FLAVOR FEST. The 126th Northern Wisconsin State Fair also featured the revival of its Fair Food Contest. (Food photos via Facebook, background photo by Mark Oliver)

The highlight of this year’s Northern Wisconsin State Fair  (which ran July 10-14) depends on who you ask, but some common answers are likely Ludacris, Charlie Berens, and the food. The latter was mine (oh, and getting an Eevee stuffed animal). If you missed this year’s shindig, you would’ve also missed some kick-ass food, including the winners of the Favorite Fair Food Contest. 

Revived after several years, the Favorite Fair Food Contest included six categories – Entree/Sandwich; Side; Beverage; Dessert; Featured Local Ingredient; and Most Creative – and featured 32 individual entries. I was one of five judges (I met T-Ri from 92.9 The X and Katie Phernetton of WQOW, eee!!) and, after eating that much grub, nearly needed an emergency airlift from the grounds. 

Some of this year’s winners, listed below, can also be found in the area outside of fair dates, including Eau Claire’s own Beez Neez Cheesecakes and Sweets:

Entree/Sandwich: Frosted Flake Chicken on a Stick (AP Concessions)

Side: Agave Twinkie (Agave Express, Hudson, WI)

Beverage: Strawberry Topper (Fresh Fries)

Dessert: Salted Caramel Cheesecake (Beez Neez Cheesecakes and Sweets, Eau Claire, WI)

Featured Local Ingredient: Signature Salted Honey Raspberry Cheesecake (Beez Neez Cheesecakes and Sweets, Eau Claire, WI)

Most Creative: Winner Winner Italian & Boba Soda (Kate's Coffee Coop, Clear Lake, WI)