In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food.It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for the cubs? In this third and final installment, the guys hit two more Midwestern states to check out their choices: Indiana and Iowa! With two fairs of festive feasts awaiting them, let’s see what the guys will stick their forks into.

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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘25 – Part 3 

It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. So what does 2025 hold for us? For our third go round we’re visiting more of the midwest with both Iowa and Indiana! The Indiana State Fair: Aug 1st-15th ’25  and The Iowa State Fair: Aug 7th-17th. It’s a master selection of tantalizing items this time.

First up, let’s stop by Indiana.

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  • Butterfinger Funnel Cake by North American Midway Entertainment – Treat yourself to a Butterfinger Funnel Cake! Crispy, golden funnel cake topped with smooth vanilla cream and crunchy Butterfinger pieces. A perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite! 
  
  
  • Cookie Butter Cold Brew by Hook’s Drugstore Museum – It’s a vanilla cold brew with vanilla ice cream. Topped with whipped cream, cookie butter drizzle, cookie crumbles, and a cherry. 
  
  
  • Deep Fried Pork Chop Sandwich by Twisted Drinks and Food – Deep fried BBQ pork chop sandwich is as exactly as it sounds. We season our boneless pork chops with a dry BBQ rub , then deep fry them and serve them on a fresh bakery bun and top it with our yummy bbq sauce.
  
  
  • Dirty Dancing Egg Rolls by J & J A Taste of Home Catering & Food Truck – (2) 4″ chicken philly egg rolls dipped in our homemade hot honey lemon pepper buffalo sauce drizzled with ranch dressing.
  
  
  • Pickle Fried Oreos by Pickle Barrel – Nothing says fair like fried pickles! Try our twist on this fair favorite! A golden Oreo with a pickle slice placed on top dipped in our original, made from scratch batter topped with dill pickle seasoning and a side of ranch to dip in!
  
  
  • Cinnamon Toast Cookie Butter Pretzel Bites by Wilson Concessions – Pretzel bites covered in cinnamon and sugar then smothered with cookie butter, cream cheese icing and topped off with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. 2025 TASTE OF THE FAIR WINNER
  
  
  
  

Next, we’re swinging by Iowa.

• Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll by Winn & Sara’s Kitchen – Experience the savory delight of Winn and Sara’s handmade Bacon Chicken Ranch Eggroll, made fresh just for the Iowa State Fair. Each eggroll is lovingly wrapped by hand, filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon and rich white cheddar cheese. A perfectly golden, crunchy exterior drizzled with Winn and Sara’s famous homemade ranch dressing. Every bite is a delightful combination of cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in a crispy, flaky shell. ($15)


• The Scotcheroo Shake by Over The Top – Meet your new Fair favorite – a rich, creamy shake made with our handmade scotcheroo ice cream – peanut butter and butterscotch ice cream swirled with gooey scotcheroo fudge and packed with chewy chunks of the classic Midwest treat. It’s crowned with fluffy whipped cream, generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel and a full slice of scotcheroo on top. A nostalgic dessert reimagined as the ultimate Fair shake. ($12)


• Three Little Pigs by Whatcha Smokin? BBQ – Oak-kissed smoked ham balls served as a trio flight of nostalgic flavors. First is a savory and sweet honey and mustard-glazed ham ball topped with cornbread crumbles, reminiscent of a tried and true corn dog. Next is a tangy cherry soda glaze with Maraschino cherries to give it the old-timey feel. The third ham ball has a buttery vanilla glaze dusted with powdered sugar, bringing a sweet contrast that plays on the classic Fair treat. ($13)


• The Butter Cow Tornado by Dairy Zone – The Butter Cow Tornado is a swirling twist of gooey butter cake drenched in butterscotch, crowned with a white-chocolate Butter Cow candy. Every bite is a mini homage to the Iowa State Fair’s beloved butter sculpture. ($10)


• Maple Bacon Bourbon Grilled Cheese by What’s Your Cheez – It starts with a freshly made maple bread, then topped with a maple bourbon cream cheese. Add a gourmet maple bourbon cheddar cheese and wait. A bourbon maple candied bacon is added between all the goodness, and then it’s grilled to a golden brown and served with a maple bourbon raspberry dipping sauce. ($12)