(Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

From sizzling corn dogs to deep-fried Oreos to homemade pies or barbecue, the East Texas State Fair serves mouthwatering options that are sure to please any foodie. Whether your food of choice is deep fried in batter or you like tacos served in a paper bowl, the fair is the perfect spot to explore new flavors.

“I like the weird combinations … the deep fried brownie is my favorite,” fair attendee Lauryn Killian-Campos said. “But, honestly, just buying a bunch of food as a family — getting a little bit from everywhere and sharing it — it’s always fun. We enjoy it.”

Located at 11315 Highway 64 West in Tyler (with the main entry on Patton Lane across from Dixie Elementary), the 108th fair now welcomes visitors to a more spacious atmosphere, making it easier to explore and enjoy all that Food Row has to offer.

“If you’re not from Texas, I feel like you have to have a turkey leg … that’s like a staple food,” said Abigail Killian, who was also attending the fair earlier this week. “You also have to try something deep fried … ice cream, butter, Oreos … just something fried. You really can’t go wrong!”

Some have returned to the fair multiple times to enjoy its offerings.“I’m a sucker for a good turkey leg … they’re fantastic,” said Myriah Satterfield, a third-time fair visitor. “We tried the chili cheese fries and we liked those as well. And this new location is great … no one is really having to wait in line.”

Among the highlights of Food Row are the famous pies from Trinity Lutheran Church, known for their flaky crusts and rich, homemade fillings that attract fairgoers year after year.

“They are all made individually,” said retired pastor Art Hill. “We make them fresh daily and every day from scratch. It’s an orchestrated process … so over the years we’ve become a tradition … more than 40 years at the East Texas State Fair.”

Trinity Lutheran offers a variety of pies, each with its own charm. The chocolate cream pie features a smooth filling topped with light whipped cream, perfect for chocolate lovers. The coconut pie, rich and creamy with shredded coconut, brings a delightful tropical flavor. For those who enjoy classic Southern desserts, the pecan pie combines a crunchy texture with a sweet, gooey filling. And the buttermilk pie, subtly sweet and tangy, rounds out the selection. Each pie reflects the homemade quality that keeps fairgoers coming back for more.

“I think the recipes are special because they’re consistent, they’re sweet and cool … and with it being so hot, the pies are a nice relief,” Hill said.

A wonderland of indulgence, Food Row attracts visitors as the sweet aroma of golden funnel cakes mingles with the smoky richness of barbecue from vendors such as Smokin’ Like Ya Like It.

“It’s gourmet barbecue, and you’ve probably never had anything like it before,” owner Doug Jones boasted. “We offer a unique type of food that nobody else has.”

The menu is a delicious adventure, featuring tantalizing items like smoked meatloaf, savory smokin’ spaghetti, and the show-stopping cowboy mignon — each dish a testament to Jones’ passion for elevating comfort food to an art form.

“We’ve been doing this for 17 years and we’re well accepted everywhere we go because we’re completely different from everybody else,” he said. “It’s the way we prepare it … the ingredients, the way things smoke for five hours. People will line up for it.”

For something refreshing, patrons might consider a nice thing of lemonade or perhaps a fruit drink from Texas Twisters which combines freshly squeezed oranges, lemons, and limes for a vibrant flavor. Customers can choose between a sugar-free version and a regular version.

“I think we’re a standout because what we offer isn’t loaded with sugar,” said Nick Terry, owner. “It’s all natural, real fruit … it’s not pre-made, sitting in a barrel all day.”

Dessert offerings like candied apples, chocolate covered fried bacon, cheesecake chimichangas and strawberry shortcake fried Twinkies give fairgoers who have a sweet tooth plenty of options.

The fair’s new location offers food vendors a spacious opportunity to showcase their creations, fostering a lively and inviting atmosphere within Food Row.

“Everyone really seems to like the layout,” said Teresa Glover, Director of Development of the East Texas State Fair. “It’s more spread out, the lines aren’t where people are so close together. It’s really worked out quite nicely.”

As vendors transition from their longtime location on Front Street near the Tyler Rose Garden, they view the new space as a valuable opportunity for growth and expansion.

“I like the new fairgrounds,” said Randy Trahan, owner of Concessions Plus. “I think it’s definitely got room to grow … it’s going to be a bigger and better fair for Texas.”

Trahan offers Cajun cuisine with boudin balls, Cajun fries, crawfish and shrimp on sticks, and the most popular item: gator on a stick.

“It’s the way we cook it — we cook with love,” he said of the customer favorite. “We do really well here. Tyler has been good to me … we like it.”

Jones added the Tyler fair is a welcome home for the multi-day event.

“We love coming to the East Texas State Fair,” Jones said. “Some fairs, food vendors are just a number but here, they know you by name. I’ve met a lot of good people … I have fun doing this. I work the window, I talk to people and get to know them. I don’t look at it as a job. I’m just out here having a good time.”

The fair continues through Sept. 29. Entry is free until 2 p.m. on Fridays to allow visitors to enjoy lunch at Food Row.

Regular fair hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The carnival operates Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. Ticket booths close an hour before closing time.

Regular fair admission is $12 for adults ages 13 and up. Kids ages 5 to 12 are $6, and children ages 0 to 4 are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $37. Individual ride tickets are $0.50 each, with 20 tickets for $10, 65 tickets for $30, and 140 tickets for $65.

For more information about the fair, visit etstatefair.com or for details on Food Row and all its specific offerings, go to www.etstatefair.com/p/plan-my-visit/food-row .

If You Go

WHAT: 108th East Texas State Fair

WHEN: Sept. 20-29. Fair hours will be 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The carnival operates Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. Ticket booths close an hour before closing time.

WHERE: The Park of East Texas, 11315 Hwy. 64 W.

DIRECTIONS: While the location is on Highway 64 West, the main entrance is on Patton Lane, across from Dixie Elementary School. The most efficient route is to travel west on Highway 31 and then turn right onto Patton Lane.

COST: Admission is $12 for adults ages 13 and up. Kids ages 5 to 12 are $6, and children ages 0 to 4 are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $37. Individual ride tickets are $0.50 each, with 20 tickets for $10, 65 tickets for $30, and 140 tickets for $65.

FOOD ROW NOTE: Entry is free on Fridays until 2 p.m. to enjoy lunch at the fair.

TICKETS/MORE INFORMATION: etstatefair.com