15 Wild New Foods Competing for Best of the Steele County Fair This Year

Put on your stretchy pants and clear some space in your phone’s camera roll, because the food situation in Owatonna this year is no joke.

We already talked about the 5 New Food Vendors at the Steele County Fair This Year, which was already pushing our appetite boundaries. But just wait until you see what’s on the menu for the official "Best of the Fair" new foods competition.

Get our free mobile app

While there are tons of delicious new options popping up all over the fairgrounds, 15 have been nominated, and it's easy to see why. My tummy is already growling thinking about it.

Some of these are the exact kind of wonderfully over-the-top culinary creations you only find at a Minnesota fair. Where else on earth are you going to run into Deep-Fried Top the Tater, a Reese's Donut Burger slathered in Nutella, or a Brisket Cheese Curd Taco? Whatever you're craving, these new foods will take your tastebuds for a wild ride.

Also see: Cori Kennedy Is Coming to the Steele County Fair

We’re breaking down all the official new food contenders and the exact spots you can track them down on the fairgrounds. If you're heading there this week, do yourself a favor and save this list before you hit the gates!

Find a friend who's willing to share and let the fair food feast begin!

The 2026 Steele County Free Fair runs Tuesday, August 18th through Sunday, August 23rdat the fairgrounds in Owatonna.