From deep-fried delicacies to food on a stick and even a ‘hot-beef sundae’: The weirdest food found at state fairs

The first state fair was in the 19th century — and the food options have gotten progressively weirder since then - (Getty Images)

Walking through the food area of every state fair is an adventure — the smell of fryer oils and sugar quickly bombards the senses, even if it’s sometimes unclear what’s underneath that mysterious dough.

State fairs first began in the 19th century as a way for farmers to show off their agriculture and livestock, but quickly evolved into the epitome of a summer event filled with rides, contests, and most importantly, food.