Eight new fair foods compete for Golden Spork at 2026 Wisconsin State Fair
By Dairyland Sentinel Staff
The Wisconsin State Fair has announced the finalists for its 2026 Sporkies competition, highlighting eight new food creations set to debut at this year’s event.
The annual contest, which showcases new and innovative fair foods, narrowed a field of more than 50 entries down to eight finalists. Four beverage finalists were also selected as part of the Drinkies competition.
All finalist items will be available for purchase during the fair, scheduled for Aug. 6-16, allowing attendees to sample entries before winners are announced.
Among the 2026 Sporkies finalists are a mix of traditional comfort food and unconventional combinations, including:
- Alligator Cajun Mac & Cheese Sundae
- Badger Mary Funnel Cake
- Bavarian Cream Bug Donut
- Brisket Cheese Curd Taco “Rodeo”
- Caramel Apple Waffle On-a-Stick
- Cerveza Mac & Cheese Chili Supreme
- Chicken N’ Waffle Jerky
- Country Fried Burger with Fried Onions & Gravy
- Crab Rangoon Tacos
- Deep-Fried Tequila Donut Shots
The Sporkies competition is designed to highlight “next-level” fair foods and creative culinary concepts, often blending classic Wisconsin flavors with new formats and presentations.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges on Aug. 4, earning the Golden Spork award and recognition that often drives strong demand for winning items throughout the fair.
The Sporkies have become a centerpiece of the fair’s food programming, helping vendors showcase new menu items while giving fairgoers a chance to sample experimental dishes alongside traditional staples.
Past winners include items such as deep-fried lemonade bites and ube butter banana French toast lumpia, reflecting the competition’s focus on both novelty and indulgence.
