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 2026 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at some delectable delights and bubbly beverages hitting a fair near you.

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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘26 – Part 1 

It’s summer time and once again the STATE FAIRS are coming back around. In 2026, there are new foods to consider as we return to one of our faves, Wisconsin! Wisconsin State Fair: Aug 6-16 ’26  Let’s see which delectable delights we’re willing to pry open our wallets for this time. 

First up, DRINKS!

• Big Pat’s Pit Stop Punch – a nostalgic party punch made with bright and fruity pineapple juice, fizzy lemon lime soda, and a generous scoop of rainbow sherbet. This delicious and refreshing drink, all dressed up for a day at the races, is sure to rev your engine!  
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sipper – a crisp, refreshing blend of creamy strawberry oat milk, rich chocolate, and Wisconsin honey. Served over ice and garnished with an Olympia Granola Strawberry Chocolate Granola Bar Dipper for an extra snack. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfectly chilled for everyone to enjoy at the State Fair! 
• Circus Peanut Spritz – a beautiful two-toned orange colored blast from the past. The unique circus peanut flavor will evoke great childhood memories once the banana bread syrup and club soda are added and topped with a whimsical whip cream and circus peanut topping.
• Hawaiian Pizza Slush – a playful punch of sweet pineapple and savory pizza sauce in an icy, refreshing blend. Garnished with a Canadian bacon wrapped cheese stick and topped with croutons, herbs, and parmesan, this drink mimics the perfect slice in every sip. 
• Monkey Bread – a cup full of ice-cold Mr. Pibb swirled with butterscotch syrup, cinnamon bun syrup, sweet cream, and piled high with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. It’s like a fresh baked piece of monkey bread melted into a fizzy, creamy soda explosion! 
• Wisconsinite Slush – beloved real kosher dill pickle juice in an icy, craveable slushie, swirled with zesty Tajin, and topped with Wisconsin staples of two baby dill pickles, a Klement’s beef stick, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Because everything’s better when it’s made in Wisconsin! 

Let’s talk about NOMS!

• Birria Flamin’ Bombs – a crazy twist on a fan-favorite meal that showcases rich, delicious flavors! These crispy bombs are filled with slow-cooked beef birria, cilantro, onion, and melted mozzarella cheese, then coated in a savory seasoned breadcrumb blend and served with a birria consommé for dipping with a side of creamy chipotle aioli. 
• Bourbon Deep – Fried Pecan Pie – Bourbon infused Pecan filling in a homemade flakey crust that is fried that’s dusted with brown sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.   
• Deep–Fried Horchata Balls – Indulgent, sweet bites dusted in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with rich dulce de leche sauce, chocolate sauce, then topped with mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut and sweet fried plantain chips for the ultimate dessert! 
• Deep-Fried Ranch – a creamy filling made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese and buttermilk. Coated in a crispy panko shell and deep fried until golden perfection. Topped with a dusting of ranch powder and served with a side of hot honey or ranch for dipping.
• French Onion Cheese Pull – inspired by the flavor of classic French onion soup but even cheesier. Bite into a melty Wisconsin cheese center wrapped in a crispy, corn dog with onion infused batter and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a cool, creamy French onion topping and get ready to enjoy a signature cheese pull! 
• Porky Puff – a golden, flaky puff pastry filled with tender pulled pork, house-made zesty peach filling, layered with creamy garlic and herb cheese for a rich, savory bite. Baked until light and crispy, finished with a drizzle of hot honey, and a sprinkle of mustard seeds, this Puff delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and tang. Handheld and packed with bold flavor, it’s an easy-to-eat indulgence that hits every note in one irresistible square! 
• Smoked Pork Pierogi Sliders – buttery pierogi as the bun, stuffed with tender, slow-smoked pork and cheddar cheese and topped with crisp, sweet coleslaw, rich BBQ sauce, and a punchy pickle to create the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and bold flavors
• Wisco Short Rib Corn Dog – a corn dog features a braised short rib and raw milk gouda skewer, hand battered in New Glarus beer corn bread mix and crunchy breadcrumbs, then deep–fried. Topped with a locally produced smoked tomato sauce and honey drizzle for a dish delivered from farms all over the state. 

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