Getting a “Food-Fix” at the Iowa State Fair

Guest blog by Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern

One of the many features the Iowa State Fair is known for is the delectable food. The food at the fair comes in all shapes and sizes, from deep fried, to bacon wrapped and chocolate dipped! There are 64 options this year that will be served … on a stick! It seems that food on a stick is more fun to eat, or maybe it’s easier to walk and talk with, but it’s quite a hit!

There is something about this greasy goodness that brings people of Iowa together. With over 200 food stands, the vendors at the fair have found a way to incorporate all types of food for all types of tastes.

The food vendors at the fairgrounds will be hosting 16 new foods this year. There will be everything from a new steak wrap at the Cattleman’s tent to deep fried PB & J and apple pie on a stick. A few “must-trys” from the new food list for me are the chocolate dipped strawberries on a stick and the corn in a cup! I will forever have a sweet tooth for a tasty corn dish, so I can only image how this will be! I have shared my favorite scalloped corn recipe below – give it a try!

From back in elementary school, we were all taught the food groups and the importance of eating food from all the categories every day. For a quick review, the food categories are the following: grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and meat and beans. Of course, exercise is included, too, but let’s assume that will come throughout the course of the day as you walk around the fair and check it out!

You would be able to fulfill your grains and meat by eating any sandwich or wrap. Whether you choose a beef brisket sandwich or a gyro, you’ll find yourself with a full stomach! As far as vegetables go, you can pick up some grilled vegetables, or try a salad on a stick. I’d be interested to see how that looks on a stick, but I’m sure they find a way to make the vegetables stay!

As I mentioned above, you can get a fruit serving in your diet by eating the chocolate covered strawberries. An even healthier route would be picking up a fresh fruit cup from one of the vendors. The last food group to fulfill would be some dairy! The Iowa State Fair offers five different types of ice cream, so you can pick whichever you’d prefer! I would have to stick to the original soft serve, but the options are endless. Find a complete list of the food served at the Iowa State Fair here!

The Iowa State Fair brings people together while enjoying the venue and wide variety of food, regardless of your preference. Head to the state fair within the next couple weeks and enjoy it!