After thousands of fairgoers and food lovers had their say, the votes are in. Ms. Peggy’s Food Service has been named the People’s Choice Award winner for the 2026 Golden Abe’s Fair Food Contest for its popular Gyro.
The People’s Choice Award was determined through public voting hosted on the Woodward Community Media website, giving Illinois State Fair attendees and fans an opportunity to recognize their favorite fair food entry.
The announcement caps off another successful year for the Golden Abe’s Fair Food Contest, which took place during the Illinois State Fair and showcased some of the fair’s most creative and delicious offerings.
Golden Abe’s Contest Results
The annual competition featured four award categories: Savory, Sweet, Drink (non-alcoholic), and Notable Newcomer. Entries were judged on Creativity, Taste, and Presentation.
A panel of preliminary judges included Chris Hanken; Patsy Wappel of Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market; Tim Timoney of SIU Medicine; Katie Madonia of Pao and The Corner Pub & Grill; Hallie Piercall of the Illinois Comptroller’s Office; Lori Coffey of Darcy’s Pint; Julie Roland of Roland Machinery; Kirsten Kienzler of Kerber, Eck, and Braeckel; Lindsay Levi of Levi, Ray and Shoup; Kelly Mizeur of Hickory Point Bank; Josh Roberts of Woodward Community Media; and Lou Bart of the YMCA.
The 2026 category winners were:
- Sweet: 1st place Dubai Strawberry Cup from Tikka Street, 2nd place Deep Fried Banana Pudding from Creekpaum Concessions.
- Savory: 1st place Brisket Cheesesteak from Backdraft BBQ, 2nd place Pulled Pork Macaroni from Backdraft BBQ
- Non-Alcoholic Drink: 1st place Orange Strawberry Shakeup from Ms. Peggy’s Food Service, 2nd place Red, White, and Birthday Brew from Tiki Tea
- Notable Newcomer: Backdraft BBQ
In a rare outcome, the overall Golden Abe Award resulted in a tie between Backdraft BBQ and Tikka Street, recognizing two standout entries that impressed judges throughout the competition.
Final Round Judges
Final-round judging was conducted by an esteemed panel that included:
- Krista Phillips, Illinois State Fair Queen
- Doris Turner, Illinois State Senator (48th District)
- Misty Buscher, Mayor of Springfield
- Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager
Winners of the Golden Abe’s Food Contest received cash prizes for their award-winning entries.
The People’s Choice Winner
While judges selected the official category and overall winners, fairgoers had the final word through the People’s Choice competition.
After online voting hosted by Woodward Community Media, Ms. Peggy’s Food Service earned the People’s Choice Award for its Gyro, proving to be a favorite among fair visitors. The honor adds to an already successful fair for Ms.Peggy’s, which also took home the award for Best Non-Alcoholic Drink with its Orange Strawberry Shakeup.
The People’s Choice Award recognizes the foods that resonate most with fairgoers, and this year’s voting demonstrated the strong support for Ms. Peggy’s signature Gyro.
Congratulations to Ms. Peggy’s Food Service, as well as all of the vendors who made this year’s Golden Abe’s Fair Food Contest one of the tastiest competitions at the Illinois State Fair.
Photo Credit for Gallery: Evan House
