Del Mar Fair Turkey Legs: A Must-Try San Diego Fair Food Tradition

The Del Mar Fair, held annually in San Diego, is home to many beloved traditions. But few are more iconic than the giant, mouthwatering turkey legs sold by vendors around the fairgrounds. These juicy, meaty legs have become a can’t-miss treat for fairgoers of all ages. Read on to learn all about the history, popularity, and taste that makes Del Mar Fair turkey legs a cherished San Diego fair food institution.

A Long-Standing Fair Favorite

Turkey legs have been a staple food at the Del Mar Fair ever since it began in 1936. Back then, you could get a smoked turkey leg for just $1 – a delicious bargain! Eight decades later, the price may have gone up, but the demand certainly hasn’t diminished. Today’s turkey legs are often 2 pounds or more of smoky, seasoned meat on the bone. And fairgoers still line up by the dozens to get their hands on these meaty legs every year.

The price is now $12 per leg – not exactly cheap, but worth it for this iconic fair delicacy. From nostalgic grandparents to thrill-seeking kids, gobbling down a turkey leg has become a time-honored tradition The legs have become such a symbol of the fair that you’ll see them featured on merchandise, decorations, and marketing materials. Clearly, this savory snack holds a special place in San Diegans’ hearts.

Why Are They So Popular?

So what makes these turkey legs so special? There are several reasons they’ve achieved their vaunted status

Nostalgia – For generations they’ve been part of the fair experience. That history makes them special.

Novelty – You just don’t see legs this big anywhere else! The sheer size is part of the appeal.

Taste – Smoked and seasoned, they’re full of rich, meaty flavor you can’t get from a supermarket turkey.

Satisfaction – With all that meat, a turkey leg really fills you up! One is often enough for a whole meal.

Fun – Who can resist gnawing on a giant drumstick like a cartoon caveman? It’s primal fun!

Tradition – As a yearly ritual, getting a turkey leg is just something you do at the fair.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear these king-sized legs have earned a permanent place in Del Mar Fairgoers’ hearts and stomachs.

Turkey Leg Tips & Hacks

Turkey legs may look like standard fair fare, but there are some rookie mistakes to avoid and pro tips to employ if you want the optimal leg experience. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be a turkey leg pro in no time:

• Seek out the smoked legs for the juiciest meat. The smoked flavor really penetrates deep.

• Get some napkins or wet wipes. These legs are finger food at its messiest. Embrace it.

• Take small bites close to the bone to get all the flavors. The seasoning concentrates there.

• Watch out for hot steam when you bite in. Let it cool a minute or two first.

• Use utensils if you must. Knife and fork lets you neatly cut the meat off.

• Go for a walk while you eat. Strolling while you nibble prevents overload.

• Get sauces on the side. Barbecue and ranch pair well without sogging the skin.

• Share with a friend. Two people can split a leg and get twice the meat for one price.

Follow this advice, and your turkey leg experience will be finger-lickin’ good!

Other Classic Fair Fare

While turkey legs may be the star attraction, the Del Mar Fair offers lots of other drool-worthy food. You can’t go wrong with these other tried and true fair favorites:

Funnel Cake – A must for dessert, drizzled with powdered sugar or strawberries.

Corn Dogs – Hot dogs dipped in cornmeal batter and fried to a golden brown.

Cotton Candy – Flossy, sugary sweetness that fades away on your tongue.

Frozen Lemonade – Tart and refreshing, it cools you down on hot days.

Caramel Apples – Tart apples dipped in buttery, chewy caramel.

French Fries – Served plain, curly, or topped with cheese, chili or gravy.

Soft Pretzels – Warm, doughy, and coated in salt – a savory treat.

Turkey Sandwiches – Tender roasted turkey stacked high on a roll.

Sausage Sandwiches – Grilled sausage with onions and peppers on a fresh bun.

With so many options, you could try a new food every day of the fair! But the must-have meal is still those iconic giant turkey legs.

How To Get Your Turkey Leg Fix Year-Round

The Del Mar Fair only lasts for a month or so every summer. But thankfully, you can still find giant turkey legs in San Diego year-round if you know where to look.

Several vendors at farmers’ markets around town frequently sell smoked turkey legs. Look for poultry stalls at markets like Little Italy, North Park, and Hillcrest.

Some butcher shops and meat markets also stock jumbo turkey legs, brined and smoked in-house. Iowa Meat Farms is a great local spot to find excellent turkey legs any season.

When you are jonesing for a taste of the fair during the offseason, follow the smoky scent of turkey legs wafting over the stalls. And you can even smoke them yourself at home with a simple brine and some hardwood chips.

With the fair in town or not, let your turkey leg cravings lead the way. This iconic San Diego fair food never goes out of season.

Turkey Leg Memories & Traditions

More than any other food, Del Mar turkey legs represent fond memories of sunny days and carefree fun at the fair. Families and friends bond over rowdy games, squealing rides, and most of all, sharing a legendary drumstick.

Some favorites turkey leg memories shared by San Diegans:

• “My grandpa always got me a leg when I was little. I felt like a king gnawing on that huge drumstick!”

• “My friends and I tried to see who could finish theirs the fastest. I still have the grease stains on that shirt!”

• “It’s how my husband asked me out on our first date – he won me a turkey leg at the ring toss!”

• “We snap a pic with the legs every year to see how big the kids have gotten!”

Del Mar Fair turkey legs are more than food – they’re the taste of nostalgia. So take a bite and savor the memories as the juicy smoked flavor floods your senses. You’re not just eating a turkey leg – you’re taking a delicious bite of San Diego history.