Fair time is just around the corner, and with it comes a new selection of fair foods to try.
The Ohio State Fair takes place July 29 through Aug. 9 this year at 717 E. 17 Ave. More than 15 new vendors are on this year’s lineup.
“Every year, concessionaires challenge themselves to push the boundaries of fair food while honoring the classics people love,” Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, said in a statement. “This summer’s lineup is spectacular — mixing decadent, over-the-top sweets with bold global flavors. There is truly something incredible for everyone to discover.”
On Thursday, July 30 and Aug. 6, participating vendors at the fair will offer smaller portions of a signature menu item for $3, giving customers a chance to sample different foods.
This year’s new food items include:
Biscoff Cookie Butter Frozen Cheesecake from Polar Bear Concessions
New York cheesecake on a stick dunked in homemade cookie butter and rolled in crushed Biscoff cookies.
Blueberry Pie Bingsu from Backdraft Brews & Bites
A Korean-inspired shaved ice dessert layered with blueberry pie filling, graham cracker crumbs, and sweet condensed coconut milk.
Catfish on a Stick from Daisy’s Fish Shack (found in the new Ohio Showcase Building Food Hall)
Catfish pieces skewered and fried, served with classic Southern sides and Kool-Aid.
Caribbean Jerk Cheesecake from Marlow’s Cheesesteaks (found in the new Ohio Showcase Building Food Hall)
Chopped chicken breast tossed in jerk sauce with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and hot peppers, served on an Amoroso roll.
Churro Korean Corn Dog from Miller & Company Concessions
The Corn Dogs come in many different flavors, including mozzarella cheese rolled in cinnamon sugar and batter.
Cracker Jack Sundae from North American Food Service
Vanilla ice cream with caramel, peanuts, popcorn, and M&Ms in a sundae.
Deep Fried Birria Taco from Jim’s Deep Fried Tacos
Shredded birria beef and melted Mexican cheese in a tortilla, dipped in beer batter. It comes with consommé for dipping.
Dill Pickle Cashews and Dill Pickle Pistachios from The Nut Shack
Roasted nuts tossed in dill pickle seasoning.
Dirty Lemonade from Prowant Specialty Company
Lemonade swirled with vanilla sweet cream. It can come wth peach, strawberry, or blue raspberry flavoring.
Dirty Sodas and Dirty Alanis from The Thirsty Soda
Customizable sodas and Alanis with flavored syrups and creamy toppers.
Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Lordy’s Elephant Ears
Strawberries drizzled with pistachio cream, Belgian chocolate, and roasted kadaifi sprinkled throughout.
Fluffer Nutter Funnel Cake from Prowant Specialty
Funnel cake topped with marshmallow and Reese’s peanut butter sauce.
Freedom Fries from Fork’et Me Not
Fries topped with house cheese sauce, served with a choice of fried chicken or shrimp, barbecue ranch, bacon, and fried onions.
Fresh Dipped Ice Cream Bar from Maggie’s Concessions
An ice cream dip (chocolate, peanut butter, cherry, caramel, or white chocolate) rolled in toppings like crushed candy or cookies.
Hot Blue Takis Fries from Prowant Specialty
French fries smothered in cheddar cheese sauce with dust from Blue Heat Takis on top.
Inside Out Buckeye from The Cookie Jar
A fried chocolate cream Oreo wrapped in peanut butter batter and topped with chocolate icing, peanut butter frosting, and crumbles.
Lemonade Floats from Rutana Concessions
Lemonade with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Matcha Lemonade from GH Concessions
Lemonade paired with matcha green tea and topped with sweet cream.
Nitro Frozen Lemonade from Miller & Company Concession
Nitrogen-infused lemonade. The nitrogen gas creates a smooth texture, similar to a draft beverage.
Nutella Pocket from Lad’s Management
A deep-fried pocket loaded with Nutella, peanut butter, and chocolate sauce.
Pick Me Hot Chicken Pizza from GH Concessions
Pizza dough topped with mozzarella cheese, chicken, pickles, and sriracha. Once cooked, it’s topped with a drizzle of honey.
Pork Belly in a Cone from Mr. Pork Belly
Fried pork belly served in a cone with a selection of sauces.
Spam Musubi from Kama’aina Grill
Grilled spam glazed in a sweet sauce and pressed onto a block of seasoned rice with a strip of nori.
Star-Berry Cobbler Funnel Cake from GH Concessions
Funnel cake topped with strawberries, blueberries, cream cheese icing, and honey granola.
Tanghulu from Fresh Fruit Candy
Juicy fruit skewered and coated in a caramelized sugar shell.
Tex-Mex Float from Ohio Dots
Dr. Pepper-flavored Dippin’ Dots paired with creamy horchata.
Velvet Cream Fair-Exclusive Flavor (Found in Dairy Building and Taste of Ohio Café)
Star Spangled Swirl is a throwback to the classic rocket pop and features tart cherry, zesty lime, and sweet blue raspberry.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, the longest-running vendor at the fair, is offering an exclusive cream puff flavor for the fourth year in a row. This year’s featured flavor is Root Beer.
The Ohio State Fair takes place between July 29 and Aug. 9.
More information about the fair can be found at ohiostatefair.com.
Dining and Cooking