The Sporkies & Drinkies

In 2023, we’re celebrating 10 years of The Sporkies, our beloved food competition that’s created hundreds of delicious dishes throughout the past decade. But why stop there?

Introducing The Drinkies, State Fair’s non-alcoholic beverage competition! This sip-tacular, all-new competition will refresh the drink options at the State Fair for all ages.

The Sporkies and Drinkies winners will be announced prior to opening day of the State Fair to give you even more time to prioritize how you’re going to try all 12 items!

Look for the giant 13 ft. Golden Sporks and Drinkies Statues outside of each finalist and winner locations during your visit.

Congratulations to the 2023 Sporkies & Drinkies Winners!

1st Sporkies Place:

Beer Cheese Wisconsin Lava Cake from WürstBar

2nd Sporkies Place:

The Porkie from Camp Bar

3rd Sporkies Place:

 Deep-Fried Apple Pie from Saz’s BBQ

1st Drinkies Place:

The Ferris Mule from Old Fashioned Sipper Club

2023 Sporkies Finalists

Beer Cheese Wisconsin Lava Cake

A savory take on a sweet classic, the Beer Cheese Wisconsin Lava Cake sums up Wisconsin in one bite! These salted Milwaukee Pretzel Company slider buns are filled with famous beer cheese soup, topped with butter and pretzel salt, and drizzled with house-made hot honey and red pepper flakes.

Coastal Corn Nuggets

Starting off with corn nuggets, these freshly deep-fried dough balls with sweet corn kernels in the center and a crispy shell exterior are the sweet and savory base. The Coastal Corn Nuggets are then smothered with a creamy white queso and topped with a homemade tropical slaw and a tangy pineapple-mango salsa. This hearty treat is finished by adding a dusting of cotija cheese!

Deep-Fried Apple Pie

The Deep-Fried Apple Pie takes homemade apple pie filling and sandwiches it between two slices of white bread dipped in sweet French toast batter. Next, deep-fry it to perfection and top with caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar. This “fair-ified” take on the classic campfire treat, a pudgy pie, brings you the flavors of a slice of apple pie in a fun new way!

Dill Pickle Donut

What started as an April Fool’s Day joke has taken off… welcome the Dill Pickle Donut! Get ready to bite into this hand cut yeast-raised donut "frosted" with a dill pickle juice whipped cream cheese and topped with thick cut dill pickles and a dill sprinkle!

Irish Dipper

In an effort to give fans what they’ve been asking for, the Irish Dipper was born! This delicious new Irish Onion Dip is made with cream cheese, Guinness beer, caramelized onions, and Irish cheddar, and then layered with classic Irish beef in Guinness gravy on a French roll to create a flavor bomb sandwich that will make everyone happy! Served with a souffle cup of Guinness gravy for dipping.

The Porkie

This sundae is just the treat for you to enjoy while at the pig races! Featuring vanilla custard layered with cheesecake bites and hot fudge, The Porkie is topped with graham cracker crust, bacon bits, more hot fudge, warm caramel, a graham cracker cookie, and cherry. But it wouldn't be complete without a piece of Rupena’s candied bacon dipped in chocolate and rolled in sprinkles!

Sweet and Savory Funnel Cake “Fries”

This dish pays homage to beloved Wisconsin State Fair staples in one decadent dish. Crispy and golden funnel cake “fries” are topped with savory cheese curds and crispy bacon pieces, then drizzled with rich chocolate sauce and a sweet cream cheese frosting glaze. The Sweet and Savory Funnel Cake Fries are sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet, salty, and indulgent.

Wisconsin Quesadilla

The Wisconsin Quesadilla is truly filled with the best of Wisconsin! Stuffed full of cheese curds, chunks of brats, grilled onions and peppers, and shredded cheese, this quesadilla is cooked to golden brown perfection and served with sour cream and salsa on the side.

2023 Drinkies Finalists

Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Iced Latte

Cool off with an iced latte flavored with brown sugar, sweet potato purée, a dash of cinnamon, and brown sugar boba pearls! Garnished with a toasted marshmallow AND a deep-fried sweet potato funnel cake nugget, the Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Iced Latte is sure to revive you on any day of the State Fair. Made with non-dairy creamer.

Cotton Candy Lemonade

The Cotton Candy Lemonade is a delicious blend of cool lemonade with a sweet taste of blue cotton candy. Not only do you get a refreshing drink, but you also get a big cloud of cotton candy on top - truly every State Fair kid's dream!

The Ferris Mule

The Ferris Mule is a non-alcoholic mule crafted with fresh blackberries, ginger beer, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar - all of which is hand shaken and poured over ice. Garnished with fresh blackberries, a rosemary sprig, and lime wheel, The Ferris Mule takes a summer classic drink and elevates it with a fresh Fair time twist!

Mango Tango Tajín

The Mango Tango Tajín drink blends juicy mangoes with tangy pineapple to create the bottom layer. It’s then topped with a creamy strawberry smoothie layer! Finish it off with a sweet and spicy Chamoy sauce drizzled over top and sprinkled with a kick of Tajín seasoning for a perfect sweet and spicy combination.

2023 Sporkies Entries

Sample all of The Sporkies entries during the State Fair! All food items entered will be available for purchase during the 2023 Wisconsin State Fair. All vendors who entered will display a sticker at their State Fair location(s).

2023 Drinkies Entries

Sip on all The Drinkies entries during the State Fair! All beverage items entered will be available for purchase during the 2023 Wisconsin State Fair. All vendors who entered will display a sticker at their State Fair location(s).

Meet our Judges!

The Sporkies Finals are judged on Tuesday, August 1 by the following local celebrities:

Emcee – Dario Melendez (WISN Sports Director and 2021 Sporkies judge)

Celebrity Judges

The celebrity judges were carefully selected for these coveted roles. Plus, the judging panel was increased this year for more mouths to sip on The Drinkies!

Congratulations to Past Sporkies Winners!

2022:

  • First Place: Peño Pretzel Popper Brat- Gertrude’s Pretzels
  • Second Place: The Sconnie Slugger – Miller Lite Sports Bar & Grill
  • Third Place: Brandy Old Fashioned S’more On-a-Stick – Freese’s Candy Shoppe
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken On-a-Stick – Bud Pavilion

2021:

  • First Place: The Glazy Boy – Miller Lite Sports Bar & Grill
  • Second Place: Deep-Fried Wisconsin Fish Fry – Water Street Brewery
  • Third Place: Paradise Po’ Boy – Tropics
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Deep-Fried Wisconsin Fish Fry – Water Street Brewery

2020 Sporkies: Fairgoer Edition:

  • First Place: Deep Fried Bloody Mary with Beer Ranch Chaser – Stena M.
  • Second Place: Bratzarella Sticks – James S.
  • Third Place: Wisconsin Hot Bacon Bourbon Pulled Pork Cornbread Twinkie – Eric S.
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Wisconsin Hot Bacon Bourbon Pulled Pork Cornbread Twinkie – Eric S.

2019:

  • First Place: Buffalo Chicken Cheese Curd Tacos – Poncho Dog
  • Second Place: Deep-Fried Italian Stallion – Water Street Brewery
  • Third Place: Deep-Fried Milk with Cookie Dip – Slim’s Lakefront Brew Pub & Eatery
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Deep-Fried Italian Stallion – Water Street Brewery

2018:

  • First Place: Deep-Fried Spinach Lasagna Bites – Albanese’s Roadhouse
  • Second Place: French Onion Soup On-a-Stick – Slim’s PBR Park
  • Third Place: The PORKstackular – Bud Pavilion
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Deep-Fried Spinach Lasagna Bites – Albanese’s Roadhouse

2017:

  • First Place: Spaghetti and Meatballs Mozzarella Sticks – Albanese’s Roadhouse
  • Second Place: Chocomela Nachos – La Coppa Artisan Gelato
  • Third Place: Budweiser Pavilion Triple Threat – Bud Pavilion
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Monkey Business – Saz’s BBQ

2016:

  • First Place: Root Beer Float Cake – Sprecher Landing & Sprecher Root Beer Everything
  • Second Place: Klement’s Famous Racing Sausages Corn Dog – Saz’s Bavarian Haus
  • Third Place: Deep Fried Ol’ Fashioned – Water Street Brewery
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Klement’s Famous Racing Sausages Corn Dog – Saz’s Bavarian Haus

2015:

  • First Place: Wis-Cone-Sin – Water Street Brewery
  • Second Place: Bacon Bottom Porker Pizza – Brew City
  • Third Place: Cheesy Smoked Gouda Sidewinder Fries – Tropics at the Fair
  • #FairgoersFave Winner: Deep Fried Pretzel Crusted Brownies On-a-Stick – Saz’s Ribs

2014:

  • Best Tasting – Dolce Panino from La Coppa Gelato
  • Most Creative – Dolca Panino from La Coppa Gelato
  • Grand Champion – Dolce Panino from La Coppa Gelato
  • #FairgoersFave Winner – Bacon Wrapped Cherrywood Smoked Pork Belly On-A-Stick – Saz’s Ribs

2013:

  • Best Tasting – Island Slaw from Island Noodles
  • Most Creative – Mela Fritta Gelato On-A-Stick from La Coppa Gelato
  • Grand Champion – Mela Fritta Gelato On-A-Stick from La Coppa Gelato
2023-08-05T18:05:19-05:00
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