This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Eating at the Utah State Fair can be extreme.

This year hungry diners can get Rocky Mountain Oysters — aka bull testicles — as well as alligator and raccoon.

But, hands down, the food at this year's fair with the biggest "eeeewwwww" factor is the maggot-melt sandwich at the Jungle George stand just west of the Grandstand.

Owner Rodney Wright added the item to his traveling concession stand menu about six months ago just to make things interesting.

"It's something different than the usual fair food," said Wright, who went through 23,000 maggots at the California State Fair.

He said the maggots are farm-raised beetle larvae (not the icky ones from flies) and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Wright deep fries them for crunch and places them on top of cheese in a toasted bun. The melted maggot offering sells for $4.50.

"We've had a mix of people try it, women, children, and fathers who want to show off for their kids," said Wright.

Maggots aren't the only crispy critter that Wright has on the menu. He also offers chocolate covered crickets, frog legs, ants and scorpions — also farm raised and free of stingers and poison.

For those who don't want to experience the fear factor, there is the Peaches and Cream booth.

It's the first time in recent memory that fresh Utah peaches have been sold in the food court area, according to Ali Larsen, whose family is running the booth.

The sliced peaches are from Santaquin and they are mixed with local cream. Cups range from $2-$6. Or get a slice for fresh baked bread with homemade peach jam for $2.50

There's nothing "scary" about it, said Larsen, adding that in a place where fried foods rule, "it's nice to have something healthy."

kathys@sltrib.com —

Utah State Fair

P When • Through Sept. 18

Admission • $10; $7 senior/youth; free for children under 5; $6 parking ($3 discount tickets available at Smith's Food and Drug stores

Carnival deals • All-You-Can-Ride day wristband, $25; matinee All-You-Can-Ride wristband, $18

Hours • Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Website • www.utah-state-fair.com

Music schedule • For a feature on local singer Paisley Van Patten competing in the Texaco Country Showdown, and a schedule of musical acts, visit http://nowsaltlake.com/articles/view/2711 —

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