“It’s Showtime!” is the motto of the State Fair and the Butter Cow
One of the main attractions of the Illinois State Fair – the Butter Cow – will be unveiled in the Dairy Building on Wednesday.
Do you dream of caramel popcorn and big fairground foods, but don’t want to struggle through the hustle and bustle of the crowds at the Illinois State Fair?
In a modern age when Netflix no longer needs a DVD box set, kitchens can operate as ghost restaurants under different names, and COVID has irrevocably changed the course of the decade, a group of enterprising entrepreneurs are bringing the show right to your doorstep—DoorDash style.
Meet Fair Dash, the online delivery and pickup service that delivers fair food to your door so you can skip the lines and pay the $20 admission and parking.
Here’s what you need to know.
More: These new foods at the 2024 Illinois State Fair are anything but fair
What is FairDash?
The company was born from an idea by owner Jordan Pribbet, who connects state fair food vendors with customers and handles the in-between work. With five employees, the business revolves around taking orders, waiting in line to pick them up and then either delivering them in person or sending a verified DoorDash or UberEats driver to drop off the food from the fair.
Is there a minimum order value?
The minimum order is $15, with no extra charge for the food. Delivery takes half an hour or less, according to the website. Delivery fees vary depending on the location of the trade show.
Does Fair Dash partner with the Illinois State Fair?
No, not directly. Instead, the company works with the participating suppliers at the trade fair.
What fair food is there?
Menu items are available at the following food stands:
- Classic cuisine
- Creekpaum Concessions
- Culler’s French Fries
- Fried, huh?
- Spicy Chicken by Heaterz
- Jamaican dishes at the Village of Cultures
- Island noodles
- Paulette’s funnel cake and lemonade
- O’Briend’s Food Service
- The Donut Family
- Schneider’s elephant ears
Combo meals are also available on the website for exactly $15, which meet delivery requirements.
Is there curbside delivery?
For fairgoers who simply don’t want to wait in line, a designated curbside delivery parking area has been set up at 1168 E. Sangamon Ave.
What happens if I request a refund?
Refunds are available if items ordered are out of stock or the food was damaged in transit. According to the website, refunds should be made via Facebook or email and typically take one to three business days.
How long do I have left to order?
The Illinois State Fair takes place from August 8th to 18th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. There are over 100 different food vendors on site.
Will Fair Dash return next year?
It’s too early to tell. This is the first event FairDash is hosting, but if sales go well, the group plans to make the next stop at the Collinsville Italian Fest in mid-September.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. Reach her at [email protected]; and on X (formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
