What crazy food is the Kansas State Fair cooking up this year? A guide to fair dining
It wouldn’t be the Kansas State Fair if food vendors didn’t try to outdo each other — and themselves — by coming up with off-the-wall, deep-fried and otherwise ridiculous food inventions.
Not to worry: Vendors at the 2022 Kansas State Fair are up to the challenge and are promising a wacky-as-ever lineup.
Here is a list of some of the crazy foods worth searching out at this year’s fair, which runs Friday through Sept. 18 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson — plus all the information you’ll need to eat and drink your way through the event.
Crazy fair foods
OMG chicken sandwich, Chicken City, Ft. Riley Boulevard: This calorie bomb features a chicken breast that’s been dredged in cereal, fried, topped with bacon and syrup and served with doughnuts for buns. Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the invention is so amazing that at the recent Nebraska State Fair, where it was also served, comedian Jeff Dunham broke his vegan diet just to try it.
Burnt ends two ways, The Original Beer Garden, Grandstand Avenue: The new owner of this longtime fair stand plans to make the most out of burnt ends this year and will be offering them not only as a garnish on a burger but also on top of fries.
Waffle cheese curds, The Original Beer Garden, Grandstand Avenue: Why eat regular cheese curds when you can get them dipped in waffle batter, fried and serve them with hot honey? This vendor dares to kick a State Fair favorite up several notches.
Fried pumpkin pie, Brackett Cookie Dough, Fort Riley Boulevard: This sweet treat features pumpkin pie filling dipped in batter, fried into balls then topped with whipped cream.
The return of Saltwater Taffy
The longtime saltwater taffy vendor that used to set up outside the Meadowlark Building wasn’t at the fair last year, and many fans missed it. But a new vendor called Sandy’s Candy will be at the fair this year and will bring saltwater taffy back. It’ll also sell things like licorice, homemade brittle and even sugar-free candy.
New Cottonwood Court vendor
The main air-conditioned dining hall on the fairgrounds — the one that houses the famous chicken noodles and taco vendors — has a new tenant this year. Corky’s has not returned but will be replaced by a vendor called Sponge Rob’s, which will serve food geared toward kids’ picky palates.
Pronto Pup Eating Contest
Nothing says “state fair” like watching competitors choke down as many Pronto Pups as they can as fast as they can. The third annual Pronto Pup Eating Contest takes place at noon Sept. 18 at the Peoples Bank and Trust Arena on the fairgrounds.
Tasty Tuesday
Food fans who visit the fair on Tuesday will be able to find $2 food samples at participating vendors. Fliers listing the options will be available at the gate.
Drinks to go
Until now, people who ordered beer or wine at the Kansas State Fair were required to finish their drinks in designated beer gardens. But thanks to a new law, that’s changed. This year, people will be able to stroll the grounds with adult beverages in hand, though there are a few places that are off limits: 4-H Centennial Hall, the Domestic Arts Building, the Oz Gallery, the Education Center, the Pride of Kansas building and the administration building.
For more information
Visit www.kansasstatefair.com
This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 11:52 AM.
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