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
2023 Drinkies Finalists
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
- Chef Adam Pawlak, Egg & Flour and Food Network’s Superchef Grudge Match
- Chef Ashley Turner, Hacienda Taproom & Kitchen and Food Network’s Chopped
- Judy H. of MKEeeeeats, a Milwaukee-based culinary content creator
- Melanie Ricks, Radio Personality and Milwaukee Bucks in-game host
- Ryan Castelaz, Discourse Coffee and The Counter Day Bar
- Sandra Dempsey, Source Ten and Estamos Unidos US
- Steve Novak , Sportscaster, former NBA Player, and Marquette University Alumni
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