State Fair Sticks It

By Hanna Aronovich in Food on Aug 10, 2006 2:49PM

Food on a stick is better than food not on a stick, which is why the Illinois State Fair is introducing a new item at this year’s fair: eggs on a stick.

Earlier this week, the Tribune reported fairgoers could purchase a hardboiled egg on a stick and dip it in horseradish, honey mustard, ranch or strawberry-banana hot sauce (eew – really?). Also the economical choice, the eggs will be sold for $1.

But, the real question is why didn’t they think of this sooner? The Iowa State Fair has served eggs on a stick in previous years. Seems Illinois is late to the party. But, at least we got here, and fair organizers say the treat is a success.

"Every year, you have to have something new on a stick ... and for the life of me, I could not figure out how they're going to do it," Amy Bliefnick, the fair's director told the Tribune.

In its 152nd year, the fair starts tomorrow and runs through Aug. 20. In addition to the eggs, visitors can chow down on cuisine from more than 14 countries at the Ethnic Village food booths.

Along with carnival rides, truck and tractor pulls, motocross racers and rodeos, the fair features performances by Foreigner, Counting Crows, Bow Wow and Carrie Underwood.

Ah, the state fair. Come for the eggs, stay for the Idol.