Crazy Mouse: $7; $8 with chili and cheese.
L and M Concession: $8, or $15 for barbecue nachos.
Inside the Hall of Industry: $8.
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner: $8 for cheese, $10 for meat.
Candyland Stand by Barton Coliseum: $8, or a bucket for $10.
Nerds Frozen Lemonade. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick offers this frozen lemon variation for $14 for a 32 ounce cup.
Nutty Royal Cone. A vanilla, peanut, and chocolate ice cream cone novelty offered for $2 at the Hiland booth outside of the Hall of Industry.
Onion rings. A tray will run you $8 at the Blooming Onion stand near Gate 5.
Peach Apple Cobbler Love. Handmade egg rolls filled with peach-apple cobbler. Simple, sweet, easy to eat from Egg Roll Love near Gate 5, $7 each or get them for $5 if you get six or more egg rolls, mix and match.
Pecan brittle. Juanita's lovely praline-like pecan patties are available at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry for $12 a package.
Pecan rolls. The classic automobile travel snack once popularized by Stuckey's and other gas station chains have been refined and are created with fresh pecans by Ozark Candy and Nuts, which sells them in the Hall of Industry - $4 regular or $9 giant.
Pepsi products. The Arkansas State Fair has a contract for Pepsi products, so Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Starry are available site-wide.
Philly steak sandwich. You'll get a bun full of hot beef, sauteed peppers and onions, and Swiss cheese at Gold's Skillet at the corner of the Food Court. You can also get one for $16 at Sweet T's Family Sub Shop at the Boss Hog's at the south end of the Midway or at the Sweet-T's on the Midway by the Turkey Leg Tent.
NEW! Pickle bacon ranch pizza. Served on a white sauce based pie with mozzarella, pickles, and a whole lot of bacon bits, this puckering combination is available by the slice at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick for $12.
Pickles. Lipton Ice Boxes sell them for $4 each. Mickey's Grill has big pickles for sale for $5 each.
Pickle Pops. $2 at the yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway.
Pizza. You can get it by the slice at Swain's Pizza on a Stick - $9 for a big slice of pepperoni or cheese, $12 for pickle pizza, $15 for a stuffed slice and $15 for a bug pizza slice. The pizza stand amidst all the carnival games on the Midway carries slices for $6 for cheese or pepperoni and $7 for specialty - or a whole pie, cheese or one topping for $40 or 3 meat for $45 - once again, the most expensive dish at the entire Arkansas State Fair.
Pizza bread. This is bread similar to cheese sticks, either with just cheese or with pepperoni. $11 at Swaim's Pizza on a Stick.
Pizza on a stick. It's what Swaim's has become known for - big paddles of pizza dough with sauce, cheese and your choice of toppings. Pepperoni sticks are always ready to go, but you can choose your own toppings for an additional wait time. Each stick $18.
Polish Boy eggrolls. Egg Roll Love has these polish sausage and mozzarella filled eggrolls - $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more,
Popcorn. $5 a bag at the Cotton Candy Apple stand on the north end of the Kids Zone. The Cotton Candy stand in front of Crazy Mouse on the Midway offers them for $6 and $8.
Pork tenderloin. The All-American Cafe operated by Bennett Concessions in the Food Court offers a massively huge pork tenderloin on a rather normal sized bun, with fries, for $15.
Pork waffle. You've heard about chicken and waffles, for sure. How about pork waffles? The great folks from Jonesboro's popular H2Que BBQ are serving up a Belgian waffle with pulled pork in the batter, topped with pulled pork and a bourbon-infused syrup on top for an easy to share, slightly messy turn on the classic that's sure to cause lots of commotion on the Midway, for $13.
NEW! Potato on a Stick! An oversized baked potato on a stick for $13 at Brandon Concessions on the west side of the Food Court, with one topping - salt and pepper, malt vinegar, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, or French fry salt. A second topping is $2 more.
Poutine. Authentic poutine - cheese curds over fries covered with gravy, available for $12 a tray at the black Cheeseburger and Poutine stand by the funhouses midway through the Midway.
Praline pecans. Sweet, roasted pecans flavored just like the traditional New Orleans confection, served up by Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry - $12, two for $20, three for $27, four for $36, five for $40.
Pretzels. Get a soft pretzel at the Bud Light Center Stage Pavilion for $6. You can also find them for $6 at the Candyland stand by Barton Coliseum uphill from the Midway, with cheese on them a buck more. Swain's Pizza on a Stick has large, doughy, soft pretzels for $11. Get one with pepperoni for $12.
Quesadillas. At Ormic's Taco King, you can get an oversized tortilla filled with cheese and chicken, beef or pork for $13. Don Elote's Mexican Food by the entrance of Barton Coliseum has chicken and steak quesadillas for $13 each with salsa and sour cream.
NEW! Raspberry Cream Cheese Love. Raspberry couli and sweetened cream cheese in a made-to-order hand-rolled egg roll from Egg Roll Love near Gate 5, $7 each or get them for $5 if you get six or more egg rolls, mix and match.
Rattlesnake Rattlers. L & M Concessions takes corn on the cob, steams it, splits it in four, then dusts and dunks the corn quarters into spice mixes to serve up hot.
Red or Green Chicken Tamales. Don Elote's handmade tamales packed with chicken peppers and cheese are just $3 each. Find them at the little yellow house near the entrance to Barton Coliseum off the Midway.
Red beans and rice. Get a bowl at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $10.
Ribeye steaks. Get a fresh, hot, flame-grilled ribeye at Boss Hog's near Gate 5 with mushrooms for $18.
Ribs. Smoked or fried, you can find them at Boss Hog's near Gate 5. The full rack will run you $38, a half rack is $22, and an order of three bones with fries is $15. Get a full dinner with two sides and hot water cornbread for $15 more. At Sweet-T's Deli Sandwich Shop at the Boss Hog's near the south end of the Midway has whole racks for $35, half for $20, and dinners are $45 and $20.
Rice bowls. Looking for a complete meal that's not bacon-wrapped or deep fried? Paizi's offers golden rice topped with both sauteed and fresh vegetables, your choice of protein and a slather of taziki sauce for $17.
Salted caramel cashews. Fresh cashews with a lovely sweet and salty coating, served up in a cone at Ozark Candy and Nuts in the Hall of Industry - $12, two for $20, three for $27, four for $36, five for $40.
Salted caramel pecans. Same as above, but with pecans - $12, two for $20, three for $27, four for $36, five for $40.
Sausage with onions and peppers. L&M Concession still offers these for $10 on a bun.
Scorpion pizza. Yes, it's still available. A slice at Swain's Pizza on a Stick runs you $16.
Seafood gumbo. Get it at Gator's Cajun Food at the south end of the Food Court for $11 a bowl.
Shaved Ice. $5 a cup at the yellow funnel cake stand near the south end of the Midway - flavors are grape, wedding cake, Tiger's Blood, blue raspberry, pina colada, banana, strawberry, pink bubble gum, blue bubble gum, and sugar-free.
Shrimp fried rice. $17 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court.
Shrimp lo mein. Get yours for $17 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court.
Shrimp on a Stick. Boss Hog's has the Cajun seasoned and battered deep fried shrimp on a stick for $12.
Shrimp pitas. Love gyros but want something lighter? Paizi's has seasoned and seared shrimp served with vegetables in a pita waiting for you for $16.
Salisbury steak. Get it with two sides for lunch or dinner at Miss Anna's in the Big Show Diner, for $22.
Smoked sausage on a stick. You can find a lot of vendors around the fair with smoked sausage, but H2Que's version takes prime sausage and smokes it over hickory for extraordinary flavor for $10.
NEW! S'mores sandwich. A new menu item at Brandon Concessions on the west side of the Food Court. Ask for them - they're on the special secret menu.
NEW! Smothered pork chops. They're one of the many dishes available in the $22 plate lunch, entree and two sides, at Miss Anna's in the Big Show Diner.
Snocones. $5 each at the Cotton Candy Apple stand on the north end of the Kids Zone. Various flavors available - cherry, grape, strawberry, blue raspberry, lime). The Cotton Candy stand in front of Crazy Mouse on the Midway offers them for $7 and $8, with the choice of lime, blue raspberry, and cherry.
Soda prices - bottles (Pepsi products)
Busch Light Cooking Shack: $4
Michener Concession: $4 (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer)
The yellow-and-red striped Hot Dogs and Nacho stand west of Crazy Mouse has 32 ounce cups for $8 and 64 ounce cups for $12, with a $8 refill.
Soda prices - fountain drinks (Pepsi products)
The Wings and Fries stand on the Midway offers a small for $4 with a $2 refill. Regular size is $8 with a $5 refill.
Busch Light Cooking Shack: $4 for 24 ounces (Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper only)
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner: $4 for 20 ounces.
Chen's Concession has soda for $5.
The Icee stand at the top of the hill south of the Food Court is $5 for 32 ounces with $4 refills.
Mickey's Grill has Pepsi products $5 for a regular cup or $8 a large with $5 refills.
Cotton Candy Apple stand in the Kids Zone has souvenir cups for $9, $10 for strawberry cups and $5 for refills.
Soul Food Roll. This egg roll from the Egg Roll Love concession is filled with collard greens, mac and cheese and barbecue chicken. Truly an unusual way to experience these three flavors. $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
NEW! Southwest Chicken Chipotle Egg Roll. Chicken, corn, black beans, and Island sauce all packed in an egg roll at Egg Roll Love near Gate 5, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Spiral spuds. At the Wings and Fries stand on the Midway, they're $8 small, $12 large.
Steak burrito. Don Elote off the Midway near the entrance to Barton Coliseum has them for $13.
Steak sandwich. Traditional breaded beef patty at Miss Anna's at the Big Show Cafe runs $10.
Strawberries and cream. $12 a cup at Don Elote's off the Midway near the entrance of Barton Coliseum.
Strawberry lemonade. Chan's Chinese Foods has strawberry lemonade, $8 for 32 ounces with a $5 refill.
Street corn. Get your shuck on with corn on the cob dipped in crema and rolled in quesa fresca at Don Elote's for $6.
Street Tacos. Three chicken or steak tacos in corn tortillas with onions and cilantro for $11 at Don Elote Mexican Foods near the entrance to Barton Coliseum. You can also get a set of three in al pastor, beef, or chicken with fries for $15 at the Bennett's Concession Gyro trailer at the south end of the Midway.
Stuffed pizza. Get a hearty slice of three meat stuffed pizza at Swain's Pizza on a Stick for $15.
Stuffed smoked turkey leg. H2Que BBQ has them packed with spicy rice or mac and cheese for $25.
Sundaes. They're at the Funnel Cake and Elephant Ear stand near Crazy Mouse and Guest Services for $8. For $10, you can get them at the ice cream stand in front of the Big Show Diner with caramel, hot fudge, or strawberry with whipped cream and sprinkles included.
Sweet and unsweet tea. Cheryl's Famous/Boss Hog's near Gate 5 has the best price, $3 regular and $7 large. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner offers 20 ounce cups for $4. All American Cafe and the Gyro stand near the south end of the Midway offers theirs for $8, with refills for $4. Chen's Concession has tea for $8. And the Lipton Ice Tea Boxes have them $6 for a medium, $8 a large, $4 a refill, or $18 a bucket with a $9 refill, a dollar extra for frozen.
Tacos. Authentic Mexican street tacos can be found at Ormic's Taco King at the heart of the Food Court. They're offered in chicken, beef and pork and are $13 for three tacos plus cilantro, lime and onions. Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner has two crispy tacos for $10.
NEW! The Big Cleveland Egg Roll. A chopped cheesesteak eggroll from Egg Roll Love near Gate 5, $7 for one, $13 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, $30 for five, and $5 each if you get six or more.
Tamales. Don Elote's handmade tamales packed with chicken peppers and cheese are just $3 each. Find them at the little yellow house near the entrance to Barton Coliseum off the Midway.
Twinkie Sundae. The Candyland Elephant Ear stand between the Midway and Barton Coliseum offers this dish for $9.
Vegetable fried rice. A plate is $13 at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court
Vegetable lo mein. Get a plate at Chan's Chinese Foods on the west end of the Food Court for $13.
Veggie pita. Looking for meat-free eats? Paizi's offers its vegetable pita with or without taziki sauce in fresh, pliant pita bread for $13.
Von Brisket BLT. A BLT, but with hickory smoked brisket, $14 from H2Que BBQ.
Waffle Cheeseburger. L and M Concessions offers their burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion with a little syrup drizzle between two waffles. It's $11.
Walking taco. A large snack bag of Dorito's nacho cheese chips with all the fillings you'd expect in a taco -lettuce, sour cream, tomato, sauce and your choice of protein at Ormic's Taco King for $8. Don Elote Mexican Foods offers this as well for $14.
Water. Prices at various stands:
Mickey's Grill in the Food Court: $3 a bottle
Lipton Ice Tea Boxes: $3 a bottle
Cotton Candy Apple stand in the Kids Zone: $3 a bottle
Cheryl's Famous/Boss Hog's near Gate 5: $3 a bottle
Busch Light Cooking Shack - $4 a bottle
Miss Anna's at the Big Show Diner - $4 a bottle
Michener Concession: $4 a bottle
The Cotton Candy stand by Crazy Mouse on the Midway: $4.
Candyland stand - $5 a bottle
Watermelon lemonade. Swaim's Pizza on a Stick carries watermelon flavoring for its lemonade at its stand in the center of the Food Court.
Yams. Cheryl's Famous at Boss Hog's offers sweet candied yams as a side or on their own, $7 or $10.