New flavors abound at the Utah State Fair Sept. 5-15

Food! The most anticipated part of the Utah State Fair. Where else can you get deep fried Oreo cookies, stuffed churros and miles and miles of funnel cake? You can almost feel that sweet, liquid gold coursing through your veins. Head to the fair Sept. 5-15 to get your belly fill of favorites and some new flavors. Don’t think a fried Twinkie could be topped? As a true Utahn, it’s practically your duty to find out.

Can you call it a day without eating cotton candy at least once? Photo courtesy Utah State Fair.

Sweet treats

It’s OK to admit it — you go for the sugar bombs. No fair would be complete without the sweet scent of treats wafting through the air. We’re talking deep-fried candy bars, cheesecake and cookies. Cotton candy and candy apples. Caramel apples and caramel corn. 

Utah favorites will be back, along with some new delectables. Vendors are coming from across the country to participate, including a popular one from the Minnesota State Fair. They’re bringing both Dole Whip and a tasty selection of fried donut flavors.

Savory stuff

While nearly all fair food is extravagant, it isn’t all sweet. Visit the state fair to try some savory creations, too. If you want to fool yourself into thinking you’re eating something healthier — just a little bit — dig into The Pie’s Hot Beef Sundae, similar to a dish first served at the Iowa State Fair. It looks like an ice cream sundae, but instead you dig into mashed potatoes, hot beef and gravy, with a cherry tomato on top. Not a bad compromise.

Sweet or savory food, eat in whatever order you want when you're at the Fair. Photo courtesy Utah State Fair.

New kids in town

The Utah State Fair likes to shake things up when it comes to food choices; several new vendors and their unique takes will be at the Fairpark for 2024.

Think fries couldn’t get any more interesting? Then you’ll need to stop by Twister Fries for a spiralized potato on a stick — or maybe even the funeral potato twister. Make a stop at Spam, too, where you can pick up Spam fries. Or try the Spam musubi, a Spam-alicious sushi-style snack doused in teriyaki sauce.

For six years, Utah sandwich fans have clamored for vendor Grinders to attend. Their efforts paid off. Grinders, known all over the West for its thick cut meats and bread rolls, will be there for 2024. Among other new vendor offerings are pizza cones and corn creations.

Local faves

If you’re just craving the familiar, visit the brick and mortar food court at the Fairpark for popular local vendors including Fizz, J. Dawgs, Mr. Charlie’s Chicken and Leatherby’s Family Creamery. But they might tempt you with a special, fair-only menu item.

Of course, there will be plenty of the most popular fair foods available, such as corn dogs and elephant ears (fried bread). You can also try new twists on old favorites such as savory funnel cakes, with toppings such as hot jalapenos and cheddar cheese.

Get your fill of sweet smells at the Fair. Photo courtesy Utah State Fair.

App-etizers

Get a complete listing of all the foods that will be available during the event on the free Utah State Fair app. A map will show you where the vendors are located, so you can make a beeline to your No. 1 spot when you arrive, or plan your snack breaks as you make your way around the exhibits.

Fair meal deal

With all the enticing smells and sizzling sounds, it’s understandable that you’ll want to try it all. But, admittedly, fair food can get expensive. Get the most bang for your buck with the $10 meal deal promo. Every vendor will have at least one $10 meal that includes a main item, a side and a drink. It’s one way fair organizers hope to make the smorgasbord a little more accessible to everyone in the community.

Food Fight

Food fight! Yes, the Utah State Fair is promoting a food fight, but for this one, you won’t end up with mashed potatoes in your hair. Instead, it goes directly into your mouth. 

For $20, you can try specific menu items from up to four participating vendors; download the fair app to see which ones are included. It’s a smaller portion than regular menu items — you don’t want to get overstuffed, after all.

Once you’ve tried everything, vote for your favorites on the app. The winner gets bragging rights, and maybe a trophy to proudly display during the fair. There will be a separate competition for both the salty and sweet foods, because it’s too hard to choose between the two.

The Fair Food Fight takes place Sept. 5, 6 and 7. But if you don’t make it to the fair the first weekend? No problem, you can hold your own contest. Menu items that were included will still be available for just $5 each. A full-size version will also be available at the regular price.

Bring friends so you can share a bit of everything. Photo courtesy Utah State Fair.

Ice Cream Festival

The annual event is back for 2024 with some new ice cream flavors from local creamers. Utah grocer Rancho Markets, for example, uses fun ingredients such as lychee. Brought to you by Utah dairy farmers and sponsored by Unbottled, the event will include a Creamie eating contest and some dairy trivia.

When: Monday, Sept. 9

Time: 3 p.m.

Where: Market Building

Beef Feast

The Utah Beef Council Feast is one of the most popular food events at the Utah State Fair. Grill masters cook up some of the tenderest tenderloin steak sandwiches you’ll ever have. Even if you’re not usually a big fan of beef, you probably will be after eating one of these. Lines are typically long, so get there before your tummy is grumbling too loudly.

When: Friday, Sept. 13

Time: 11 a.m. until the food is gone

Where: Market Building

Cost: $12 (cash only)

Let’s eat!

There’s plenty to experience at the Utah State Fair: concerts, exhibits, rodeos and monster truck shows. But it just wouldn’t be the same without feasting on the grub you can’t get anywhere else. Gear up your gut and get ready for a gastronomic extravaganza.

 “We know what people really come to the fair for,” said Jamie Burns, fair food and beverage manager. “It’s the food! We’ve waited a whole year for this. It’s chow time.”