Guests at the Alameda County Fair can indulge in a variety of fun and games, but the food is definitely one of the best attractions this year.

With everything from staple fair foods like caramel apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, popcorn and ice cream to heartier eats like burgers, corn dogs and turkey legs, as well as delectable desserts like cheesecake on a stick, deep fried Oreos and Snickers bars and frozen bananas dipped in chocolate, there was no shortage of calories or choices at this year’s celebrated local fair.

It appeared that amongst the many chow down choices, the more unique options were the most popular with fair goers.

Frankie Estrada of the JSC Concessions California Cheese and Sausage Company stand said their grilled corn with the husk still attached is popular thanks to the eye-catching display.

“Grilled corn is pretty unique for a fair,” said Estrada. “Especially the way we have it on display at the front. That helps with attention and sales.”

Other unique items included fresh or barbecued oysters and pepper steak sandwiches. The Original Pepper Steak Sandwich employee Aaron Sanchez said the pepper steak was the most popular sandwich.

“It’s different from burgers, so people tend to notice it more,” said Sanchez.

Food business at the Alameda County Fair fluctuates depending on a few factors throughout the day.

Different kinds of attractions bring in separate crowds who have distinct food preferences. For instance, Fat Fanny’s Funnel Cakes tend to sell more funnel cakes to younger people rather than older.

“Business depends on the day,” said Fanny’s employee Gabe B.  “It especially depends on concerts and the crowds they bring. The older crowd doesn’t buy sweets as much, but there are a few in that crowd that have been longtime funnel cake eaters.”

Fat Fanny’s Funnel Cakes serve many varieties of their namesake’s dish—the single most popular is the strawberry funnel cake, followed by the cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar funnel cakes.

“Funnel cakes or corn dogs are the most popular of the fair foods,” said Gabe.

Another factor of food sales depends on the time of day and the temperature. Gourmet Poppers sells hot sandwiches and other meals, as they expirience certain peaks in business.

“We are busiest on Friday nights and weekends in the middle of the day,” said employee Paul Sevieri. “When it’s cool out, people want their hot food, but when the weather is hot, people take a break from hot meals.”

People certainly have more time to visit the fair on Fridays and Saturdays, but weather can boost or slow sales when it approaches extremes. Nights are usually cooler and any vendor that serves hot food can be expected to be busy in the evening.

The foods available at the Alameda County Fair are fresh, plentiful and available until the fair closes on July 10.