Food is number one reason we go to the fair, survey reveals

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - For the 101st time, the East Texas State Fair has opened and begun entertaining folks who love the rides, shows and animals they find at the fair.

But guess what the majority of people say their main reason for going to the fair is? The food. The East Texas Fair newsletter said that when people were surveyed in 2015 and asked what brings most people to the fair, an impressive 72 percent said "the food."

The fair offers the traditional corn dogs on a stick, cotton candy and so forth, but there is a lot more to be tried and tasted this year!

The fair released a tantalizing statement about their food this year, and here are some of the things they say you can expect:

A new favorite for fairgoers is LeBlanc's Cajun Cuisine. At this New Orleans style dive you'll find bourbon street favorites like boudin balls, crab cakes, etoufe, crawfish pies, and catfish and shrimp baskets. It's a spicy, flavorful Cajun experience you don't want to miss.

Speaking of Cajun, the Seafood Cajun Express, located across from the petting zoo is another great food vendor with a gulf coast taste. With an Asian background, cook Randy Phan puts an Asian spin on this Cajun eatery. You can try alligator on a stick, pork chop on a stick, and delicious egg rolls. It's also home to one of our favorite snacks, fried pickles.

Right next to Seafood Cajun Express is a fun dessert option that's new to the fair, and to Tyler. Cool Clouds, who just opened a permanent location on Broadway, will be serving their nitrogen frozen ice cream, which they freeze right before your eyes. Pick your ingredients, and watch the magic happen!

Another great fair favorite, mentioned above, is The Crazy Samosa. A samosa is a type of fried pie with a savory filling, in this case available in chicken, beef, and pulled pork and they are to die for! Also available from The Crazy Samosa is the famous Wild Dog, a deep fried hotdog with bbq sauce, and the Texa-Kenyan Taco, a saucy, tangy twist on a classic Texas taco. At The Crazy Samosa, your order may take a little longer because everything is made fresh, completely from scratch, but most fairgoers agree-it's worth the wait.

New this year, right by the dinner tent is Paleteria Polar with fresh fruit mixes for a lighter option. Take this treat to the next level by topping it with chili powder and lime salt.

...the best part about building "C" is the concession run by State Park Grocery and their homemade fudge and gelato. It's a favorite among the staff and volunteers at the fair. Cross the road, around the stage, and in the south entrance of Harvey Convention Center you'll find Amelia's Sweetery, a local vendor with delicious cakes and pastries. Their chocolate covered cake balls are always a fair-goers favorite.

Don't let your friend's diet slow you down, Greebriar Foods by the Dining Tent has some great salads! They're also home to fish nuggets (with amazing homemade tartar sauce) along with great burgers and chicken fried steaks.

One of the guest's favorites is Smokinlikeyalikeit with their cowboy mignon drizzled in Vidalia onion sauce, their completely unique and utterly tasty smoked meatloaf sandwich, stuffed 'taters, tamales, or their always great kickin' chicken.

Of course there's no shortage of the traditional fair food. Check out Big Tex, the largest and most easily recognizable stand for some great fair favorites like turkey legs and corn dogs. And you can't come to the fair without enjoying a funnel cake, so stop by Porter's! They have two locations on food row which are always some of the most frequented stops at the fair.

There's one thing for sure, there's never enough time to enjoy all the great foods at the East Texas State Fair. There's over 25 great dives at the 10-day event, so you may have to double-up on dinner if you want to try them all!

We think you'll enjoy trying some of these delicious meals and sweets; visit etxtatefair.com to get more details or buy tickets.The fair is open and runs through October 2.

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