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Over a million Americans are expected to attend the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines this summer, a beloved tradition that draws food enthusiasts from all over the country.
The Iowa State Fair hit an all-time record of 1,182,682 attendants in 2024, its highest guest count since 1.17 million fairgoers attended in 2019.
The event attracts not only everyday enthusiasts but also politicians seeking to appeal to heartland Americans.
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President Donald Trump is scheduled to join thousands of visitors attending the Iowa America 250 event on Thursday. He’s slated to deliver remarks at 7:30 p.m. local time.
This summer, the state fair promises a variety of food offerings that range from classic favorites to the downright unusual. Here’s a look at some fair favorites.
1. Pork Chop on a Stick
Perhaps the most symbolic dish at the Iowa State Fair is the famed Pork Chop on a Stick.
Countless politicians have been observed eating the entrée, including Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah.
The Pork Chop on a Stick has been served at the Iowa State Fair for over two decades. Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen eating one in 2015 in this image. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The dish is a French-cut rib pork chop that weighs 9 to 11 ounces, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
“This is a rib pork chop with the rib bone left on, so that it can work as a handle or ‘stick,’” the association’s website notes.
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“You eat the Pork Chop on a Stick with your hands and a napkin – no utensils.”
Although it’s one of the most popular dishes at the fair, it wasn’t always so. The Pork Chop on a Stick got a chilly reception when it debuted in 1999, according to the IPPA.
“We almost had to beg people to buy them the first year,” Dave Moody, a pig farmer and longtime fair volunteer, told the IPPA. Moody added, “I think we sold around 6,000 that year.”
2. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Another legendary dish at the fair is the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.
The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a Midwest regional favorite, and it’s available at multiple stands at the Iowa State Fair. (iStock)
The meal consists of a deep-fried pork tenderloin which is placed between two buns with regular hamburger fixings: onions, pickles and tomatoes.
The meat cutlet is often larger than the bun, leading to its distinctive appearance.
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The appearance of the tenderloin has been likened to Weiner schnitzel and chicken-fried steak.
The dish may appear unusual to non-Midwesterners — but the sandwich is popular in Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana.
3. Pecan Pie on a Stick
Pecan Pie on a Stick is a decadent dessert that’s only offered at the Iowa State Fair.
The dish is made with a homemade pecan-filled pie crust, which is then dipped in a chocolate caramel mixture.
As a final touch, the pie is rolled in extra pecans and bacon.
Pecan Pie on a Stick tastes like “sweet, sweet, salty goodness,” according to The Bacon Box. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The dessert is available at The Bacon Box’s stand. The dish is described as a combination of sweet and salty flavors.
“Each piece is dipped in caramel sauce and topped with bacon & pecans to make sure every bite is full of sweet, sweet, salty goodness,” The Bacon Box’s website reads.
The pie sells for $6, according to the website.
4. Deep-Fried Avocado Slices
Deep-Fried Avocado Slices are one of the very few vegetarian options available at the fair.
The dish features avocado slices that are breaded and deep-fried until golden brown.
Deep-Fried Avocado Slices are a savory snack that can appeal to Iowa State Fair attendees who abstain from meat. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
As far as deep-fried snacks go, the avocados are on the healthier side, as the fruit has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease.
The snacks are sold at The Veggie Table, a vegetarian vendor.
5. Berkshire Bacon Balls
One of the fair’s meatiest dishes is Berkshire Bacon Balls, sold by The Bacon Box.
Berkshire Bacon Balls, which are sold by The Bacon Box, feature Berkshire Kurobuta pork stuffed with cheese. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The dish consists of a quarter-pound pork meatball, stuffed with cheese and bacon.
The meatball, which is served on a stick, is then wrapped with two pieces of bacon before being smoked and dipped in barbecue sauce.
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The dish is named after Berkshire Kurobuta pork, known for its distinct flavor and richness.
6. Iowa Twinkie
One of the newer dishes at the Iowa State Fair is called the Iowa Twinkie.
And it’s not as sweet as its name suggests.
The Iowa Twinkie is a rich, spicy treat consisting of pulled pork and a jalapeño pepper. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The savory treat is served at Watcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew’s stand.
It was introduced in 2023.
The flavor-packed fare is made by stuffing a jalapeño pepper with pulled pork.
The filling also includes sweet corn and cream cheese.
As a final touch, the Iowa Twinkie is wrapped in bacon and seasoned with ranch and chives.
