Where can you find 80 foods on a stick, 65 new beverage premieres, and over 300 food vendors offering mouthwatering fare? Well, the Minnesota State Fair, of course! 

The fair will run from August 24 to September 4, in 2023, and this year’s tasty treats include a few you just can’t miss out on. 

So, pack a bag for Saint Paul! I should warn you, if you are remotely hungry, this could be a dangerous read…

Fun Fair Food Combinations

This year’s new foods are all about combining some of our favorites into one, new dish. Have you ever had a bacon-wrapped hot dog? OK, but did it come wrapped in a waffle? The Nordic Waffle’s Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog is about to soothe a craving you didn’t even know you had.

Most fairs have cotton candy, right? But have you ever had your cotton candy gently placed on an ice-cold beverage? Spinning Wylde will feature “Cloud Coolers” with three unique flavors. With the cotton candy spun around its straw, thirsty fair-goers can select from three yummy flavors: 1. Summer Strawberry – strawberry lemonade topped with strawberry fields cotton candy; 2. Happy Huckleberry – huckleberry lemonade topped with blackberry jam cotton candy; and 3. Flower Power – violet lemonade topped with lavender love cotton candy.

If you haven’t had your fill of fun combos, stop by Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos stand for the Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Taco! That’s not just a mouthful to say, but a mouthful of yum, too! 

Still got the munchies? Try Oodles of Noodles’ Fried Butternut Squash Ravioli. You won’t need a fork for this “pasta,” since it comes deep-fried with a butternut squash filling, all sprinkled with maple cinnamon sugar and served with a side of whipped ricotta. Or maybe some Lobster Loaded Fries courtesy of Cafe Caribe will fill you up?

Are you still hungry!?

If you’ve still got room in your belly, hit up the Minnesota Farmers’ Union Coffee Shop for a Fried Green Tomato, but on a sandwich, with a BLT! Even vegetarians can enjoy this treat by swapping the bacon for charred, sweet corn relish! 

Thirst-Quenching Beverages

There will be 69 new beverages debuting at the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” this year. They’ll be a part of over 300 brews and beverages offered up at the 2023 fair. From a Blue Hawaiian (think Pina colada but blue), to the Italian Bellini made with freshly pureed peaches, this year’s fair drinks are not to be missed.

Craving a PB&J? Head for Round Lake Vineyards & Winery booth to try PB&J Hard Honey! Made with fermented honey, Minnesota grapes, fresh roasted peanuts, and Minnesota-filtered water, this six percent ABV carbonated liquid isn’t quite the sandwich your parents used to make!

Craft beer enjoyers won’t be disappointed either! This year’s Minnesota Fair will also feature Lupulin Brewing Company’s “Vacation Mullet.” A “tropical hazy IPA” has a smooth body and notes of coconut, pineapple, and mandarin orange!

Fun for the Whole Family

In addition to attractions, rides, games, 900 shows, and free, live music, there will be something for every age at this year’s state fair. For more on purchasing tickets to the Minnesota State Fair, visit the website at https://www.mnstatefair.org/tickets/.  

*Photos courtesy of www.mnstatefair.org.