As Wisconsin State Fair opens Thursday in West Allis, a main attraction - besides farm animals, will be unique food concoctions.
A few, including a chicken-n-waffle cone and deep-fried maple bacon cookie dough, competed earlier this week, at the pre-fair’s second annual competition called, the Sporkies.
Five celebrity judges sat center stage at the amphitheatre, tasted eight unique food creations and picked their favorite. The entry getting the most thumbs up is called Dulce Panino, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich gelato. One judge said it took her, "back to my childhood.”
The item features crunchy peanut butter gelato mixed with peanuts, paired with a grape sorbet. Sandwiched in between is fresh vanilla cake with jelly, topped off with a 'secret' frosting.
It was the creation of Arthur Sawall, owner of La Coppa Artisan Gelato. "It took us probably a month to think of the idea, the concept," Sawall said. "We like the idea of playing with gelato, which is really a frozen treat, but making it into an everyday product,” he added.
Sawall's 'Dulce Panino' swept all three awards: Most Creative, Best Tasting and Grand Champion.
It and the other entries are available for purchase during the Fair. The creators' stands will be marked with a large banner.
New this year, fairgoers can vote for their favorite entry using the hashtag FairgoersFave or at the Guest Services Pavilion. The entry earning the most votes will win the Golden Spork.
This year's Wisconsin State Fair will feature 72 new food items.