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Iowa State Fair food vendors serve thousands of treats as voting ends

Iowa State Fair Food Vendors Dish Out Thousands of Treats Amid Final Voting Frenzy

The Iowa State Fair, a beloved annual tradition drawing massive crowds to Des Moines, is once again proving its status as a culinary hotspot where innovation meets indulgence. As the fair enters its final stretch, food vendors are working overtime to serve up thousands of delectable treats, from classic corn dogs to inventive new creations, all while the highly anticipated voting for the People's Choice Best New Food award wraps up. This year's fair, which runs through August 18, has seen an explosion of activity at food stands, with vendors reporting record-breaking sales and lines that snake around the grounds, testament to the fair's enduring appeal as a feast for the senses.

At the heart of the excitement is the competition for the best new food item, a contest that pits creative vendors against one another in a bid to capture the hearts—and taste buds—of fairgoers. Voting, which began when the fair opened on August 8, allows attendees to cast their ballots for their favorite novel treats via the official Iowa State Fair app or at designated stations. As the deadline approaches, the buzz is palpable, with three standout finalists emerging from a field of innovative entries. These include the Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll, a crispy wrapper stuffed with ground beef, cheese, bacon, and pickles, served with a side of burger sauce; the Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll, a smoked brisket and bacon concoction wrapped in a flaky pastry and topped with a sweet barbecue glaze; and the Lobster Corn Dog, a luxurious twist on the fair staple featuring lobster tail dipped in cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection, accompanied by a lemon aioli dipping sauce. Each of these items represents the fair's spirit of blending traditional Midwest flavors with bold, unexpected twists, and vendors are pulling out all the stops to promote them.

One vendor, representing the team behind the Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll, described the chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere. "We've been non-stop since day one," they shared, noting that their stand alone has dished out over 5,000 eggrolls in the first week, with demand showing no signs of slowing. The preparation process is a well-oiled machine: fresh ingredients are sourced daily, with teams assembling the rolls on-site to ensure maximum freshness. Fairgoers rave about the satisfying crunch and the explosion of flavors, often comparing it to a portable version of their favorite diner meal. Similarly, the creators of the Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll emphasize the local sourcing of their brisket, smoked for hours over hickory wood to achieve that authentic Iowa barbecue taste. "It's all about celebrating what makes Iowa great—our farms, our meats, and our love for hearty food," one vendor explained. They've reported serving upwards of 3,000 rolls per day, with lines forming as early as 9 a.m. when the fair gates open.

Not to be outdone, the Lobster Corn Dog has brought a touch of coastal elegance to the heartland, surprising many with its upscale appeal at a fair known for deep-fried delights. Vendors highlight the challenge of frying lobster just right to maintain its tender texture, and the item has become a social media sensation, with attendees posting photos and reviews that drive even more traffic. "People come from all over the Midwest just to try it," a stand operator noted, estimating they've gone through thousands of lobster tails already. The voting process has amplified the competition, encouraging fairgoers to sample multiple items before deciding, which in turn boosts overall food sales across the fairgrounds.

Beyond the finalists, the fair's food scene is a sprawling wonderland of options that cater to every palate. Classic favorites like the foot-long corn dogs, funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and turkey legs the size of small clubs continue to draw crowds, with vendors collectively serving tens of thousands of these staples daily. One long-time corn dog purveyor reported frying up more than 10,000 dogs in a single weekend, attributing the surge to the fair's family-friendly vibe and the nostalgia factor. Sweet tooths are equally satisfied with offerings like deep-fried Oreos, cotton candy clouds, and massive caramel apples, while health-conscious visitors opt for fresh-squeezed lemonade or salads from local produce stands. The diversity extends to international flavors, with gyros, tacos, and even Asian-inspired bao buns making appearances, reflecting the fair's evolution to include global influences while staying true to its agricultural roots.

The sheer volume of food being served underscores the logistical marvel of the Iowa State Fair. With over a million visitors expected this year, vendors prepare for the onslaught by stocking up on supplies weeks in advance. Trucks laden with cornmeal, batter mixes, and fresh meats arrive daily, and teams of workers—often family-run operations—rotate shifts to keep the stands operational from morning till night. Safety and quality are paramount, with health inspections ensuring that all treats meet stringent standards, even as the pace remains frenetic. Fairgoers, many of whom plan their visits around meal times, contribute to the lively atmosphere, sharing laughs over sticky fingers and debating their votes with friends and family.

As voting concludes, anticipation builds for the announcement of the People's Choice winner, which will be revealed soon after the polls close. Past winners, like the cookie dough spaghetti or the deep-fried rib sandwich, have gone on to become fair legends, often returning in subsequent years due to popular demand. This year's contest not only highlights culinary creativity but also boosts the local economy, with vendors reinvesting profits into their businesses and communities. For many, the food is more than just sustenance—it's a cultural touchstone that embodies the joy, community, and excess of the Iowa State Fair.

In the midst of all this, stories from attendees add a personal touch. Families recount traditions of splitting a new food item each year, while first-timers express wide-eyed wonder at the sheer variety. One group of friends from out of state made it a point to try all three finalists, ultimately casting votes based on a heated debate over texture versus flavor innovation. Vendors, too, share in the camaraderie, often collaborating behind the scenes to share tips on crowd management or ingredient sourcing. The fair's food vendors, through their tireless efforts, serve as the unsung heroes, turning simple ingredients into memorable experiences that keep people coming back year after year.

As the fair winds down, the legacy of this year's food frenzy will linger, with winners basking in glory and all participants proud of their contributions. Whether it's the thrill of discovery in a new treat or the comfort of an old favorite, the Iowa State Fair's food scene continues to captivate, proving that in Iowa, food is more than a meal—it's an event. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full KCCI Des Moines Article at:
[ https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-state-fair-food-vendors-serve-thousands-of-treats-as-voting-ends/65773839 ]