The York State Fair offers traditional fair food as well as more daring delicacies.

Known as America’s first state fair, the York State Fair was first held in 1765 — 11 years before the founding of the country! Fast forward 259 years and the York Fair is still going strong, with hundreds of thousands of visitors streaming to the York Fairgrounds each year.

The quintessential state fair will take place this summer July 19 through 28, and will offer the entertainment, rides, and the fair food you’ve come to love. Speaking of fair food, the York Fair is known for its dozens of food vendors and concession stands, many of which serve well, unusual, food. It’s just not a state fair unless you’ve munched on some weird fare, right? 

Read on to learn about some of the unusual food items you may be able to get this summer at the fair. Spoiler alert: most of it is fried!

Pumpkin Funnel Cake

Savory’s Funnel Cakes is a York State Fair staple. Although locals love the classic funnel cakes served here, the pumpkin variety is the most unique. Adding a bit of pumpkin to classic funnel cake batter takes the sweet treat to the next level! Don’t forget to top your cake with either icing, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar.

Fried Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Chef Tony’s Food Truck was new to the York State Fair in 2023, so here’s hoping he’s back this summer with his fried Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Sure, you can buy a regular cheesesteak at other food vendors, but why not pick up something similar that’s both deep-fried and dippable? The Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are stuffed with your favorite cheesesteak flavors and served with sweet chili sauce.

Deep-Fried Chocolate

Choco L’More knows the key to a fairgoer’s heart is through a gentle deep fry, hence the food truck’s menu of deep-fried chocolate! The chocolate truck’s deep-fried, spiced Mayan dark chocolate truffles are a hit with foodies, but be sure to explore the menu for other culinary delights like cake bombs or cheesecake — or perhaps some deep-fried cheesecake?!

Fried Veggies

Good news — there are indeed vegetables to eat at the York State Fair! Better news — they’re deep-fried, too! Tom’s Vegetable Co. serves up fresh, hand-battered veggies including cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini. Plus, you can grab the best fried vegetables — OK, they’re technically fruit because cucumbers are considered fruit — fried pickles! After a stop at Tom’s, you’re essentially eating fried salad (so healthy!).

Stuffed Waffles

They had us at waffles, but they made us swoon at stuffed waffles. The waffles served by the folks with Dough Head Waffles, new to the York Fair last year, are made with yeast dough and stuffed with your choice of sweet or savory fillings. This makes them, according to the restaurant, “wockets” — that is, waffle pockets. Stuff yours with macaroni and cheese or buffalo chicken or go sweet with Nutella or a bananas foster wocket creation.

Even More Deep-Fried Sweets

Let us continue our journey through the wilds of deep-fried possibility. Santillo’s is a classic state fair vendor, and first began slinging food at fairs in 1934. While the food stand may be most famous for its traditional food and for popularizing sausage and pepper sandwiches, a visit to Santillo’s at the York State Fair can get you more than just curly fries and festival lemonade — the food vendor also serves deep-fried candy bars, deep-fried twinkies, deep-fried cannoli, and deep-fried Oreos.

Build-Your-Own Macaroni and Cheese Bowl

Few things are better than a bowl of macaroni and cheese, except perhaps a bowl of macaroni and cheese covered with all your favorite toppings. Holy Macaroni is a food stand that travels to fairs and festivals to serve macaroni and cheese, made to order. Mac and cheese lovers can choose from a bevy of seafood, meat, and veggie options, all with the aim to create the most delicious combination atop a base of cheesy cavatappi pasta. If you can’t decide, you can pick one of Holy Macaroni’s recommended combos.