When the State Fair of Texas opens on September 27, people will head straight for the rides, the Midway, the butter sculpture, and more. But one thing is mandatory: getting a belly full of Texas-fried goodness and elaborately sweet concoctions.
To decide what great creations will tempt us, the fair has held the Big Tex Choice Awards each year since 2005. Concessionaires fry up increasingly creative—and sometimes unbelievable—offerings for a chance to become a finalist in the competition. Past winners have included everything from Fried Jell-O to a Smoky Bacon Margarita to an entire Fried Thanksgiving Dinner (that was in 2013, and we’re still happily digesting ours).
Now the 2024 Big Tex Choice Awards finalists have been announced. Here’s a look at what could be waiting for you when you step through the turnstiles September 27 to October 20. All photos are courtesy of the State Fair of Texas:
2024 Savory Finalists
Dominican Fritura Dog
by Justin Martinez
The Drowning Taquitos
by Tony & Terry Bednar
Hippie Chips
by Rose and Tom Deschenes
Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers
by Palmer & Amanda Fortune
Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs
by Nick and Vera Bert
2024 Sweet Finalists
Nevins Nutty Bar-laska
by Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes
Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick
by Isaac Rousso
Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignettfle
by Justin Martinez
Texas Sugar Rush Pickles
by Heather Perkins
Tropical Two-Step Punch
by Binh Tran
To learn the whole scoop about all the finalists, go to the State Fair web page here.
You can also enter the Ultimate Fair Foodie Giveaway for a chance to win two VIP tickets to the Big Texas Choice Awards Event; two season passes to the 2024 State Fair of Texas; and $100 in food and Midway coupons. To enter, text KARBACH to 877-724-4839.
Now excuse us—we’re racing to Fair Park to get in line for the Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick.
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