As summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s time for one of my favorite seasonal activities – going to the fair! I absolutely love wandering around the fairgrounds, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells. And one of the best parts is getting to indulge in classic fair food like hot-out-of-the-fryer funnel cakes, giant turkey legs, and more.
If you’re a fellow fair food fanatic like me you know that turkey legs are a must-have. There’s just something so iconic about noshing on a huge, juicy turkey leg while taking a break from the rides or games. But with food prices on the rise lately, you may be wondering – just how much do those turkey legs at the fair cost?
In this article, I’ll break down the average price of turkey legs at fairs across the country. I’ll also share some tips on how you can get the best deal on turkey legs this fair season. Let’s dive in!
The Average Price of a Fair Turkey Leg
Turkey legs are a fair staple, but their price can really vary from fair to fair Based on my research, here are some average costs
- National average: $10-$12
- Larger state/county fairs: $12-$14
- Smaller local fairs: $8-$10
Prices really range based on the size and scale of the fair. For instance, I visited the Minnesota State Fair last year and paid $14 for a turkey leg. But at my local county fair in Missouri, they were only $9.
The specific fair vendor can impact price too. Some turkey leg stands may charge a dollar or two more or less than competitors for the exact same product.
When you buy also matters. Turkey leg prices tend to jump by a dollar or two as the day goes on, so you’ll save money by indulging earlier in the day.
Factors That Influence the Price
Several key factors impact the pricing on fair turkey legs, including:
Size of the leg – Larger, meatier legs cost more. A 1.5 pound leg may be $14, while a skinnier 1 pound leg is $10.
Preparation method – Deep fried turkey legs are most common, but some fairs offer smoked, roasted, or grilled legs too. Special prep methods can increase price.
Supply and demand – Basic economics. When turkey legs are very popular or short in stock, the price may rise.
Vendor rental costs – Vendors at major fairs pay thousands for booth space, which influences pricing.
Ingredients – Fresh, higher-quality turkey and seasoning can raise the price.
Tips for Scoring the Best Turkey Leg Deals
I’ve picked up some useful tricks over the years for getting turkey legs at a discount or finding the best deals:
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Go on weekdays – Prices are often marked up on weekends when crowds are larger.
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Buy from vendor stands – Roving vendors who hawk turkey legs around the fair often have better prices than fixed food booths.
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Look for coupons and promos – Check the fair’s website and local paper for turkey leg coupons.
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Ask about leg size – Opt for a smaller leg to trim a dollar or two off the price. Flavor will be the same!
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Split a leg – These turkey legs are huge! Split one with a friend to save yourself a few bucks.
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Go for drumsticks – If available, drumsticks can offer savings of $2-$3 over a full leg.
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Look for meal deals – Some vendors offer discounted turkey legs if you buy a side or drink too.
Estimating Turkey Leg Calories and Nutrition
Before you dive into that crispy, juicy turkey leg, you may wonder how it stacks up health and nutrition wise. Here are some general estimates for a typical fair turkey leg based on data from the USDA:
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Calories – A 1-pound turkey leg with skin has around 535 calories, while a 1.5 pound leg bumps up to around 800 calories.
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Fat – Expect about 35 grams of fat in a 1-pound leg and 50+ grams in larger portions. The majority of fat grams come from the turkey skin.
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Protein – Since this is lean turkey meat, you’ll get a solid protein punch – about 60 grams in a standard leg.
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Sodium – Turkey legs are often brined or seasoned with salty rubs/sauces, so sodium can range from 500-1200 mg depending on preparation.
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Other Nutrients – You’ll also get a dose of iron, zinc, potassium and B vitamins like niacin when enjoying a turkey leg.
So while not the healthiest fair option, turkey legs offer more nutrition than fried foods like funnel cakes. Just be mindful of portion sizes!
Is the Turkey Leg Worth the Price?
For serious fair food fans like myself, a trip to the fair isn’t complete without a big ol’ turkey leg. And I definitely think they’re worth splurging on once a year!
That signature blend of moist, juicy meat with crispy charred skin is hard to resist. And turkey legs are so large, they can easily split between 2-3 people.
The price may give you pause initially. But when you factor in the large portion size, high-quality turkey meat, and special preparation methods, it’s really not a bad deal.
My advice is to grab a turkey leg early in your visit to avoid later day price hikes. And split it with friends so you don’t overdo it on calories. Then kick back and enjoy this quintessential fair food experience!
I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering just thinking about sinking my teeth into a piping hot, perfectly seasoned turkey leg. I can’t wait to hit up my local fairs this summer and fall and indulge. Here’s hoping I see you there in the turkey leg line!
How the turkey legs are made at the State Fair
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.
Is a turkey leg a good choice for a festival?
The sheer primal nature of a turkey leg is a perfect fit for the festivals even if the turkey leg wasn’t common fare in Europe at the time. Sorry to say, but no, our ancestors were absolutely not chowing down on a drumstick full of turkey meat.
How many pound turkey legs does Ohio get a year?
One-pound legs are pretty standard at festivals and theme parks across the country, but Ohio nearly doubles that size. The festival gets around 70,000 pounds of turkey each year, accounting for nearly 35,000 turkey legs. A nearby farm is tasked with the challenge each and every year of selecting the biggest birds.