Hungry? How 'bout a Chicken-n-Waffle Cone? Check out State Fair's "Sporkies" finalists!
WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- The Wisconsin State Fair has announced the eight finalists for "The Sporkies" -- the fair's second annual food competition!
The eight finalists have been selected from over 30 entries -- and a panel of celebrity judges will choose the recipients of three Golden Spork Awards.
Golden Spork winners’ stands will be marked with large banners and all vendors who entered will feature a poster at their Fair location(s).
All food items entered will also be available for purchase during this year’s Wisconsin State Fair -- Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 10.
The second annual Sporkies Competition has again promoted creativity and ingenuity among fair food vendors, who were encouraged to add some flair and pizzazz to their entries.
To be considered for the competition, vendors were required to submit a new food item as well as a detailed description, ingredient list and photos.
The eight finalists are as follows:
Peanut Butter Bacon Bison Burger by Exotic Meat Grill
1/3 lb. Bison Patty topped with pit smoked bacon and creamy peanut butter, served on Texas Toast.
Bacon Wrapped Cherrywood Smoked Pork Belly by Saz's Ribs
Saz’s Cherrywood Smoked Pork Belly wrapped in bacon and glazed with Maple BBQ Sauce. Of course, it wouldn’t be State Fair if it wasn’t deep fried and served on a stick.
Chicken-n-Waffle Cone by Water Street Brewery
Homemade Rosemary Cornmeal Waffle Cone filled with layers of creamy Bleu Cheese Coleslaw, Cajun Buttermilk marinated and battered Fried Chicken and Water Street Brewery Honey Lager Maple Syrup. Topped with Water Street Brewery Oktoberfest Beer Candied Bacon.
Deep Fried Maple Bacon Cookie Dough by Emma's Cookie Kitchen
Lightly sweetened Cinnamon and Oat Cookie Dough tossed with Bacon. Deep fried in a Pastry Wrapper and topped with a Maple Glaze and dusted with Powdered Sugar and sprinkled with more Bacon!
Dolce Panino (Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich) by La Coppa Gelato
Move aside, PB&J, the Italians have one-upped you. Salty meets sweet in this extraordinary delicious dessert sandwich; our crunchy peanut butter gelato laced with peanuts is perfectly paired with tangy grape sorbet. Sandwiched in between is soft, fresh vanilla cake kissed with jelly and topped off with La Coppa’s secret silky smooth frosting laced with crunchy peanuts.
Grannie Smith Caramel Apple Shake by Flavorburst Ice Cream
Real Dairy Soft Serve mixed with Green Apple Flavorburst and Caramel Sauce. Our shakes are thick and rich.
Loaded Twister Dog by Water Street Brewery
Spiral cut Potato wrapped around an all Beef Hot dog and deep fried. Topped with Jalapeno Pale Ale Cheese Whiz, May and Sriracha Ketchup. Sprinkled with Water Street Brewery Oktoberfest Beer Candied Bacon Bits and served on a stick.
Lulu's Caribbean Crepes by Tropics at the Fair
Light as a feather crepes rolled up and filled with a sweet cream cheese and tropical fruit filling. Dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate.
New this year, the final judging and presentation of The Golden Spork Award for each of the three categories will be open to the public.
Judging will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29 at the Bank Mutual Amphitheater at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
The celebrity judges will taste, deliberate and eventually choose winners in each of the following categories: “Best Tasting,” “Most Creative” and “Grand Champion.”
The judging panel will be moderated by “Wisconsin Foodie” host, all-around food aficionado and emcee Kyle Cherek.
The Sporkies celebrity judges are:
Also new this year, fair guests are encouraged to participate in the judging during the fair by sampling all of The Sporkies entries and voting for their favorites via social media or at the new Guest Services Pavilion, located on Central Avenue near Central Park and the Exposition Center.
Judging for the #FairgoersFave will be open during the first several days of the fair and the entry with the most votes will also be awarded a Golden Spork Trophy.
CLICK HERE for a full list of all "The Sporkies" contestants.