Midwest
Pork chop on a stick, bacon-wrapped 'Twinkie' and other odd foods dominate iconic state fair
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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.
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After getting absolutely annihilated in his previous start on Monday in Minnesota to the tune of 11 runs in just 1.2 innings, Garrett Crochet is set to retake the mound today and convince us all that everything will be fine as far as he and his health are concerned.
Unfortunately, he won’t just be battling the Tigers. Mother Nature is once again destined to play a roll in today’s match up, and here’s how the radar looks inside of an hour from first pitch:
The good news is the initial batch of heavier precipitation has moved out and east of Boston, but more unsettled weather still lurks to the west ahead of a slow moving front. That mess will push through eastern Massachusetts over the next several hours, filling in the current dry slot. While this incoming precipitation won’t be as heavy as what fell at times earlier today, it will come attached with colder and windier conditions, so a miserable weather game lies ahead (if they even try and play through it at all — The Yankees did not and waited around for three hours before starting their game against the Royals at 4:20pm). The other option will be to just wait until after sunset when it will be dryer, but still very cold and windy.
When they do get started, today’s lineup includes Roman Anthony leading off in leftfield, Andruw Monasterio at first base, and Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida, and Marcelo Mayer all starting on the bench with an opposing left-handed starter on the mound in Framber Valdez for Detroit.
OTM’s own pitching guru Jacob Roy will be around later to handle the postgame wrap and tell us if we should should be freaking out or breathing a sigh a relief when it comes to Crochet.
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on early Sunday morning on the 4900 block of W. Capitol Drive that left one person injured.
An 18-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
TMJ4
The police is currently looking for an unknown suspect at this time.
Those with information regarding the shooting are encouraged to contact the Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360 or contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips to remain anonymous.
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Minneapolis, MN
Between Minneapolis And Lake Superior Is The ‘Agate Capital Of The World’ With Cozy Charm And A State Park – Islands
For anyone eager to see Minnesota’s state gem, the Lake Superior agate, there’s one destination in central Minnesota not to miss. Moose Lake is a great stop on a road trip up north on Interstate 35 from the Twin Cities to Lake Superior, the cleanest lake in America. The city is also known for its agates, outdoor fun, and water activities at Moose Lake State Park, a hub for outdoor recreation, as well as friendly independent businesses that lend it a relaxed, small-town charm.
Agates are a colorful type of microcrystalline chalcedony quartz, and according to Explore Minnesota Tourism, Moose Lake is known as the Agate Capital of the World. The city is home to the largest Lake Superior agate, located at First National Bank — it weighs 108 pounds. You can view geological displays at the Moose Lake State Park Visitor Center, or even try your luck picking agates at the Soo Line Pit. A permit is required, and it’s best to go after rainfall. Visit in July for Agate Days, an annual festival with a gem and mineral show featuring over 100 vendors, as well as an agate “stampede,” where you may find your own treasure in the gravel.
What to do at Moose Lake State Park
Just a few minutes from town, iMoose Lake State Park was established in 1971 and is a top spot for outdoor recreation in the area. After exploring the rock and mineral exhibits at the visitor center, head outside to enjoy fun activities around the park. You may see wildlife such as white-tailed deer, otters, and butterflies, or birds like loons, waterfowl, bluebirds, and swallows. The park is centered around the peaceful Echo Lake, where you can get out on the water for a paddle. Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available if you don’t have your own gear. You can also go for a dip at the lake’s beach or cast a line from the accessible fishing pier, where you may reel in northerns, panfish, largemouth bass, or walleyes.
Hiking is also popular, with about 5 miles of hiking trails through woodland, ponds, hills, and fields. The 1.5-mile Rolling Hills Trail is a great pick for spotting wildlife, while the 0.9-mile West Echo Loop offers beautiful lake views. Keep an eye out for trumpeter swans and other birds on the 1.2-mile Wildlife Pond Trail. Although there are no groomed trails in winter, you can still snowshoe and backcountry ski here.
If you’d like to spend a night under the stars, stay at Moose Lake State Park campground. There are 33 drive-in sites, including 20 electric sites, 2 walk-in sites, and a group campground that can sleep up to 45 campers. Showers and flush toilets are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while vault toilets are available year-round. All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
Discover Moose Lake’s small-town charm
One of Moose Lake’s highlights is its welcoming atmosphere and relaxed pace of life. See a movie at the Historic Lake Theater, a friendly, family-owned movie theater that has operated at its current location since 1937. Lazy Moose Grill and Gifts serves breakfast favorites and tasty dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and wild rice meatloaf, earning it a 4.4-star rating on Google with over 1,400 reviews. Kick back and relax with a beer at Moose Lake Brewing Company, where the paio overlooks the lake. The swimming beach at Moosehead Lake is a great way to spend more time outdoors — the beach is sandy and shallow, making it a good option for families with kids.
Moose Lake is located about two-thirds of the way between Minneapolis and the outdoor lake town of Duluth, a port city on Lake Superior. Duluth International Airport is the closest major airport, while Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), the best airport in North America for passenger satisfaction, is about a 2-hour drive away and offers the most flight options. Having a car is the easiest way to explore the area, though Jefferson Lines buses stop in Moose Lake along the route between the Twin Cities and Duluth.
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