More than 100,000 people have been gathering for this celebration every year since 1937, and Anthony had no trouble figuring out why. "They have some of the most-over-the-top carnival food this side of the Mississippi," he said. Anthony took on everything from the world's biggest waffle cone to the fair's demolition derby.
Any burger with a cheese "skirt" has no trouble standing out in a crowd like this. Anthony stepped right up to tackle the stand's signature item: the Squeeze with Cheese. It's a third-pound Angus patty covered with bacon, jalapeno, onion, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles and their cheese skirt: a third-pound of cheddar melted on the grill and slapped atop the burger.
World's Largest Waffle Cone — Colossal Gelato
They weren't kidding when they named this place Colossal Gelato. Their waffle cone — which they claim is the largest in the world — holds half a gallon of the creamy treat. It's so big Anthony had to start asking passersby for help and made quite the mess. "You know it's good when you've got to lick your wrists," he said.
Dirty Filthy Nasty Fries — Grinders
"Who's been talking to you about me?" Anthony asked when the staff told him he looked like a Dirty, Filthy, Nasty kind of fry guy. He stopped asking questions once he saw them start making the masterpiece — fries topped with two kinds of cheese, sweet pork, pastrami and chili.
Cinnamon Roll Sundae — Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls
If a gold-medal-winning cinnamon roll isn't enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, the Cinnamon Roll Sundae should do the trick. Piled atop the sweet and sticky roll is a dose of vanilla ice cream covered in whipped cream, chocolate, valley-grown walnuts and — you guessed it — bacon.
Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel with Red Hots Candy Icing — PhD & Me
If you don't like spicy foods, stay far away from this massive pretzel. It's laced with cheddar cheese and jalapenos, and served with a side of icing made from cream cheese and crushed Red Hots. You definitely won't need any spicy mustard for this one.
Deep-Fried PB&J Cheesecake with Bubblegum Frosting — Sweet Cheeks
The classic dessert gets kicked up a few notches at Sweet Cheeks with a peanut butter and jelly filling. Just for kicks, it's also battered, deep-fried and covered in a bubblegum-flavored frosting laced with whole gumdrops. Anthony called it decadent but got a little embarrassed. "I am going to go hide and finish this," he said.
Want More Carnival Cravings?
Get all the inside info on which festivals Anthony went to and what food he ate.
