Manatee County Fair Adds Unique Culinary Delights for "Midway Menu Makeover"

PALMETTO — The Manatee County Fair welcomes fairgoers with a fresh lineup of classic carnival foods reinvented for 2025. The Strates Shows Midway, known for its iconic fair fare, has added unique twists to traditional foods, offering visitors a memorable culinary experience. 

the Dilly Dog!

A highly anticipated addition to the Strates Shows menu is the "Dilly Dog," a creation by Stevie Ianni Jr.’s Red Carpet Amusements. This inventive take on a corn dog features a large dill pickle, hollowed out and filled with an all-beef hot dog. The combination, skewered and then dipped in corn dog batter and panko breadcrumbs, is deep-fried to golden perfection. The Dilly Dog has quickly become a fan favorite since its summer debut, offering a unique blend of tangy, savory, and crunchy textures (video). 

“There is something about the mix of flavors from a tangy pickle, warm meaty hot dog center, and crisp deep-fried shell that just works,” said Marty Biniasz, Manager of Marketing for the Strates Shows. “It’s quickly become one of the top sellers on the Midway.” 

In addition to the Dilly Dog, fairgoers can also enjoy the Hot Cheetos Pickle Nachos, a new take on classic nachos. Instead of tortilla chips, this dish starts with a fresh, crinkle-cut pickle and chips, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of Flaming Hot Cheetos crumbs for an extra kick (video).  

Strates Shows also spotlight Florida-based vendor 3Js Concessions, a mobile spinoff of the family-owned restaurant “Inay’s Kitchen” from Ocoee, FL. Founded by Linda Noble, a native of the Philippines, 3Js Concessions has brought Filipino comfort food to the fair circuit since 2018. Alongside Filipino classics, the stand serves a mix of Asian and Greek-inspired favorites prepared with modern seasonings and sauces. Freshly grilled kabobs,  gyros, teriyaki chicken, and salads are made on-site, capturing fairgoers with their tantalizing aromas and authentic flavors. 

“Most people think of fair food as just crazy, deep-fried novelties, but Linda’s mix of international flavors brings midway cuisine to the next level,” said Biniasz. “Her dishes are a  great value for fairgoers looking for quality and taste.” 

This week, the Manatee County Fair took the spotlight as the first of 45 agricultural fairs to be held in The State of Florida during 2025. This will also be the first year that James E. Strates Shows provides the carnival midway to the Fair.  

The Manatee County Fair opens at 5 pm Thursday, January 16, and runs through Sunday, January 26. For additional event information, visit www.ManateeCountyFair.com.