As summer winds down and fall approaches, that means one thing – fair season! Across the country, state and county fairs are gearing up, setting up rides, games, exhibits, and of course, food stands. And one of the most iconic fair foods has to be the gigantic, mouth-watering turkey leg. Just the sight of those massive drumsticks sizzling on a grill is enough to make your stomach growl! But with their huge size, you might find yourself wondering – how much are those turkey legs at the fair going to set me back?
A Classic Fair Food with A Not-So-Classic Price
Turkey legs have become a staple fair food over the past few decades, and for good reason The juicy, smoky, meaty flavor is hard to resist after spending hours wandering around the fairgrounds And the large size makes them ultra-filling and shareable – one turkey leg can easily feed 2-3 people.
But the days of turkey legs being an affordable snack are long gone. The average fair turkey leg today costs around $12-$15. That’s quite a leap from the more reasonable $4-$6 price tag these drumsticks carried 10+ years ago.
Why the rising prices? A few reasons:
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Increased wholesale turkey prices – Droughts and other factors have driven up the wholesale cost of turkey over the years. Since turkey legs are now a core part of fairs’ food offerings, those costs get passed along
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Novelties demand a premium – Turkey legs have earned a reputation as a must-have fair food. And as a result, vendors know patrons are willing to pay more for the experience and novelty factor.
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Prices vary by location – Large state fairs in major cities tend to have the most expensive turkey legs, ranging from $14-$18 each. Smaller county fairs may charge just $10-$12. Overhead costs play a role too.
No matter what though, turkey legs are now one of the priciest eats you’ll find at the fair. But are they still worth it?
Worth The Price or Worth Skipping? Factors to Consider
Whether those sky-high turkey leg prices are a worthwhile spend or not depends on a few factors:
Size Matters
The first thing to look at is the size of the leg itself. Turkey legs can range anywhere from 1-3 pounds at fairs. Ideally, you want to get the biggest, meatiest drumstick your $15 can buy. A larger portion means more to share and better bang for your buck.
Skip the “Extra” Add-Ons
Lots of vendors now offer flavored turkey legs – Cajun, BBQ, lemon pepper, etc. While tasty, these special seasonings add $1-$3 to the price. Go for a regular smoked turkey leg to get the classic flavor at the lowest cost.
Watch Portion Sizes For Kids
Since turkey legs are often sold a la carte, their large size doesn’t always suit kids’ appetites. For little ones, a $12 drumstick ends up being a pricey waste. Order a kiddie cone of fries or mini corn dogs instead.
Time Your Visit Strategically
Aim to hit up the turkey leg stand either early in the morning or later at night. There’s less overall fair foot traffic during these off-peak times. That means shorter lines and a better shot at getting the biggest leg before they’re all snapped up.
Share With Friends
While everyone loves having their own turkey leg, splitting one drumstick 2-3 ways can take the sting out of the price. Get together with friends and family to order a few legs to pass around. This also allows you to try more of the flavors!
Alternatives for Fair Food on a Budget
If turkey legs are just too rich for your fair food budget, alternatives abound! Here are some crowd-pleasing picks that won’t break the bank:
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Funnel cake – A quintessential fair food. Plain ones start around $5. Toppings will add $1-$2.
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Corn dogs – Expect to pay $1.50-$2 per corn dog. Grab a handful for the whole family to sample.
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French fries – Load up on a cheap fair food staple. Small servings go for $3-$5.
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Soft pretzels – Salted, coated in cinnamon sugar, or flavored – pretzels give you a tasty bang for your $4-$6 buck.
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Ice cream/milkshakes – You can’t leave the fair without something cold and creamy! Cones, cups, or shakes for $3-$7 each.
Weighing the Options
While no fair food is technically a “bargain” anymore, favorites like massive turkey legs carry premium price tags. Ultimately, when deciding if turkey legs are worth it, the key is adjusting portions and expectations. Maybe indulge in just one drumstick to split instead of each family member getting their own. Or choose a smaller, lower-cost treat if budget is a concern. Either way, you can still enjoy the novel, nostalgic flavors that only the fair can deliver!
How the turkey legs are made at the State Fair
FAQ
How much does a turkey leg cost at the NC State fair?
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What is a turkey leg at the fair?
Are turkey legs sold at fairs or festivals?
Turkey legs sold at fairs or festivals are an intersection of spectacle and culinary tradition. Here’s the lowdown on how they get their unique taste, texture, and color. Published Nov. 22, 2023. When it comes to fair and festival food, few items match the popularity and novelty of the colossal turkey leg.
Are fair turkey legs a ham?
Admittedly, I’m among those who’ve doubted that fair turkey legs are actually turkey. But the ham comparison is no coincidence. According to Sedley, whose parents founded the King Richard’s Faire in 1982 (the event is named after her father), the turkey legs are cured and smoked much in the same way as a city ham. Here’s how they’re made.
Where are turkey legs smoked?
Almost all of the turkey leg prep—butchering, curing, and smoking—is done at the plant where the Sedley family sources the meat. The smoked legs are then frozen and transported to the fair, where they are spread on huge trays and baked to be served hot.
Do turkey legs taste like ham?
So while these turkey legs may look like ham, taste like ham, and even be prepared like ham, rest assured that they are in fact poultry. Delicious, smoked poultry. However, Sedley insisted that perhaps more important than flavor to the enduring allure of the turkey legs is their stature.