Walworth County Fair Top Food Stands to Stop At

When it comes to fair foods, Walworth County Fair has something for everyone to try. Year after year, we have our “go-to” food we have to get at least once, if not more. I have been going to the fair since I was a kid, and some of these stands are staples at the fair. If you are heading out to the Walworth County Fair, which is held over Labor Day weekend, be sure to add a few of these food items onto your list to try.

8. I start the list with a stand that is no longer at the fair – The Tempura Stand. The Tempura Stand used to be located in the second aisle of food out near midway. In 2020 the fair was canceled due to COVID-19 and they were unfortunately not at the 2021 Walworth County Fair. They had some of the best Chinese food! The sesame chicken with egg roll and fried rice with a side of crab rangoon was my go-to item at least 3 or 4 times throughout the fair. My wife thought I was crazy for going to the county fair and getting Chinese food, but it was so good. I can only hope they return to the fair in the future.

7. As someone who used to show at the fair, and as our family returns to showing cattle this year, we have to add Stowell’s to the list. Stowell’s is located in the Activity Center and has been at the fair for as long as I remember. They are open early for breakfast and have items for lunch and dinner too. They are locally owned and have some great items to choose from. Traditional breakfast items, from donuts to french toast sticks, in the morning, and Wisconsin favorites like burgers, hot dogs, BBQ pork, cheese fries, and shakes throughout the rest of the day.

6. Gertrude’s Pretzels. The perfect mid-afternoon snack comes from Gertrude’s Pretzels. They have a couple different seasoned pretzels, as well as some pretzel wrapped hot dogs and brats. We really like their Garlic Parmesan Pretzel with cheese sauce. Gertrude’s also just won the Sporkie Award at the Wisconsin State Fair for the best new fair food with their Peno Pretzel Popper Brat. I am hoping they bring that to the County Fair since we were unable to try it at the State Fair. Gertrude’s Pretzels is located in the first food aisle right outside the Jr. 4-H Exhibit Building.

5. Caramel Apple Delight. The Caramel Apple Delight is one food that my wife has to get every year. It has chopped apples in a cup, covered with warm caramel syrup and nuts, and topped with whipped cream. It is a nice way to think you are eating something somewhat healthy at the fair and is reasonably priced. This stand is located in the second food aisle near Midway.

4. Happy Camper Coffee. Some of you might argue that this shouldn’t be on the food list, but this is a stand that was new to the fair a few years back and is a little gem. If you are like us and need that mid-afternoon caffeine pick-me-up, you need to be sure that you stop at Happy Camper. They are located right by the Wiswell Center. They have some unique drinks, hot or cold. Our favorite is the cold Northern Lights Latte. The blackberry syrup might not sound all that great with coffee, but once you try it, you’ll be going back for more.

3. The Crab Shack. The Crab Shack is located right along the track. This stand offers an array of seafood. From fish or shrimp po-boys to a fish fry, to crab cakes or loaded fries. You really can’t go wrong with anything you order from them. They also have some really good drinks; we really like the cherry limeade. They sell souvenir cups that you can refill for a reasonable price too. We did see that the Crab Shack is for sale, and we are hoping someone steps in to buy it and continues to offer their wonderful fair food at our County Fair.

2. Uncle Ed’s BBQ. I love some good ribs. Uncle Ed’s booth is located right along the track and grandstand area. They offer BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, and garlic bread. My go to at Uncle Ed’s is their BBQ rib sandwich. Their sandwich is piled high with their tender ribs, slathered in their famous BBQ sauce, and sandwiched between two buttery pieces of garlic bread. Be sure to grab some extra napkins and wipes because you will need them.

1. Silver Dollar Concessions. This is the number one thing that my family looks forward to each year, the one and only Cinnamon Roll from Silver Dollar. It is usually one of the first things we eat on the first day and have at least one or two more throughout the fair. Get it plain or pile it with pecans and frosting. This giant, warm cinnamon roll is the perfect way to satisfy that sweet tooth. You can find Silver Dollar’s stand right next to the Activity Center.

Those are our top places to visit this year at the Walworth County Fair. We’ll always try and try a new stand or two, so we’ll be sure to keep you posted if we find another fair favorite. We will post pictures throughout the week. Be sure to stop at the Walworth County Fair, August 31 – September 5 in Elkhorn, WI.