Here are the 8 Wisconsin State Fair Sporkies finalists for 2022
It’s that time of year again, where it feels like most foods are either deep fried, served on a stick or both. The 2022 Wisconsin State Fair Sporkies food competition finalists were unveiled Tuesday.
Out of 28 entries from State Fair vendors, eight finalists were selected for the contest’s ninth installment, according to a news release.
On Aug. 2, a panel of local celebrity judges will choose the winner, who will receive the coveted Golden Spork.
Want to be a judge? People can enter for a chance to become the Sporkies Fairgoer Judge, who will get to sample the finalists’ dishes ahead of the fair and help select the champ. To enter, people can submit their dream fair food recipe by July 1 at
The Sporkies finalists’ dishes will be judged on appearance, presentation, creativity, originality and taste.
All of these food items will be available for purchase during the State Fair, which runs Aug. 4-14. You’ll be able to tell where to find them by the 13-foot spork and poster displayed at each of their locations.
From Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken On-a-Stick to a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte, here are this year’s finalists, according to the news release and the fair’s website.
Black Bean Burrito Balls
Black Bean Burrito Balls, which are vegetarian, feature a mixture of black beans, sweet corn, cheeses and spices that are combined into bite-sized spheres. They’re breaded with spicy cheese curls and nacho cheese chips, then deep fried. The burrito balls are served with zesty Chile lime sauce.
Where to get it: Lakefront Brewery Beer Garden
Brandy Old Fashioned S’more On-a-Stick
The Brandy Old Fashioned S’more On-a-Stick features brandy old fashioned-infused cream sandwiched between two graham crackers. It’s covered in milk chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate. It’s topped with the traditional old fashioned garnishes of dried orange and cherry.
Where to get it: Freese’s Candy Shoppe
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte
The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte features Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub’s Two Brothers nitro coffee mixed with Cinnamon Toast Crunch-infused cereal milk. It has a cereal crust-rimmed cup and is topped off with whipped cream.
Where to get it: Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken On-a-Stick
The Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken On-a-Stick features a deep-fried chicken skewer that’s breaded with a special seasoning blend and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust. It’s drizzled with chipotle ranch and sprinkled with “top-secret” seasoning.
Where to get it: Bud Pavilion
Fried Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos
Fried Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos are completely deep-fried, with pickles sandwiched together with cream cheese and freshly battered white cheddar cheese curds. They are topped with raspberry chipotle sauce and fresh greens.
Where to get Curd Tacos
it:
Richie’s Cheese
Peño Pretzel Popper Brat
The Peño Pretzel Popper Brat features a 10-inch jalapeño cheddar bratwurst that’s wrapped in fresh pretzel dough. It’s topped with coarse pretzel salt and fresh cut jalapeños. It’s baked and brushed with butter, then drizzled with white cheddar sauce. The pretzel popper brat is served with a housemade jalapeño cream cheese.
Where to get it: Gertrude’s Pretzels
Surf & Turf Sliders
Surf & Turf Sliders feature piled, marinated pulled pork, a layer of tropical slaw and Tropics’ signature pineapple mango salsa. They’re topped with hot, crispy coconut shrimp and smothered in a jalapeño aioli sauce. That’s all served up on a fresh Hawaiian sweet roll bun.
Where to get it: Tropics
The Sconnie Slugger
The Sconnie Slugger, a play on a corn dog, combines a locally made beer brat and cheese curds. It’s dipped in cruller cornmeal batter, then deep fried. It’s topped with “dijonaise” and German sweet and sour cabbage.
Where to get it: Miller Lite Sports Bar & Grill
For more information on the Sporkies, visit