The Wisconsin State Fair has quite the reputation for unique and unusual foods, and this year will be no exception. Journal Sentinel is proud to present, The Sporkies for the sixth year at the Wisconsin State Fair. The Sporkies, will have fair vendors vying for one of four coveted Golden Spork trophies.
Eight finalists have been selected from 31 entries, and a panel of local celebrity judges will choose the winners at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the Associated Bank Amphitheater. These pre-selected finalists will showcase their creations in front of the crowd and compete for first, second and third place.
Fairgoers are encouraged to participate in judging during the fair by sampling all of the Sporkies entries and voting for their favorite. The entry with the most votes will receive the Sporkies trophy for Fairgoers’ Fave. Votes can be cast via Facebook voting app, Twitter and Instagram using #FairgoersFave, text message keyword, or paper ballot at the Guest Services Pavilion, located on Central Avenue near Central Park and the Exposition Center. Voting for the #FairgoersFave will be open from Thursday, Aug. 2 – Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Emmy Award-winning “Wisconsin Foodie” host Kyle Cherek will return this year as emcee. He will moderate the panel of celebrity judges, who will taste, deliberate and eventually choose the winners. The Sporkies celebrity judges will include Journal Sentinel’s award-winning food editor Nancy Stohs, Super Bowl Champion LeRoy Butler, Around The Corner host John McGivern and Milwaukee radio veteran Steve Palec.
All food items entered will be available for purchase during the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair. A 13-ft. spork will be displayed at all Sporkies finalists’ locations and all vendors who entered will display a poster at their fair location(s).
The Sporkies 2018 Finalists Include:
- Albanese’s Roadhouse: Deep-Fried Spinach Lasagna Bites
- Water Street Brewery: Deep-Fried Turducken On-a-Stick
- Slim’s PBR Park: French Onion Soup On-a-Stick
- Brew City: Pig Candy Cannoli
- Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub: S’mores Beer Float
- Saz’s Taste of Wisconsin: Saz’s Breakfast Bombs
- Budweiser Pavilion: The PorkSTACKular
- Water Street Brewery: WI Hot Chicken Bombs
The 2018 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis. Thursday, Aug. 2 – Sunday, Aug. 12. The fair offers a unique experience to all who attend and is an exceptional value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, exciting rides and games in SpinCity, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, visit WiStateFair.com.
