The air crackles with excitement, a symphony of laughter and music swirling amidst the tantalizing aromas that permeate the grounds. This can only mean one thing: the West Virginia State Fair is back, and with it, a culinary adventure unlike any other. More than just livestock judging and carnival rides, the fair is a celebration of West Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage and its vibrant food culture. It’s a place where families create memories, where traditions are passed down through generations, and where the simple act of enjoying a perfectly fried Oreo becomes a defining moment of summer. For many, the WV State Fair is synonymous with delicious food, and this year promises to be no exception.
Classic WV State Fair Foods: A Deep-Fried Fantasy
No trip to the West Virginia State Fair is complete without indulging in the iconic fried foods that have become synonymous with the experience. We’re not just talking about a little oil; we’re talking about a full-fledged deep-fried fantasy. These aren’t your everyday snacks; these are culinary creations born from the heart of fairground innovation.
First, let’s talk about the legendary fried Oreo. Imagine a classic Oreo cookie, that perfect combination of chocolate wafer and creamy filling, taken to a whole new level. It’s dipped in a sweet batter and then plunged into a vat of hot oil, emerging golden brown and impossibly delicious. The outside is crispy, almost like a donut, while the inside becomes warm and gooey, transforming the familiar Oreo into something truly extraordinary. The contrasting textures and temperatures make it a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible.
Not to be outdone, the fried Snickers bar holds its own as a crowd favorite. The combination of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat is already a winner, but frying it adds a whole new dimension. The heat melts the caramel and nougat, creating a molten center that oozes with every bite. The outside gains a crispy shell that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey interior. It’s a decadent and utterly indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
For those craving something a little less sweet and a little more savory, fried pickles are an absolute must-try. These aren’t just any pickles; they’re typically dill pickles, sliced into spears or chips, coated in a seasoned batter, and then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy, tangy, and surprisingly addictive snack. The salty pickle perfectly complements the savory batter, creating a flavor combination that’s both unexpected and incredibly satisfying. Served with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, fried pickles are a fair food that even pickle skeptics might find themselves converted by.
Of course, the deep-fried delights don’t stop there. You can find fried Twinkies, fried cheesecake, fried butter (yes, really!), and a whole host of other culinary experiments that push the boundaries of what can be deep-fried. These are the kinds of treats that you won’t find anywhere else, and they’re a big part of what makes the West Virginia State Fair such a unique and memorable experience.
Beyond the Fryer: Corn Dogs, Funnel Cakes, and Caramel Apples
While the fried foods often steal the spotlight, the West Virginia State Fair boasts a collection of other classic treats that are just as essential to the experience.
The humble corn dog, a staple of fairs and festivals across the nation, is a must. A perfectly cooked hot dog, dipped in a thick cornmeal batter and fried until golden brown, is a simple yet satisfying pleasure. The sweetness of the cornmeal contrasts with the savory hot dog, creating a flavor combination that’s both comforting and nostalgic. Topped with ketchup and mustard, it’s a classic for a reason.
Funnel cakes, with their delicate, lacy patterns and generous dusting of powdered sugar, are another fair food staple. These are made by drizzling batter into hot oil in a circular motion, creating a light and airy cake that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and you can often find them topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. It’s a delicate treat that seems to melt in your mouth.
And let’s not forget the caramel apple, a symbol of autumn and fair season. A crisp, tart apple dipped in rich, golden caramel and often rolled in chopped nuts or drizzled with chocolate, is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s a treat that’s both delicious and visually appealing, and it’s a fun and festive way to enjoy a piece of fruit.
Local and Regional Specialties: A Taste of West Virginia
The West Virginia State Fair is not just about classic fair food; it’s also an opportunity to sample local and regional specialties that showcase the state’s culinary heritage.
Perhaps the most iconic West Virginia food of all is the pepperoni roll. This simple yet satisfying snack consists of soft, pillowy bread filled with slices of pepperoni and sometimes cheese. It’s a staple of bakeries and convenience stores throughout the state, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting West Virginia. At the fair, you can find pepperoni rolls from various local vendors, each with their own unique twist on the classic recipe. The combination of the soft bread, the salty pepperoni, and the gooey cheese makes it a truly irresistible treat. You can easily find a vendor offering these treats, just follow the wonderful smell.
Another highlight of the fair is the homemade ice cream and frozen custard. Many local dairies and vendors set up shop at the fair, offering a variety of unique and delicious flavors. You can find everything from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like blackberry cobbler, maple walnut, and even pepperoni roll flavored (for the truly adventurous!). The homemade ice cream is often made with fresh, local ingredients, making it a truly authentic taste of West Virginia.
No West Virginia culinary experience is complete without some good old-fashioned barbeque. At the state fair, you can find vendors offering a variety of BBQ styles, from pulled pork and ribs to chicken and brisket. Whether you prefer a tangy vinegar-based sauce or a sweet and smoky sauce, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Look for vendors with long lines – that’s usually a good sign that the BBQ is worth the wait.
For those looking for something to take home, the fair offers a variety of homemade preserves, including apple butter, jams, and jellies. These preserves are often made with local fruits and vegetables, and they capture the flavors of the season in a jar. Apple butter, in particular, is a West Virginia staple, and it’s delicious spread on toast, biscuits, or even just eaten straight from the jar.
If you’re lucky, you might also find vendors selling maple syrup products. West Virginia is home to a number of maple syrup producers, and they often set up shop at the fair to showcase their wares. You can find everything from pure maple syrup to maple candy, maple cotton candy, and even maple-flavored ice cream.
Unique and Trendy Food Offerings: Keeping Things Fresh
While tradition is important, the West Virginia State Fair also embraces new and trendy food offerings to keep things fresh and exciting.
In recent years, “Instagrammable” foods have become a big hit at the fair. These are foods that are visually appealing and perfect for sharing on social media. Think colorful drinks, loaded fries piled high with toppings, and extravagant desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These foods are designed to be photographed and shared, and they add a fun and festive element to the fair experience.
Food trucks have also become increasingly popular at the West Virginia State Fair. These mobile kitchens offer a variety of unique and interesting cuisines, from gourmet burgers and tacos to international street food. Food trucks allow fairgoers to sample a wider range of flavors and cuisines without having to commit to a full meal at a sit-down restaurant.
Each year, the West Virginia State Fair introduces new food items to keep things exciting. These might be new variations on classic fair foods, trendy new dishes that are popular on social media, or even just creative and innovative ideas from local vendors. It’s always fun to see what new culinary creations will be unveiled at the fair each year. This year, you might find anything from deep-fried avocado to ramen burgers – the possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Food: The Atmosphere and The Experience
The West Virginia State Fair is about more than just the food; it’s about the atmosphere, the people, and the overall experience.
The sights, sounds, and smells of the food areas at the fair are intoxicating. The aroma of fried food mixes with the sweet scent of cotton candy and the smoky smell of barbeque, creating a symphony of sensations that’s both irresistible and nostalgic. The sounds of laughter, music, and the sizzle of frying food add to the lively atmosphere.
The vendors who work tirelessly to bring these culinary creations to life are also an integral part of the fair experience. These are often small business owners and local entrepreneurs who are passionate about their food and their craft. They’re always happy to share their stories and their secrets, and they add a personal touch to the fair experience.
For many families, food is an integral part of the West Virginia State Fair tradition. It’s a time to indulge in treats that you wouldn’t normally eat, to share food with loved ones, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Many people have stories of their favorite fair foods from childhood, and they return to the fair year after year to relive those memories and create new ones.
Here are a few tips for navigating the food options at the West Virginia State Fair:
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds and the long lines at the food vendors.
- Don’t be afraid to try a variety of different foods. The fair is a great opportunity to sample new flavors and cuisines.
- Share food with friends and family. This is a great way to try more things without overeating.
- Bring cash. Many food vendors don’t accept credit cards.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Most importantly, have fun! The West Virginia State Fair is a celebration of food, culture, and community.
Conclusion: A Taste of West Virginia’s Heart
The West Virginia State Fair is more than just a fair; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the state’s rich agricultural heritage and its vibrant food culture. From the iconic fried foods to the local and regional specialties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The fair is a place where families create memories, where traditions are passed down, and where the simple act of enjoying a perfectly fried Oreo becomes a defining moment of summer. So, come on down to the West Virginia State Fair and experience the food for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. The West Virginia State Fair and its food offerings aren’t just about satisfying hunger; they’re about tasting the heart and soul of the state. It’s a flavor you won’t soon forget.
