Sure, the Iowa State Fair is packed with thrills—giant slide rides, blue-ribbon livestock, butter sculptures that somehow look like actual people—but if we’re being honest, most of us walk through those gates with one goal in mind: eat everything in sight.
The fair is a foodie’s playground, and it’s not just about what you eat—it’s how you eat it. Deep-fried, on a stick, smothered in frosting, or dripping with butter… this is not the time to be counting calories.
Classics That Never Let Us Down
Every fairgoer has their “must-have” list. Maybe you’re a corn dog loyalist, grabbing one before you’ve even made it past the first food stand. Or perhaps you swear by the pork chop on a stick—perfectly seasoned, perfectly portable, and perfectly Iowa. Don’t forget the warm, sugary mini donuts that somehow taste even better when eaten while people-watching from the various building steps.
The New Creations We Pretend Are ‘For the Experience’
Every year, the fair unveils a lineup of new foods that make you question both culinary science and human imagination. Bacon-wrapped everything? Fried candy bars? Don’t knock them until you’ve tried them. These wildcards are half the fun—you might discover a new favorite or at least get a great story (and a few sticky fingers) out of it.
Sweet Treats for the Win
No matter how many savory snacks you’ve devoured, there’s always room for dessert at the Iowa State Fair. Maybe it’s a towering ice cream cone from the dairy barn, a slab of fresh pie from the church stand, or that iconic deep-fried Oreos moment. And if you don’t leave with powdered sugar on your shirt, did you even go to the fair?
It’s Not Just Food—It’s Tradition
For many of us, these fair flavors are tied to memories. That first time you braved a turkey leg bigger than your head. The smell of kettle corn drifting through the evening air. Sharing a funnel cake with your kids, just like your parents did with you. The Iowa State Fair isn’t just about the food—it’s about the joy that comes with it.
So, while the rides, animals, and entertainment are all part of the magic, let’s be real: when we’re talking about the Iowa State Fair, we’re really talking about what we’re eating first. See you in line for the corn dogs.
If you missed any of our past posts, you can read them here, and don’t forget to look out for next week's blog post; From Yes to I Do: How to Include Custom Drinks in Your Big Day.
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