Must Try Foods On A Stick That Make The Ohio State Fair A Feast On A Stick

When summer rolls around in Ohio, fairgoers know exactly what to expect: thrilling rides, exciting games, and most importantly, an incredible variety of foods served on sticks.

The Ohio State Fair has become legendary for transforming just about any dish you can imagine into a portable, handheld treat. From sweet to savory, classic to creative, these stick-mounted delicacies make walking around the fairgrounds a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.

1. Classic Corn Dogs

Nothing says state fair quite like biting into a freshly fried corn dog. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines a juicy hot dog wrapped in sweet cornmeal batter, deep-fried to golden perfection.

I recommend grabbing one early in your visit because the lines can get long as the day goes on. The crispy outside contrasts beautifully with the savory meat inside, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Most vendors offer mustard and ketchup, but don’t be afraid to ask for creative toppings. Whether you’re five or fifty, this timeless fair favorite never disappoints and sets the perfect tone for your stick-food adventure.

2. Deep-Fried Oreos

How do you make America’s favorite cookie even better? You dip it in batter, fry it, and put it on a stick, of course!

Deep-fried Oreos have become a sensation at fairs across the country, and Ohio’s version doesn’t disappoint. The chocolate cookie gets warm and gooey inside while the outer batter turns crispy and slightly sweet.

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the finishing touch to this indulgent treat. I suggest sharing these with a friend because they’re incredibly rich, though you might find yourself wanting to keep them all.

It’s messy, decadent, and absolutely worth every calorie when you’re celebrating fair season.

3. Bacon-Wrapped Everything

If bacon makes everything better, then bacon on a stick makes it portable perfection. Vendors at the Ohio State Fair have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, wrapping bacon around pickles, hot dogs, cheese, and even other meats.

The smoky, salty flavor of crispy bacon enhances whatever it surrounds, creating flavor combinations that range from traditional to totally wild. My personal favorite is bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, which balance heat with savory richness.

These treats are grilled or fried until the bacon reaches that perfect crispy texture we all crave. When you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, bacon-wrapped sticks deliver every single time.

4. Funnel Cake Sticks

Did you know that funnel cakes have been reimagined into convenient stick form? Instead of juggling a plate of tangled fried dough, you can now enjoy this classic fair dessert while walking around.

Funnel cake sticks are made from the same sweet batter, fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. They’re typically dusted with powdered sugar, though some vendors offer chocolate sauce or fruit toppings.

I love how easy these are to eat compared to traditional funnel cakes no fork required! The stick format also means you can share them more easily with friends and family.

They’re sweet, satisfying, and capture all the magic of fair food in portable form.

5. Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas

When the Ohio summer heat becomes overwhelming, this treat offers the perfect refreshing solution. A whole banana is frozen solid, dipped in rich chocolate, and decorated with your choice of toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or coconut flakes.

It’s surprisingly satisfying and feels almost healthy compared to other fair options. The frozen banana provides a cool, creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the hard chocolate shell.

I always grab one of these during the hottest part of the afternoon for an instant cooldown. Kids especially love choosing their own toppings and watching vendors create their custom treat.

It’s fun, photogenic, and genuinely delicious on a hot summer day.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Though it might seem simple compared to other fair creations, grilled corn remains one of the most popular stick foods. Fresh Ohio corn is grilled to perfection, with kernels that burst with sweet, smoky flavor.

Vendors typically brush it with melted butter and offer seasonings like salt, pepper, or spicy chili powder. Some even serve it Mexican street-style with mayo, cheese, and lime.

I appreciate having at least one vegetable option while indulging in fair food, even if it’s dripping with butter! The natural sweetness of summer corn needs very little enhancement, and the stick makes it incredibly easy to enjoy.

It’s wholesome, delicious, and connects you to Ohio’s agricultural roots.

7. Pickle Pops

Are you brave enough to try one of the fair’s most polarizing treats? Pickle pops are exactly what they sound like: whole pickles frozen solid and served on a stick.

For pickle lovers, this tangy, ice-cold snack is pure heaven, especially on a sweltering summer day. The freezing process intensifies the sour, briny flavor while creating a refreshing, crunchy texture.

I’ll admit I was skeptical at first, but one bite made me a believer. They’re surprisingly refreshing and provide a palate cleanser between all those sweet and fried options.

You’ll either love them or hate them, but they’re definitely worth trying at least once during your fair adventure.

8. Chicken and Waffle Stick

Breakfast meets dinner in this genius handheld creation that’s taken the fair by storm. Crispy fried chicken pieces and fluffy waffle chunks alternate on a skewer, combining savory and sweet in every bite.

Most vendors drizzle the whole thing with maple syrup, though some offer hot sauce for those who prefer extra kick. The contrast between crunchy chicken and soft waffle creates an addictive texture combination.

I suggest getting this earlier in the day when you’re genuinely hungry because it’s quite filling. It’s essentially a complete meal on a stick, offering protein, carbs, and serious satisfaction.

This stick food proves that Ohio fair vendors aren’t afraid to get creative with beloved flavor combinations.

9. Deep-Fried Candy Bars

It’s hard to imagine candy bars getting any more indulgent, but the Ohio State Fair found a way. Popular chocolate bars like Snickers, Milky Way, or Reese’s Cups get dipped in batter and deep-fried until golden.

The heat melts the chocolate and caramel inside, creating a warm, gooey center surrounded by crispy fried dough. A dusting of powdered sugar completes this over-the-top dessert.

I recommend eating these immediately while they’re still warm for the best experience. The combination of hot and cold, crispy and melted, makes every bite an adventure. It’s definitely not something you’d eat every day, but that’s exactly what makes fair food so special and memorable.

10. Mozzarella Sticks

When you’re craving something savory and familiar, these cheese sticks deliver comfort food satisfaction. Thick pieces of mozzarella are breaded, deep-fried until golden, and served piping hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

The best ones have that perfect cheese pull when you take a bite, with the stretchy mozzarella contrasting against the crunchy coating. They’re a safer choice for picky eaters who might find other fair foods too adventurous.

I always order extra marinara because you can never have too much. These sticks are perfect for sharing, though you might find yourself guarding them protectively once you taste how good they are.

Sometimes simple classics are exactly what you need during a long fair day.

11. Pork Chop on a Stick

This hearty option has been a staple at the Ohio State Fair for decades. A thick, bone-in pork chop is grilled to perfection and served on a stick made from its own bone, creating a natural handle.

The meat is typically seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the quality of Ohio pork to shine through. It’s juicy, smoky, and substantial enough to count as a real meal rather than just a snack.

I love that this stick food celebrates local agriculture and traditional cooking methods. It’s less gimmicky than some fair foods but equally satisfying in its straightforward deliciousness. If you’re hungry and want actual sustenance, this classic choice won’t let you down.

12. Cake Pops

For those who want something sweet but not overwhelmingly large, cake pops offer the perfect portion-controlled solution. These bite-sized treats consist of cake mixed with frosting, rolled into balls, and coated in chocolate or candy melts.

Vendors get incredibly creative with decorations, offering designs ranging from simple sprinkles to elaborate themed creations. The stick makes them easy to eat without getting frosting all over your hands.

I appreciate having a dessert option that doesn’t require a huge commitment like a full slice of cake. They’re also great for kids who want to try multiple treats without wasting food.

Pretty, portable, and delicious cake pops bring bakery quality to the fairgrounds in convenient stick form.

13. Shrimp on a Stick

If you’re looking for something slightly lighter amid all the fried options, grilled shrimp skewers provide a welcome alternative. Large, juicy shrimp are seasoned with garlic, butter, and spices, then grilled until perfectly cooked.

The natural sweetness of shrimp pairs beautifully with smoky char from the grill, and most vendors serve them with lemon wedges for squeezing. They’re packed with protein and feel like a more sophisticated fair food choice.

I often grab these when I need a break from heavy, fried foods but still want something flavorful. They’re also surprisingly filling despite being relatively light. It’s proof that stick foods at the Ohio State Fair offer something for every taste and dietary preference.

14. Deep-Fried Cheesecake

How do fair vendors make creamy cheesecake even more decadent? They freeze it, batter it, fry it, and put it on a stick!

Deep-fried cheesecake has become one of the most sought-after desserts at the Ohio State Fair. The frying process creates a warm, crispy exterior while the cheesecake inside becomes wonderfully creamy and slightly melted.

Vendors usually offer toppings like chocolate sauce, strawberry topping, or caramel drizzle to enhance the richness. I recommend sharing this one because it’s incredibly rich, though you’ll be tempted to keep it all for yourself. It’s messy, indulgent, and represents everything that makes fair food special taking familiar favorites and transforming them into something extraordinary.