A Blue Ribbon for State Fair Food

Aug. 13, 2008— -- Who doesn't love a state fair? The sounds, the rides, the entertainment.

But what most fairgoers love best is the food. Ditch your diet and relish a deep-fried food fest that can leave you full for days.

We're not talking about your typical funnel cake here. Instead, we've got favorite treats from some of the biggest fairs in the country.

State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas first opened its gates in 1886, and now, 122 years later, it is the largest state fair in the U.S.

Two of the most popular items on its menu are Corny Dogs and Fried Sno Balls. Corny Dogs were invented by Neil and Carl Fletcher and made their debut at the fair back in 1942.Sno Balls made their way onto the menu just five years later. The original Sno Balls were white marshmallow and shredded coconut-covered chocolate cakes, which were popular during WWII because of the rationing of sugar and flour. Shirley London & Sons are now credited for these delicious snacks.To make them, London takes a pancake-like batter into which she dips the chilled Sno Balls. From there, she deep-fries them into tasty, sweet, golden puffs.

Learn more about the State Fair of Texas.

Minnesota State Fair

In second place for sheer size alone is the Minnesota State Fair.

Lean more about the Minnesota State Fair.

Indiana State Fair

The grand finale for fair food comes from the Indiana State Fair, and is a little something called Deep Fried Bananas Foster Cheesecake on a Stick.

Learn more about the Indiana State Fair.