Jul 25, 2025 - Food and Drink

What to eat on a stick at the Ohio State Fair

Alissa Widman Neese

Hand holding a slice of half-eaten watermelot on a stick at the state fair with blue sky, people, tents, and colorful sky lift chairs in the background. — This $10 watermelon lollipop with chamoy and Tajín was as good as it looks. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

If you want to make friends at the Ohio State Fair, visit New Food Avenue and order watermelon on a stick.

Dining the news: I set out to find the fair's most unusually good skewered food and this $10 fruit lollipop from A&M Concessions earned the title.

Heads turned and strangers struck up conversation as I walked the midway. Not surprising — it's massive.
The unwieldy salty-sweet slice doused in chamoy sauce and Tajín seasoning is perfectly refreshing on a hot day.

Yes, but: Don't forget the napkins. And, whatever you do, do not tilt the paper tray below it to take a bite.

I did, and spent the rest of the day looking like I was covered in blood after bright-red chamoy splattered all over my clothes. (Worth it, though.)

Other honorable mentions:

🍝 Fried meatballs and mozzarella: My second-favorite, covered in marinara. ($10, De Luca Family Foods)

Deep-fried meatballs on a wooden stick covered with marinara sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese and herbs, served in a white paper tray on red-and-white checkered paper. — The stick is mostly just for show — the stand worker offered me a fork and knife.

🧀 Fried cheese: A classic twist on a corn dog. ($6, Tracey's Concessions)

Hand holding a bitten fried cheese on a stick with corndog breading over wax paper, with a small cup of red dipping sauce on a yellow tablecloth with orange and green leaf patterns. — There's nothing like hot cheese on a 90-degree day, right?

🍰 Frozen cheesecake: Cool down with dessert in a hard ice cream shell. I chose cherry. ($8, Maggie's Concessions)

Hand holding a partially eaten red-coated frozen cheesesteak on a stick, with a white napkin wrapped around the stick, in a sunny outdoor setting with blurred people and buildings in the background. — Chocolate dip is probably most popular, but I was already covered in red chamoy at this point.

🐊 Fried gator: Surprisingly … normal? Pork-like texture, but a little pricey. ($14, Big G's)

Hand holding a deep-fried food item with barbecue sauce on top, wrapped in foil and a napkin, at an outdoor fairground with food stalls and people in the background. — The stand worker suggested a drizzle of barbecue sauce on top.

Pro tip: Download the Ohio State Fair app (Apple, Android) and find foods you're craving on the interactive map.

Also check out our air conditioning tips and guide to what's new — and don't forget to visit the butter cow!

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What to eat on a stick at the Ohio State Fair

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