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 Winners
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!
Best New Sweet Food Item
Sweet Land of Liberty, Lil Stack Shack
Sweet Land of Liberty is a patriotic dessert that celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with classic fair flavors and festive flair. A bowl of warm, fresh mini donuts is topped with juicy strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, red, white, and blue sprinkles, and sweet syrup drizzles. Every bite is a delicious mix of warm, fluffy donuts and fresh fruit, creating the perfect balance of indulgence and summertime sweetness. It’s a colorful, shareable treat that’s as fun to photograph as it is to eat.
Best New Savory Food Item
Crabzilla Fries, Shugar Shack Soul Food
Crabzilla Fries bring bold Maryland flavor to a classic fair favorite. Crispy golden fries are piled high with lump crab meat, garlic truffle butter, creamy crab drizzle, Parmesan cheese, crispy crab cake crumble, and a generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. Every bite is packed with rich, savory seafood flavor and the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and cheesy textures. It’s an over-the-top indulgence that’s made for Maryland crab lovers.
Most Creative AND Most Patriotic New Food Item
Tea Party 250, Tiki Tea
Tea Party 250 is a one-of-a-kind Birthday Cake Flavored Iced Tea created to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Freshly brewed sweet tea is infused with birthday cake flavor and served in a festive commemorative cup, complete with a cupcake, American flag, and patriotic candies. This colorful, over-the-top drink captures the fun and nostalgia of a birthday celebration in every sip. It’s a refreshing and photo-worthy tribute to America’s big milestone!
2026 Finalists
Banana Puddin Churro Nachos, Shugar Shack Soul Food
Banana Puddin’ Churro Nachos take two beloved desserts and turn them into one unforgettable fair treat. Warm, crispy cinnamon-sugar churro bites are piled high and topped with creamy banana pudding, sweet potato pie drizzle, fresh banana slices, whipped cream, crushed vanilla wafers, caramel, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Every bite delivers the comforting flavors of Southern banana pudding with the irresistible crunch of fresh churros. It’s an over-the-top dessert that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Star Spangled Sundae, Spring Meadow Farms
Star Spangled Sundae is a refreshing patriotic treat created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Creamy vanilla soft serve is layered with juicy fresh strawberries and blueberries, then finished with a swirl of whipped cream and a commemorative flag. Bursting with classic red, white, and blue flavors, this festive sundae is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the perfect way to cool off while celebrating summer at the Fair!
Stuffed Smoked Turkey Drum, Turkey Booth
Stuffed Smoked Turkey Drum takes a fair favorite to the next level with bold Southern-inspired flavors. A slow-smoked turkey drumstick is stuffed with savory dirty rice and smoky andouille turkey sausage, then finished with a creamy remoulade sauce and fresh green onions. Tender, smoky, and packed with hearty Cajun flavor, this oversized handheld meal is both satisfying and unforgettable. It’s a must-try for anyone craving a unique twist on a classic fair favorite.
Pork Belly Stacker, Pork Booth
Pork Belly Stacker is a hearty, flavor-packed creation that showcases the best of sweet and savory comfort food. A warm cornbread base is stacked with tender, crispy pork belly, creamy Texas-style creamed corn, and finished with a rich bourbon bacon jam. Each bite delivers smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with just the right touch of Southern flair. It’s a bold, satisfying dish that’s sure to be a favorite for pork lovers.
Bacon Cheddar Rolls, Vocelli Pizza
Bacon Cheddar Vocelli Rolls are bite-sized pockets of cheesy, savory goodness baked fresh and bursting with flavor. Soft pizza dough is stuffed with crispy bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then brushed with Vocelli’s signature garlic sauce and finished with Romano cheese. Served with a side of classic marinara for dipping, these warm, pull-apart rolls are the perfect handheld snack for enjoying while exploring the Fair.
2025 Winners
2024 Winners
2023 Winners
