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State Fair of Texas®  aka Fried Food Capital of Texas

    Since the invention of the Fletcher's Corny Dog, fairgoers have often ranked food as one of the top reasons for attending the annual State Fair of Texas. In 2005, Fair organizers - determined to take the association with food to a new level - organized the first annual Big Tex Choice Awards contest. 

    The contest is considered a friendly food fight among Fair concessionaires.  Entries must be new to the Fair, unique and taste-tempting.  In mid-summer, an invitation is sent to all contracted State Fair vendors with details about the contest.  Interested concessionaires submit menus to a committee for review and consideration.  Often the committee will request samples for taste testing before choosing the finalists for the contest.  On Labor Day, a panel of judges is on hand when the kitchen heats up for the final round of competition. Awards are presented in two categories - best taste and most creative.  The competition is held prior to the opening of the Fair each year and is not open to the general public.

2005 Most Creative         Viva Las Vegas Fried Ice Cream
2005 Best Taste             Fried PB, Jelly and Banana Sandwich
2006 Most Creative         Fried Coke
2006 Best Taste             Fried Praline Perfection
2007 Most Creative         Deep Fried Latte
2007 Best Taste             Texas Fried Cookie Dough
2008 Most Creative         Fried Banana Split
2008 Best Taste             Chicken Fried Bacon
2009 Most Creative         Deep Fried Butter
2009 Best Taste             Fernie's Deep Fried Peaches & Cream

2005 Big Tex Choice Awards
2006 Big Tex Choice Awards
2007 Big Tex Choice Awards
2008 Big Tex Choice Awards
2009 Big Tex Choice Awards

State Fair of Texas announces new foods on 2009 menu (click here)