The Arkansas State Fair has only been canceled three times in its 81 years, said Interim general manager, Anne Marie Doramus for the fair said during a media luncheon Thursday. Twice during World War II and once for the coronavirus pandemic, she said.
Beginning Friday through Oct. 24, the fair is back. The media was invited to a luncheon at the Big Show Diner Thursday to test out food offerings.
This year the fair features over 52 food vendors.
[Video not showing up above? Click here to watch » arkansasonline.com/1015fairfood]
Some of the more unique options offered include: ‘special bug pizza,' where you can choose between a meal worm, cricket, or scorpion as a topping, or one of each.
Funnel cakes were used as buns for burgers, deep fried lasagna, deep fried caramel apples with a side of caramel dipping sauce, fried mac and cheese balls with cajun tartar sauce, fried brownie with a side of ice cream.
New this year is a vendor serving just bacon-themed items: bacon nachos, bacon wrapped chicken, bacon wrapped jalapenos, bacon fries, and more simply, bacon on a stick, among other offerings.
According to the state fair website, the fair will feature over 50 rides, livestock, pageants and talent contests, as well as musical entertainment.
Tickets cost $6 for children ages 6-12 and seniors and $12 for adults. All day ride bands can be purchased for $35.
For more information about the fair, visit arkansasstatefair.com/.
[FAIR FOOD: Poll not appearing above? Click here » arkansasonline.com/fairfood21/]