The Florida State Fair is set to return to Tampa's Florida State Fairgrounds next month.
It's a time for freakishly scary rides delivering just the right amount of thrill and carnival lights that make for a more scenic ride through town. But best of all, the longtime event offers concoctions that could very well leave you bedridden for a few days, or be the best gift ever presented to your taste buds.
Ahead of the fair, which starts Feb. 4, four new and outrageous burgers have entered the annual People's Choice Burger Awards. Voters will choose the burger they wish to see at the event online, starting Wednesday, to determine a winner.
So, who's in the running? The who-said-you-can't-have-that-for-breakfast French Toast Burger with, yes, French toast for buns; an Ice Cream Burger that manages perfect posture despite being topped with fried ice cream; and the Redneck Burger, featuring a little bit of every food group — potato sticks and fried bologna included.
Plus, the Bacon Bomb Explosion Burger, aimed at pork lovers everywhere. The meat on this creation, which will be available at the fair regardless of voting, is seasoned with ranch, barbecue sauce and a special seasoning, then bacon crumbles are added. Wrapped in more bacon and slow roasted with hickory smoke, the beef is sliced into patties before it's served on a kaiser roll with traditional fixins and, naturally, bacon.
Other unconventional eats to look for during the fair's 12-day run are peanut butter, jelly and bacon quesadillas (as well as other quesadilla combos like bacon and cheese, or peanut butter and banana), pizza funnel cakes, and deep-fried birthday cake pops.
This year's Taste of the Fair, where attendees may sample smaller portions from the concessions, will take place Feb. 8.
