The State Fair of Texas kicks off its 138th year in Dallas on September 27, 2024. It is one of the longest-running fairs in the United States and, at 24 days, one of the countrys largest. In 2021 alone, 2.2 million visitors entered the gates of the historic Fair Park, a National Historic Landmark in South Dallas. Thats an average of about 91,000 people per day.
As you can imagine, it takes an army of food vendors to feed that many people. While the Texas State Fair operates as a nonprofit, vendors selling deep-fried foods can make plenty of money. Theres a reason the Fair is known as the “Fried Food Capital of Texas.”
In addition to one-day admission tickets, which range from $15 to $25 for an adult, youll have to buy State Fair Food & Midway Coupons for food, drinks, and Texas Star Ferris wheel rides. The price of admission includes live concerts, livestock shows, the Texas Auto Show, and other forms of free entertainment.
All food and drink purchases must be made using coupons, which are available for sale at ticket booths for $1 per coupon. According to my girlfriend Kel, a self-described “Texas chica,” this is double the pre-pandemic 50 cents per coupon rate. We mainly have inflation to blame.
Coupons are sold in increments of ten, and theres no discount for buying 50 or 100 at once. They can be purchased with cash, credit card, or a combination of both, as I found out when I exchanged $8 in coins (received as a change for a ride on the green DART rail line) plus $2 on a credit card.
In addition, Kel had more than $100 worth of coupons left over from the 2017 and 2018 Fairs. Unused tickets from prior years are valid. This story reflects my introduction to the State Fair of Texas based on my experience in 2022, including all the fried foods we could handle.
As summer fairs and festivals kick into high gear you’re bound to smell that familiar mouth-watering aroma wafting through the air – the scent of giant, juicy turkey legs being grilled to perfection. These turkey drumsticks have become a classic fair food, eagerly anticipated by many fairgoers. But with their huge size and savory appeal, you may find yourself wondering – just how much do these giant turkey legs cost at the fair?
I did some research on fair food pricing and have the details on what to expect for this meaty fair favorite. Keep reading to find out the average cost for a giant turkey leg at the fair.
The Typical Price Range
Giant turkey legs are often priced between $8-$12 at most fairs and festivals. The cost can vary depending on the size and the specific event. From my research, the average price for a giant turkey leg seems to be around $10.
Some fairs may charge on the lower end, with turkey legs priced from $8-$9. Other major state and county fairs may lean toward the higher end, with giant drumsticks costing $11-$12. The specific vendor can also impact the price.
Factors That Influence the Price
Several factors come into play when fair vendors determine the pricing for their giant turkey legs:
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Size – Turkey drumsticks can range in size from 1 to 2 pounds each. Larger, meatier legs will be priced higher than smaller ones.
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Supply and Demand – More popular fairs will charge higher prices, knowing they can get away with it due to high demand.
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Quality – Higher quality, fresher turkey drumsticks often command a higher price tag.
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Vendor’s Costs – The vendor’s food and supply costs, labor, booth fees, and other overhead expenses impact their pricing.
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Fair Admission Price – Fairs with expensive admission fees may have slightly inflated food prices.
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Location – Prices can vary regionally, with some parts of the country having higher or lower average costs.
Getting the Best Value
While a $10-$12 turkey leg may sound pricey compared to picking one up at the grocery store, these giant, tantalizing drums are meant to be a special, novelty fair food treat. To get your money’s worth from indulging, here are some tips:
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Come hungry! These turkey legs can weigh over a pound each, so they make a hearty, filling snack or meal. You’ll want to have an appetite to finish it.
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Split it with a friend. The legs are often so big that splitting one can satisfy two people. This cuts your cost in half.
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Ask about special deals. Some fairs may offer discounts on certain days or times, so ask vendors if they have any turkey leg coupons or deals available.
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Go on a discounted admission day. Look for days with reduced rate or free admission to offset higher food costs.
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Stick to water or free refills. Skip expensive lemonades or sodas to save money if you’re on a tight budget.
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Survey prices first. Compare prices from a few different turkey vendors before you buy, if possible.
Worth the Splurge?
While not the cheapest fair fare, giant turkey legs have an undeniable, sensory appeal that makes them a favorite indulgence for many. If you love turkey and want to enjoy the nostalgia and novelty of gnawing on a huge, juicy drumstick as you take in all the fair sights and sounds, it may be worth the $8-$12 cost. Just come hungry, and consider sharing to get the full experience for less.
With their popularity never waning, you can count on finding turkey legs roasting away at just about any local, regional, or state fair. If you’re a turkey leg lover, no fair food list would be complete without this iconic carnival treat!
Deep-Fried Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
While ordering the Cha-Cha Chata from Deep Fried Love, we noticed they also sold a deep-fried chocolate Tres Leches cake. We ordered a serving for 14 coupons ($14), noting it was a Big Tex Choice Award finalist at the 2012 State Fair of Texas. Kel loves Tres Leches cake, and she enjoyed this version.
State Fair of Texas Food
First, a warning: Theres more fried food at the Fair than any human can handle in a day. Kel and I had a two-fold strategy. First, we prioritized the finalists and winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards, a competition held every summer before the Fair begins.
The 2024 winners are:
- Best Taste — Savory: Dominican Fritura Dog
- Best Taste — Sweet: Roussos Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick
- Most Creative: Texas Sugar Rush Pickles
For an entertaining review of all the 2024 winners and finalists, check out this episode of the Eat Drink D-FW podcast by The Dallas Morning News.
Second, we agreed to take only a few bites of whatever we bought. This would allow us to try more foods and, I hoped, prevent us from overeating.
Meeting Big Tex
Our first stop after entering Fair Park was to meet Big Tex, a 55-foot tall animatronic cowboy dressed in Dickies clothes and a Shiner belt buckle. Big Tex is the worlds tallest cowboy and an icon of the State Fair of Texas. Hes welcomed visitors with a friendly “Howdy, folks” since 1952.
The circular plaza with Big Tex is home to another State Fair of Texas hero — Fletchers corny dogs. For my first food order at the Fair, I got an Original corn dog for seven tickets ($7). After topping it with yellow mustard, I took my first bite of this delicious deep-fried dog. The slightly crisped exterior gave way to a doughy interior and hot dog. I couldve eaten a few of these as the day had only just begun (it was 10:45 a.m.).
After walking past a lagoon with pedal boat swan rides, we came upon Cotton Bowl Stadium, which hosts college football games on Saturdays during the Fair:
- State Fair Classic – This game has been held since 1925 and currently features Grambling State University v. Prairie View A&M University.
- Red River Showdown – In a legendary game from 1929, the University of Texas (Longhorns) plays the University of Oklahoma (Sooners).
In Cotton Bowl Plaza, we found Peanut Butter Paradise by Southside Steaks & Cakes, winner of the 2022 Big Tex Choice Award for “Best Taste — Sweet.” This bad boy was a whopping 20 coupons, which, at the time, still wasnt registering as $20.
Paradise includes a deep-fried, caramel-filled honey bun smothered in creamy peanut butter and topped with regular and mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Reeses Pieces, and crushed Butterfingers.
The chocolate melted in the sun and 80-degree weather, making it an even gooier dessert to consume with a plastic spork. I love Reeses, peanut butter, and chocolate, but this dessert felt like a hot mess, literally and figuratively. If I were a teacher, Id give it a “B.” Once the $20 cost sunk in, I thought it was overpriced.
Note: While a metal fork would make life easier, theyre unfortunately prohibited, along with metal knives. Perhaps a metal spork would be allowed? See the FAQ for what you can and cannot bring.
Kel had told me she always gets deep-fried Oreos at the State Fair of Texas, so I wanted to try this Fair classic, too. We didnt have to look far. We got deep-fried Oreos from Ruths Tamale House in the same plaza as Peanut Butter Paradise.
One order was eight coupons ($8) and included three cookies drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with powdered sugar. It only took one bite to realize why deep-fried Oreos are a State Fair of Texas staple. The proportion of fried dough to cookie felt just right. I liked the chocolate flavor of the cookies, and the price was reasonable.
Pro Tip: Later, I saw at least one stand selling deep-fried Double Stuf Oreos. Keep an eye out if you want to double your pleasure.
Even before noon, people walking around the State Fair of Texas with giant turkey legs were a common sight. A big hunk of grilled turkey will set you back 22 coupons ($22). We were more focused on the sweets, so we skipped the turkey.
After a detour through the Birthing Barn and the Swine Barn, both full of pigs small and large (and pregnant), we found the 2022 Big Tex Choice Winner for “Best Taste — Savory” at Nevins Hamburger / Nevins Corndog.
At age 22, Josey Nevins Mayes became the youngest concessionaire to win a Big Tex Choice Award. And she did it with her Fried Charcuterie Board. According to a story in The Dallas Morning News, the inspiration came from the charcuterie boards she made for friends.
Whats inside these little triangles? More than youd imagine! Chopped mozzarella, salami, prosciutto, and green apples are mixed in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, sealed in a wonton wrapper, deep-fried, and finished with cold goat cheese and Mikes Hot Honey.
You get three pieces for 16 coupons ($16). Would it be better than the winner of the sweet category? A resounding “yes” would be our answer. Thanks to the premium ingredients and flavors, Kel and I agreed it was our favorite bite of the Fair.
Between food vendors, there was a lot to see. We walked through a petting zoo full of cute goats, llamas, alpacas, and one giant Texas longhorn. On our way to see a human-sized butter sculpture of Big Tex, we passed a cake competition in full swing. There were cakes upon cakes, organized by category; judges were hard at work taste-testing and rating them all.
We also passed through the Texas Wine Garden, where Kel ordered a cider. I exchanged five coupons ($5) for a St. Arnold Old Fashion Keg Root Beer, which tasted mighty fine on a warm fall day in Dallas. I purposefully skipped alcohol at the Fair to save coupons for food, and I knew a drink or two would tire me out faster than water and soda.
After catching the 1 p.m. pig races (a real squeal), it was time to resume our taste adventure. La Bluebonnet, available at Miltons Turkey Legs for ten coupons ($10), was a Big Tex Choice Awards finalist in the “Best Taste — Sweet” category.
Its a lemonade-like drink made from fresh-squeezed citrus juices and blueberries. Its served over ice and garnished with a lemon slice, mint leaf, and more blueberries. The refreshing Bluebonnet is served in a plastic Mason jar with a paper straw, which is a nice touch in terms of presentation. The blueberries were the healthiest food I ate all day.
After taking photos at Big Tex, we went to the Tower Building Food Court. It was 1:30 p.m., and wed been at the State Fair of Texas for about three hours. I was starting to feel tired as we entered the bustling food hall. Inside, there were people everywhere. It was lunchtime, and people were excited to try everything offered.
Banners highlighting past food competition winners hung from the ceiling, an impressive display of overindulgence. The 2017 winner for “Best Taste—Savory” and “Most Creative” was the Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger. It sounds like a heart attack on a plate. Another finalist in the savory category that year was Deep Fried Chicken Noodle on a Stick, a more appealing option.
At Ranchero Deep Fried Love, we found the Cha-Cha Chata, the 2022 Big Tex Choice Award winner in the “Most Creative” category. For 16 coupons ($16), you get two types of milk and vanilla ice cream blended into a horchata and poured into a cup with caramel and cinnamon. The creamy shake is topped with whipped cream, mini cinnamon cookies, a deep-fried arroz con leche (rice with milk) bite, and a churro over a plastic straw.
On presentation alone, I thought the Cha-Cha Chata was a winner. It looked delicious, and I enjoyed hitting the cold vanilla ice cream once we got through the whipped cream. The cookies and deep-fried ball of arroz con leche didnt add much for me in terms of flavor, and I didnt even bother biting into the churro. I enjoyed the cold milkshake most.
MASSIVE Turkey Leg Review at State Fair! #review #foodie #statefair
FAQ
How much does a turkey leg cost at NC State Fair?
WRAL News looked at how prices stacked up compared to previous years. In 2018, a two-foot-long hotdog combo cost $5. Today, that same combo costs $10. In 2020, a giant turkey leg at the fair cost $12.
How much are turkey legs at the Washington State Fair?
If you’ve been to the Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, California, Illinois, or even the Western Idaho State fair make the Washington State fair look like one of those carnival’s in a grocery store parking lot. The prices are outrageous.. $23 for a turkey leg. $8 for a small ice cream.
How much is a turkey leg at Topsfield fair?
$25 Turkey leg, $15 apple crisp.
How much are turkey legs at the State Fair of Texas?
Even before noon, people walking around the State Fair of Texas with giant turkey legs were a common sight. A big hunk of grilled turkey will set you back 22 coupons ($22).