From fried Oreos to giant pork chops: 7 don’t-miss things to eat at Bluegrass Fair

Eating far-out food and other carnival culinary delights during the summertime at the county fair is a nostalgic cultural experience for many of us.

Just in time to help kickoff summer, the Bluegrass Fair, presented annually by the Lexington Lions Club, is back with a lively mix of carnival rides and games, dinosaurs, “the world’s top female escape artist,” live music — and of course all your favorite irresistible fair foods, and perhaps a few tasty items you have never tried.

Each summer, tens of thousands of visitors attend the 11-night event at Masterson Station Park where vendors are hawking giant corn dogs, classic cotton candy, funnel cakes, candied apples, massive turkey legs, deep-fried everything, fresh-squeezed lemonade, a fantastic and extensive array of authentic Mexican food, and more.

I have scoured the midway at this year’s Bluegrass Fair along with Herald-Leader photographer Alex Slitz to compile a list of what not to miss.

Here is our guide to some of the best food items you can find there along with all of the rest.

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Leg

Sold exclusively at the George’s Fun Foods stand across from the front entrance at the fair. Basically, the only way to improve upon the simple pleasure of enjoying a giant turkey leg at a fair is to eat one wrapped in delicious hickory-cured bacon that has been marinated in maple syrup — and that is exactly what George’s offers the chance to do, $15.

Churros

A popular traditional Mexican dessert, churros are essentially crispy, light, and delicious sticks of deep-fried dough that are coated in a layer of cinnamon sugar. At the Churrería la Coneja booth, you will find several churro options including a large churro filled with choice of chocolate, vanilla, caramel, strawberry jelly, or Nutella sauce for $5 each, or small churros consisting of eight smaller pieces coated with cinnamon sugar, $8. Add two more small pieces with choice of sauces drizzled on your order for $2 more.

Deep-Fried Oreos

If you have not tried deep-fried Oreos, you are missing out. They are warm and wonderful chocolatey ooey-gooey goodness covered in powdered sugar, $7. Stop by the Kissel food stand for an order where you will also find deep-fried Twinkies, deep-fried cookie dough, deep-fried Snickers bars, and even deep-fried cinnamon rolls, all also $7 each, and deep-fried elephant ears, $8. Deep-fried decadence.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote is an ear of corn on the cob, grilled and slathered with mayonnaise and then seasoned with chili powder and fresh lemon (or lime) juice, and sprinkled with salty Cotija cheese, $3. It is one of my favorite summertime foods and available from the Taqueria Delacruz food tent and other places at the fair where it is also available served off the cob in a cup.

Pork Chop on a Stick

“Everyone at the fair loves food on a stick,” says Richie George, owner of George’s Fun Foods concessions — a fourth-generation food seller who owns 17 concessions stands operating throughout the southeast. “We want to bring quality and a different taste to the fair experience.”

You will not be disappointed with this choice. George’s giant 1-1/2-inch-thick one-pound pork chop is marinated in a secret sauce and grilled fresh right before your eyes, $12. Carnivores, take note. This is the one for you.

Red Velvet Funnel Cake

What would a fair be without golden brown and delicious funnel cakes? There are a variety of different delightful, deep-fried funnel cakes at the Bluegrass Fair, however, one that stands out is also available from George’s Fun Foods Concessions stands — the Red Velvet Funnel Cake, $9. If you are a fan of traditional red velvet cake, you will enjoy its funnel cake counterpart.

Danielle Stanley, a concessions worker at the Fair says than on an average night, she sells around one hundred or more of this delectable dessert just at her stand alone.

Torta al Pastor

A torta is a Mexican sandwich that is somewhat like a taco but the bun takes it in a different direction. Made with freshly carved spit-grilled pork, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onion, mozzarella cheese, avocado slices, and choice of red or green salsa. It is definitely flavorful and filling. Other meat choices can be substituted if you prefer. Available from several food vendors featuring Mexican food at the fair, including at the Taqueria Delacruz food tent, $9. For the heartier appetite.

The Bluegrass Fair

When: The fair continues nightly through June 20.

Hours: Monday-Friday 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m. to 11 pm.

Tickets: General admission is $7 for ages 7 and up. Children 6 and under get in free. A portion of the fair’s proceeds benefit the charitable efforts of the Lexington Lions Club that provide for vision and hearing assistance needs in Central Kentucky.

Where: Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Road. Free parking.

Online: TheBluegrassFair.com

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @BluegrassFair