Illinois State Fair Golden Abe awards

Posted on August 22, 2022
Second-generation Fried What! family member Shelby Burton says it starts with a piece of homemade pie. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – You know that there are plenty of calories summoning you to the vendors at the Illinois State Fair, and the Golden Abe awards – the winners voted on by fairgoers – have formally recognized the favorites for the past few years.

Behold the 2022 grand prize winner: fried key lime pie.

Second-generation Fried What! family member Shelby Burton says it starts with a piece of homemade pie. “We dip it in our very special homemade batter and it cooks in three minutes and it’s right out to the customer,” she said.

“With some Cool Whip on top. And powdered sugar.”

The Illinois State Fair wrapped up on Sunday.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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