Late summer is county and state fair season, when folks from all over converge at the fairgrounds for livestock judging, tractor pulls, squeaky rides and rodeos. But there's one universal fair attraction that truly unites everyone: fair food, a greasy and wonderful American tradition that invites us to worry about calories another time and indulge in deep-fried oddities and wild combinations that we might never find again (but whatever you do, don't forget to bring antacids).
Here are some of the latest fair food innovations causing food comas around the nation:
* Bacon Churro Fries, San Diego County Fair. This salty-sweet dessert starts with a bed of deep-fried churros and is piled sky-high with vanilla frozen yogurt, crispy bacon bits, bacon mousse, and a maple drizzle. Surely this counts as breakfast.
* Campfire Burger, Florida State Fair. Can't decide between a burger or a hot dog? You don't have to with this messy sandwich that stacks an Angus beef patty with a split hot dog, baked beans, gouda cheese, and bacon.
* Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Leg, Ohio State Fair. This turkey leg comes stuffed with your favorite Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes or dressing. You'll be thankful for Tums, but you won't regret a thing.
* Dominican Fritura Dog, State Fair of Texas. You'll need extra napkins for this wild take on a hot dog, consisting of a double-deep-fried Dominican salami with fritura cheese, split open and piled with garlic plantain chips, secret sauce and cilantro.
* Hot Cheeto Float, Iowa State Fair. Don't order this if you're looking for something light and refreshing. The Hot Cheeto float mixes Starry lemon lime soda with a few scoops of Flamin' Hot Cheeto dust, and is topped with whipped cream, a few whole Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and more spicy Cheeto dust. One reviewer describes it as "not for the faint of heart."
