Get ready for a culinary adventure at the Maryland State Fair with our Annual Food Competition, The MALLET, sponsored by The Restaurant Store!

Vendors compete for Best Sweet, Best Savory, and Most Creative dishes, and YOU get to enjoy these delicious creations!

Join us for the live judging of the 2026 MALLET New Food Competition on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10 am on the State Fair Park Free Stage, presented by Maryland Lottery and T-Mobile.

Look for the 10′ flags marking the winning vendors as you explore the Fair!

2026 MALLET Results

Sample all MALLET finalists at the Fair!

All finalist dishes will be available for purchase and marked with a special sign.

Join us Sunday, August 30 at 10 am on the Park Stage to see who wins Best Sweet, Best Savory, and Most Creative New Food Items for the 2026 Maryland State Fair!

Sweet Finalists

Banana Puddin’ Churro Nachos — Shugar Shack Soulfood
Star Spangled Sundae — Farmer Stan / Spring Meadow Farms
Tea Party 250 — Tiki Tea
Sweet Land of Liberty — Lil Stack Shack

Savory Finalists

Crabzilla Fries — Shugar Shack Soulfood
Bacon Cheddar Roll — Vocelli Pizza
Pork Belly Stacker — Pork Booth
Stuffed Smoked Turkey Drum — Turkey Booth

2025 Winners

Best Sweet Item

Paradise just hit the fryer! This island-inspired twist on a fair classic starts with a freshly fried funnel cake coated in sweet powdered sugar and loaded with coconut and passion fruit ice creams, fresh strawberries, bananas, and mango, a double dose of shredded coconut, and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. It’s fruity, frosty, and fun—like a beach vacation on a plate!

Best Savory Item

Big flavor is rolling in small this year! Get BAKED is turning heads (and taste buds) with their brand-new Mini Stuffed Pretzel Rolls—but don’t let the size fool you. These bite-sized beauties are bursting with bold, crave-worthy fillings: the crowd-favorite Philly Cheesesteak, the Maryland-proud Chicken Chesapeake made with fresh local blue crab, and the ultimate breakfast bomb, Bacon, Egg & Cheese. It’s a trio of mini masterpieces packed in soft, salty, golden-baked pretzel perfection. One bite and you’ll agree—good things really do come in small rolls.

Most Creative Item

Flavor that feeds your soul. We’re wrapping up comfort food perfection with these deep-fried dream rolls, packed with seasoned southern-style greens, creamy smoked cheddar mac & cheese, brown sugar & honey sweet potatoes all married together in a crispy golden wonton shell. It’s sweet, savory, soulful—and unforgettable.