The Most Mouthwatering Foods at the Western Montana Fair

Yee. Freaking. Haw... It's fair time!

Today kicks off the 2023 Western Montana Fair in Missoula. It's extra special for me as it's my FIRST-EVER experience here. I grew up 30 minutes from the heralded Minnesota State Fair, often perceived as the GOAT of state fairs, so I won't lie the Western Montana Fair has a high bar to hit. Fortunately, I'm easy to please, and as long as there's delicious, artery-clogging, acne-inhibiting food, then I'm good to go.

What foods should I be eating this weekend? I reached out to my colleagues here at the office for the best foodie suggestions, and they did not disappoint.

I also want to hear from YOU, our readers, on what to consume this weekend. Let me know your recommendations on our social media posts in the comment section.

Vikings

Full transparency: I had no clue what a viking was. After I ascertained they are corn dogs with sausage, beef, and batter (excuse me, I have to take a breather because I'm sweating over here)

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Ok, we're good. WOW, that sounds incredible. I will indulge in one no doubt.

By the way, you can make your own at home.

Corn on the cob

A classic. My parents would grill corn on the cob all the time growing up. I didn't need to go to the fair for these, but now I'm hankering for some cobbed corn. Just make sure you slather it with butter and coat it with salt and pepper.

Lemondairy (lemonade, too)

This is another item added to the "I don't know what you're talking about" list. I'm gathering that a lemondairy is a lemonade slushie with some ice cream? I am a sucker for ice cream. I am a sucker for lemonade. Sign me up. Our own Dennis Bragg said it best: "Anything with ice cream."

Indian fry bread

Our wonderful content director Ashley Warren was raving over the Indian fry bread this morning. If Ashley recommends it then I'm in.

Funnel cake

You can't beat a solid funnel cake. Nick Chrestenson took it one step further and said "Strawberry/Whip Funnel Cake." Good call, Nick. Throw some strawberries on there and now you have a healthy funnel cake... Ok, it's probably not healthy but I'm going to fool myself anyways.

Deep-fried Oreos

Our intern Kai Williams said "Fried Oreos are probably the only fair food I've ever had. And they're delicious!" I have a couple of thoughts: 1) Yes, deep-fried Oreos are ridiculously tasty. 2) How are fried Oreos the only fair food you've had, Kai? We need to get you to the fair stat.

Nachos

Nachos are more bar food to me, but I love the recommendation. Bar food, fair food, whatever. You bet I'll dive into some melted cheese, shredded chicken, jalapenos, pico de Gallo, sour cream, and black beans... oh boy, here I go sweating over food again.

Other recommendations

• 4H Tacos
• Tater Pig
• Kettle corn
• Gyros
• Cheese curds
• "Nothing specific, but it does have to be on a stick." - Denny Bedard

I couldn't have said it better myself, Denny.