With the onset of autumn comes one of our most beloved fall traditions: the Arkansas State Fair. And while the rides, games, and livestock draw thousands to the Arkansas State Fairgrounds each October, there’s no denying it—we’re all about the food. This year’s fair runs Oct. 11-20 in Little Rock. To kick things off, we caught up with Tiffany Wilkerson, general manager of the Arkansas State Fair, about her favorite fare at the fair.
Tiffany Wilkerson, general manager of the Arkansas State Fair
PLATED: Tell us about your role with the Arkansas State Fair. Are you originally from Arkansas?
Tiffany Wilkerson: I’ve been involved with the Arkansas State Fair since May 2002. I originally started out as the receptionist and, over the course of the past 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in nearly every department. This gave me an incredible overview of how the fair operates and allowed me to experience all aspects of this beloved event. Currently, I serve as the general manager, and it’s been such a rewarding journey to see how the fair has grown and evolved over the years. And yes, I’m a proud native Arkansan!
P: Did you grow up going to the fair?
TW: Absolutely. grew up attending the fair with my family, and it’s something I’ve looked forward to every year. My grandmother lived in the neighborhood, so we’d always meet at her house and walk over to the fairgrounds together. As a kid I was all about the classic fair foods. The first thing I’d always go for was a funnel cake. The sight—and smell!—of those crispy, powdered sugar-covered cakes being made right by the gate was something I could never resist. It became a bit of a tradition for me to grab one as soon as we entered.
P: What do you most look forward to eating at the fair now?
TW: Even now I have a soft spot for those classic fair foods, especially a corn dog from McKinney Food Services. It’s like a comforting ritual for me to grab a corn dog and a fruit punch from the Ice Tea Box. There’s just something so nostalgic about it—fair food is part of the experience, and while I’m always excited to see what new items are available each year, I tend to come back to those tried-and-true favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes! It’s a combination that never fails to bring back great memories.
P: What is the craziest thing you have eaten at the fair through the years?
TW: The craziest thing I’ve tried has to be the pickle pizza; if you’re a pickle lover, it’s something you’ll want to check out! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. This year, the pickle pizza is making a return with an exciting twist—it’s now called spicy pickle pizza. It’s made with a ranch pizza sauce, topped with pickles and jalapeños, and drizzled with a spicy sauce and Cajun seasoning. It’s a bold, unique flavor that’s sure to turn heads, and I can’t wait for people to try it.
P: Has there ever been anything that you weren’t so sure about trying that turned out to be amazing?
TW: I wasn’t sure about the deep-fried PB&J at first—it seemed like such an odd combination! But once I tried it, I was blown away by how delicious it was. It had this perfect mix of crispy and gooey, and the flavors just worked so well together. Unfortunately, I discovered it on the very last day of the fair that year, but it made such an impression on me that it’s now a must-have whenever it’s available.
P: Besides the spicy pickle pizza, what other new items should we be on the lookout for this year?
TW: We’ve got some really exciting new food options this year! One of the highlights is fresh battered cheese curds available in a variety of flavors, which I know people will love. We’re also introducing soul-food eggrolls and chopped-steak eggrolls, which offer a fun twist on familiar favorites. And for a sweet and savory option, we’ve got chicken and waffles on a stick. Plus, for those who’ve been asking, the blooming onion is making its much-anticipated return this year. There’s something new and exciting for everyone to try!
P: Do you have any strategies for maximizing your food experience at the fair—and basically getting to try as many things as possible?
TW: My strategy is to share food with friends or family. That way, I get to try a little bit of everything without feeling like I’ve overdone it. There are so many great food options that it’s hard to choose just one thing, so by sharing, you get to experience a wider variety. It’s a fun way to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the great flavors, and it’s always more enjoyable to experience the fair with others!
Lightning Round:
Funnel cake or fried Oreo? Funnel cake—Like I said, I’m a fan of the classics!
Gyro or corn dog? Corn dog, no question! It’s always the first thing I eat on opening day.
Snow cone or pineapple whip? Pineapple whip, every time!
Photos courtesy of Agency GWL
