The Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot is awash in color this year.

“This year our theme is “Red, White and Blue Jeans,” said Brandon Bird, state fair general manager. “We’re paying homage to this great country. Let’s hear it for the USA.”

Celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States extended to Thursday’s Best Fair Food Contest.

“We will choose who will be king of the hill,” Bird said. “It’s big. I can tell it’s big, because we got people with orange shirts, green shirts. I’m just glad we’re wearing shirts.”

First out of the chutes for judging by assembled local media members were nine entries in the Most Patriotic Entry contest.

“I know you’re all here for one reason and that’s to eat the food,” Bird said.

The first contest determined which dishes best celebrated the fair’s theme only by appearance.

“It’s not about the yummy, it’s about the presentation to the eyes,” Bird said. “It’s a little eye candy.”

Judges selected the top three most patriotic dishes before them which were Volcano from Volcano, Berry Patriotic Funnel Cake from Winder’s Funnel Cakes and American Berries from MD’s Dinky Donuts. Fairgoers can judge for themselves if these three scream patriotism.

Volcano is a refreshing beverage base topped with an attachment bowl of assorted fruits and a choice of seasonings such as lemon, chili, sweet tangy sauce, nuts or sprinkles.

Berry Patriotic is a golden funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, layered with strawberries and sauce, a cream cheese drizzle, whipped cream and a red, white, and blue berry candy cluster.

American Berries are hot, fresh mini donuts with a homemade cream filling and fresh blueberries and strawberries, presented as an American flag. It can be saluted before being devoured.

From there it was on to the main course and desserts for judging five additional categories and crown the best new and returning fair food offerings. Each entry was judged based on appearance and taste on a point scale for both. The annual competition showcases the creativity and culinary expertise of Eastern Idaho’s fair food vendors.

Contest WinnersBest New EntréeFirst: The Liberty Stack from Between the Buns

Second: Fiesta Fries from La Casita

Third: Hog on a Log Nachos from Blackhawk BBQ Pit

Best New SweetFirst: An All-American Whoopie Cookie from Sweet Temptations

Second: Red, White & Butter from Creamy Creations

Third: Freedom Taco Delight from La Casita

Fairest Entrée of Them AllThe standout among returning savory favorites.

First: Pulled Pork Nacho from Mexican Crazy Corn

Second: Rib-Eye Steak Sandwich from Billmans

Third: The Whole Dam Farm from Smokin’ Bs

Fairest Sweet of Them AllThe standout among returning desserts and sweet treats.

First: The Campfire Secret from Sweet Temptations

Second: Dubai Cheesecake from Creamy Creations

Third: Cookies & Cream Funnel Cake from Winder’s Funnel Cakes

People’s ChoiceVoted on by fairgoers, recognizing the crowd favorite among all entries.

First: The WarHawk from Blackhawk BBQ Pit

“The Eastern Idaho State Fair food contest continues to highlight the incredible talent of our local food vendors,” Bird said. “Each year we’re amazed by the innovative dishes our vendors create, and this year’s competition was no exception.”

Winners will receive recognition during the fair and special signage at their booths. The contest serves as a way to highlight new offerings and celebrate the fair’s diverse food scene.

For a complete schedule of events, entertainment lineup and ticket information, visit www.funatthefair.com or follow the Eastern Idaho State Fair on social media. The nine-day fair ends Sept. 12.