We celebrate National State Fair Food Day on July 11. There is much to love about state fairs—the rides, competitions, stalls, and the best part, food! While nothing beats attending a state fair, sometimes we just want to enjoy all the great food without waiting in lines with crowds of people. Instead, why not order state fair food online, prepare simple recipes, and enjoy fried and delicious food straight out of the oven?
History of National State Fair Food Day
State fairs are a summer staple. Taking place once a year, people flock to the fairgrounds to enjoy the stalls, livestock, rides, and gifts. But let’s be honest, it’s all about the fried and delicious food, on sticks, and otherwise. The food is memorable and we look forward to enjoying it again all year long. Some of the best state foods include corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes, deep-fried cookies, cheese on a stick, and chicken wings.
The first U.S. state fair was held in Syracuse, New York in 1841, and has been running successfully every year since. The second state fair was in Detroit, Michigan, which ran annually from 1849 to 2009.
Originally, state fairs were a display and celebration of the country’s agriculture; the produce, crops, and the growers who worked dedicatedly to cultivate a successful harvest. It highlighted the agricultural pride of each state, its local vendors, and regional foodways. As the structure of the country gradually shifted from agrarian to industrial, state fairs evolved to include music, amusement rides, games, and more industrial products.
But why wait for the state fair every year when you can enjoy the mouthwatering state fair food at home? There are various online services have you covered with everything you’ll need—from supplies to ingredients, for recreating foods-on-a-stick, cultural dishes, over-the-top desserts, and more.
National State Fair Food Day timeline
The ancient Lascaux caves in France are used to provide accommodation for other tribes.
State fairs are organized to display and promote state agriculture, livestock, and farm products.
As societies shift from agrarian to industrial, modern state fairs expand with the addition of amusement rides, exhibitions of industrial products, entertainment, and more.
Food Service Direct sponsors National State Fair Food Day, which includes a survey, and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
2022 State Fair Food Index
National State Fair Food Day FAQs
What is the most popular state fair food?
Some of the most popular state fair foods are deep-fried Oreos, fried chicken in a waffle cone, deep-fried Snickers bars, pizza cones, and cotton candy.
What is a state fair?
A state fair is an annual display of the best of a state’s local produce and products, as well as a recreational gathering for people in the U.S.
What is the most popular state fair?
The State Fair of Texas attracts a staggering 2.25 million visitors every year, making it the largest state fair in the country.
How To Celebrate National State Fair Food Day
Order your favorite state fair foods
Head over to any one of the online stores dedicated to the service. Browse and order from their large variety of state fair foods.
Try new recipes
Recreate state fair foods by following different recipes. You won’t miss out on anything!
Host a state fair party
Invite your friends and family to a backyard state fair gathering. Include your favorite state fair food on the menu, and include games and other activities.
5 State Fair Foods You Can Easily Make At Home
Corn dogs
Corn dogs on a stick can easily be made at home, and our pro-tip is to dunk the dogs in a tall jar full of batter for an even coating.
No-fry fried ice cream
Enjoy the great taste with a crispy cinnamon coating, minus the oily mess.
Deep-fried cookies
A true indulgence that is a hit with kids especially.
Turkey legs
The best marinade for turkey legs or any other state fair meat dish is available at Food Service Direct.
State fair lemonade
Sip on this thirst-quenching beverage, close your eyes, and imagine you’re at the state fair.
Why We Love National State Fair Food Day
For the love of food
We at National Today love food holidays best. And if it is a day that celebrates countless well-loved dishes? We just can’t contain our excitement.
Bringing state fair food to your kitchen
Why not enjoy great state fair food in the comfort of your home without having to stand in sweltering temperatures and long queues. We are all for it.
Services making life easier
There are food services dedicated to making the distribution of food easier for home cooks, chefs, food vendors, manufacturers, and event planners. With everything you could possibly need for creating culinary delights, what’s not to love?
National State Fair Food Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 11 | Friday |
| 2026 | July 11 | Saturday |
| 2027 | July 11 | Sunday |
| 2028 | July 11 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | July 11 | Wednesday |
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