The familiar smell hits you as soon as you enter the fairgrounds. Roasted turkey legs—crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned. It’s the quintessential fair food but have you ever wondered just how much those giant drumsticks cost? As prices seem to rise every year, fairgoers want to know how much are turkey legs at the fair?
I took a trip to my local county fair to investigate Armed with an empty stomach and a roll of cash, I was on a mission to track down the elusive turkey leg and uncover its price Here’s what I discovered on my tasty quest.
Tracking Down the Turkey Legs
The first thing I realized is there’s not just one turkey leg stand at the fair—there are many! Turkey legs have reached an almost cult-like status Multiple vendors sell them because they know fairgoers just can’t resist,
I perused the fairgrounds, scoping out the different turkey leg stands. Prices weren’t always posted or were printed in tiny text on distant signs. If I wanted answers, I was going to have to ask.
With a friendly “Excuse me, how much are your turkey legs?” I began surveying vendors. The prices ranged from $6 on the low end to a whopping $16 for the largest, juiciest legs. I struck up conversations with the vendors to learn why the fluctuating prices.
Why Such Variation in Turkey Leg Prices?
The vendors I chatted with helped me understand a lot goes into the price of fair food. There are a few key factors:
Size of the turkey leg – The larger and meatier the leg, the more it costs. Legs around 1.5 pounds were on the cheaper end while 2 pounds and up ratcheted up the price.
Supply and demand – When turkey legs are scarce, vendors can hike up pricing. The $16 drumsticks were from one vendor who claimed limited stock that day.
Inclusions – Some vendors pair turkey legs with sides like cornbread or rice for a complete meal. Full plates ring up for $12 or more.
Vendor rental costs – Prime fairground locations come with higher fees that vendors offset with food markups. Center spots = pricier turkey legs.
Preparation methods – Plain roasted legs are cheaper than specialized flavors like Cajun or teriyaki with fancy rubs and marinades.
Turkey type – Legs from organic, free-range, or heritage birds are usually more expensive.
Serving Suggestions for Turkey Legs
Once I learned how much turkey legs cost and why, it was time to order one for myself. The $9 drumstick I chose was piping hot and perfectly tender. But a turkey leg on its own makes for a lopsided meal.
If you want to round out your turkey leg experience, here are some sides I recommend:
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Corn on the cob – A classic pairing, opt for grilled or slathered in spice butter.
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Funnel cake – Powdered sugar complements salty turkey skin. Share with friends!
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Fried okra – Crunchy breaded okra adds texture contrast.
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Mac and cheese – Creamy, nostalgic goodness.
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Cornbread – For soaking up turkey juices.
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Coleslaw – Cool crunch alongside hot meat.
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French fries – Because turkey + fries = an unbeatable duo.
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Fruit cup – Berries and melons help lighten the feast.
Pro Turkey Leg Eating Tips
With your turkey leg carefully selected and sides ordered, it’s time to dig in. As a newly minted turkey leg expert, I’m sharing pro tips for an optimal fair food experience:
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Grab lots of napkins! Turkey legs are notoriously messy.
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Find a table or open picnic area before eating. Juggling a giant drumstick on the move is hard.
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Start gnawing on the thinner part of the leg first to work your way into the dense meat.
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Peel off the crispy skin with your fingers then eat it separately.
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Use a knife to slice off meat if your jaw gets tired.
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Save the ankle bone for last and savor the best “handle” on the leg.
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Lick your fingers between bites! It’s the fair, live a little.
Is a Turkey Leg Worth It?
After eating my fill at the fair, the question remains—are turkey legs really worth the price? I’d say yes, for the nostalgic novelty alone. But there are also great perks:
- Huge portion = excellent bang for your buck
- Satisfyingly savory and salty flavor
- Portable “handle” lets you eat while exploring
- Warming meal for cool fall fair days
- Support small food vendors and farmers
However, the cost gives me pause. Is an $8 turkey leg sensible for my budget? Could I recreate a similar experience at home for less? Maybe, but the unique atmosphere of enjoying turkey legs at the fair is priceless.
The bottom line is turkey legs are an iconic fair food for good reason. If you indulge in moderation, the experience can be well worth the price. Just come prepared with wet wipes and an empty stomach!
How the turkey legs are made at the State Fair
FAQ
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Are turkey legs sold at fairs or festivals?
Turkey legs sold at fairs or festivals are an intersection of spectacle and culinary tradition. Here’s the lowdown on how they get their unique taste, texture, and color. Published Nov. 22, 2023. When it comes to fair and festival food, few items match the popularity and novelty of the colossal turkey leg.
Are fair turkey legs a ham?
Admittedly, I’m among those who’ve doubted that fair turkey legs are actually turkey. But the ham comparison is no coincidence. According to Sedley, whose parents founded the King Richard’s Faire in 1982 (the event is named after her father), the turkey legs are cured and smoked much in the same way as a city ham. Here’s how they’re made.
Where are turkey legs smoked?
Almost all of the turkey leg prep—butchering, curing, and smoking—is done at the plant where the Sedley family sources the meat. The smoked legs are then frozen and transported to the fair, where they are spread on huge trays and baked to be served hot.
Do turkey legs taste like ham?
So while these turkey legs may look like ham, taste like ham, and even be prepared like ham, rest assured that they are in fact poultry. Delicious, smoked poultry. However, Sedley insisted that perhaps more important than flavor to the enduring allure of the turkey legs is their stature.