Cleveland County Fair: Best Food Vendors!

Nov 13, 2025 by Alex Braham 42 views

The Cleveland County Fair is not just about the thrilling rides, farm animals, and captivating exhibits; it's also a fantastic culinary adventure! For many, the food vendors are a major highlight, offering a delicious array of treats and eats that capture the essence of fairground fun. So, if you're planning a visit, make sure to bring your appetite and get ready to indulge in some seriously good food. Let's dive into some of the best food vendors you absolutely must check out at the Cleveland County Fair!

Savory Sensations

When it comes to savory options, the Cleveland County Fair food vendors truly shine. You'll find everything from classic American comfort food to some unique and exciting flavors. One of the most popular choices is, without a doubt, the barbecue. Several vendors specialize in slow-cooked, smoky meats that are sure to satisfy any carnivore's cravings. Think tender pulled pork, juicy ribs, and flavorful brisket, all served with your choice of mouthwatering sauces. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in!

But the savory offerings don't stop there. You can also find vendors serving up crispy, golden-fried chicken, seasoned fries, and hearty corn dogs. For a taste of something different, be on the lookout for vendors offering international cuisine. You might find delicious tacos, flavorful gyros, or spicy empanadas. These vendors often bring a unique flair to the fair, offering a welcome change of pace from the more traditional fair food. And let's not forget the classic fair staple: the giant turkey leg. These massive, smoky drumsticks are a true spectacle and a satisfying meal all in one. Eating one is practically a rite of passage at the Cleveland County Fair!

The key to enjoying the savory side of the Cleveland County Fair is to come hungry and be willing to try a little bit of everything. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and sample some of the more unique offerings. You never know, you might just discover your new favorite fair food! Plus, with so many vendors to choose from, you're sure to find something that appeals to your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or adventurous flavors, the Cleveland County Fair has something for everyone. So, get ready to dig in and savor the savory sensations!

Sweet Treats Galore

No trip to the Cleveland County Fair is complete without indulging in some sweet treats, and the food vendors certainly deliver on this front. From classic fairground desserts to innovative and decadent creations, there's something to satisfy every sweet tooth. One of the most iconic fair treats is, of course, cotton candy. This fluffy, sugary cloud is a quintessential fair experience, and it's always a hit with kids and adults alike. Watching the vendor spin the cotton candy into a giant, colorful puff is a treat in itself!

Another must-try is the funnel cake. These deep-fried swirls of batter are topped with powdered sugar and can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. Biting into a warm, crispy funnel cake is pure bliss. And for those who love ice cream, there are plenty of vendors serving up creamy, frozen delights. You can find classic ice cream cones, sundaes, and milkshakes, as well as some more unique creations, such as ice cream-filled donuts and deep-fried ice cream. These cool treats are the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot fair day.

But the sweet treats don't stop there. You can also find vendors selling caramel apples, candied nuts, and homemade fudge. For a taste of something truly special, be on the lookout for vendors offering gourmet desserts. You might find delicious cupcakes, decadent brownies, or creamy cheesecakes. These vendors often bring a touch of elegance to the fair, offering a welcome change of pace from the more traditional sweets. When navigating the sweet treat vendors, be sure to pace yourself. There are so many tempting options that it's easy to overindulge. Consider sharing a few treats with friends or family so you can sample a variety of flavors without feeling too guilty. And don't forget to stay hydrated! All that sugar can leave you feeling thirsty, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

Unique and Unusual Eats

Beyond the classics, the Cleveland County Fair food vendors often feature some unique and unusual eats that are sure to pique your curiosity. These are the vendors that dare to be different, offering adventurous foodies a chance to try something new and exciting. One of the most popular unusual eats is the deep-fried everything. It seems like you can deep-fry just about anything these days, and the Cleveland County Fair is no exception. You might find deep-fried Oreos, deep-fried Twinkies, deep-fried pickles, and even deep-fried butter! These indulgent treats are definitely not for the faint of heart, but they are a fun and memorable fair experience.

Another unusual eat to be on the lookout for is the exotic meat. Some vendors specialize in serving up meats that you don't typically find at your local grocery store. You might find alligator, kangaroo, or even camel burgers. These meats can be surprisingly delicious, and they offer a unique culinary adventure. For those who are feeling particularly adventurous, be sure to try the bug-based snacks. Some vendors offer edible insects, such as crickets and mealworms, seasoned and roasted to perfection. These snacks are a great source of protein, and they are surprisingly tasty. Of course, not everyone is going to be a fan of these unusual eats, but they are definitely worth trying if you're looking for something different. They're a great conversation starter, and they'll give you a story to tell long after the fair is over.

When exploring the unique food vendors, be sure to read the descriptions carefully and ask questions if you're unsure about anything. Some of these foods can be quite spicy or have unusual textures, so it's good to know what you're getting into before you take a bite. And remember, it's all about having fun and trying new things. So, step outside your comfort zone and see what culinary adventures await you at the Cleveland County Fair!

Tips for Navigating the Food Vendors

Navigating the food vendors at the Cleveland County Fair can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're visiting on a busy day. With so many options to choose from, it's helpful to have a plan of attack. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your culinary experience:

Do your research: Before you head to the fair, check out the vendor lineup online or in the fair program. This will give you an idea of what's available and help you prioritize your must-try foods.
Come hungry: This may seem obvious, but it's important to arrive at the fair with an empty stomach. This will allow you to sample more of the delicious offerings without feeling too full.
Pace yourself: It's easy to get carried away with all the tempting treats, but it's important to pace yourself. Don't try to eat everything in one sitting. Instead, spread out your food consumption throughout the day.
Share with friends: Sharing food with friends or family is a great way to sample a variety of flavors without overindulging. Plus, it's more fun to experience the culinary delights together.
Stay hydrated: All that fair food can leave you feeling thirsty, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help you stay energized and avoid feeling sluggish.
Bring cash: While some vendors may accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to bring cash. This will make it easier to pay for your food and avoid any potential transaction fees.
Don't be afraid to try new things: The Cleveland County Fair is a great place to step outside your comfort zone and try new foods. So, don't be afraid to sample some of the more unusual offerings.
Check for deals: Some vendors may offer discounts or special deals, so be sure to keep an eye out for those. You might be able to save some money on your favorite fair foods.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a delicious and memorable culinary experience at the Cleveland County Fair. So, get ready to dig in and enjoy all the tasty treats that the food vendors have to offer!