See the 21 Sweet and Savory Finalists in Fair’s Contest for Food Concessionaires

This year’s FAIR-tastic Foods Competition at the San Diego County Fair is down to 21 finalists with winners to be named Friday.

Back for its second year, the contest among the fair’s food concessionaires showcases the tastiest, most creative and newest treats at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Three local celebrity judges will choose the six winners, and crown the “Best of Show” champion from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Chevrolet Paddock Stage.

• Savor: Photos of all finalists in the food fair contest

Hosting Friday’s event is Rick Morton. The judges are from the world of cable television and local news outlets.

• Head Judge and San Diego Magazine owner Troy Johnson, who has been featured on the Food Network.
• CBS8’s Shawn Styles, Host of “Cooking with Styles.”
• And Rudy Acosta, co-host of “Despierta San Diego” on Univision.

Wednesday, on the fair’s opening day, a panel of local “foodie” influencers taste-tested all the semifinalist dishes. After compiling all feedback, some categories had ties, which means a few extra finalists for judges to sample Friday.

The winners will receive bragging rights and a large perpetual trophy that will be a part of the San Diego County Fair for years to come.

THE FINALISTS:

NEW – Savory

• Al Pastor Street Tacos by Flaco’s Tacos.
• Candied Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Bites by Bacon-A-Fair.
• Hot Honey Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich by Funnel Cakes by Chicken Charlie’s.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Tots from last year’s “Best of Show” winner, Biggy’s.

NEW – Sweet

• Cap’n Crunch Berry Chicken Sandwich by Biggy’s.
• DOLE Pineapple Paradise Butter Cake Sundae from Crutchee’s Cream.
• Freeze-Dried Fruit Rollup by Sugar Puff Candy.
• Le Crookie by Mom’s Bakeshoppe.

WOW – Savory

• Blooming Awesome by Fresh Fry.
• Maui Chicken from Chicken Charlie’s.
• Spicy Korean Corn Dog by West Coast Weenies.
• The Cali Dog by Pink’s Hot Dogs.

WOW – Sweet

• 50 / 50 Brownie Parfait from Mom’s Bakeshoppe.
• Mango Mayhem from Boba King.
• Surfing USA Party Shake from Fruit Caboose.

THEME – Savory

• Chicken-on-A-Stick by Chan’s Chicken on a Stick.
• Monte Cristo Sandwich by Cheesy Chef.
• SPAM Fries by Boba King.

THEME – Sweet

• Disco Pop Shake from TJ’s Ice Cream.
• Dreamsicle Pudding Trifle from Farmer in the Del.
• Strawberry Dream from Boba King.