Fair Frenzy 2026: Hits, Misses, and Middling Moments in State Fair Eats

A witty, totals-style verdict on 36 official new foods and eight new vendors at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, using Scarf!, Shrug, and Skip to rank each item. Highlights include standout picks like Apple Fries from Minnesota's Original Apple Fries, the Peri-Peri Bowl from Afro Deli & Grill, and the Hmong Corndog from Union Hmong Kitchen, plus the When Pigs Fly sausage flight as top contenders; major misses include Sligo Slider Bites, the Dubai Whoopie Pie, and several overpriced or underwhelming offerings. The review notes long lines, bold flavors, gimmicks, and mixed success across fried, spicy, sweet and savory items, ending with a notorious Pickle Pie and offering a definitive guide to what’s worth chasing at the fair.