Whether you eat to live or live to eat, carnivals and fairs generally provide the goods.

This weekend’s “Road Trip USA”-themed ‘Iolani Fair definitely fits the bill, with more than 50 food choices, from hot dogs to chef-made dishes in a gourmet tent.

Most of the fair’s fare is indulgent, ranging from the expected hot dogs and burgers to pizza, poutine-style fries, kalua pork and cabbage, and beef stew bowls.

‘Iolani’s waffle dogs also return. New twists this year include dogs with bacon, and a whopping Route 66 Dog made with two hot dogs, chili, cheese, kim chee and kalua pork wrapped in two tortillas.

‘Iolani alumni will prepare their signature huli beef, marinated, cooked and sliced thinly, served as a sandwich with dipping sauce, or in a cheesesteak.

It wouldn’t be an ‘Iolani Fair without turkey legs or chicken and sausage gumbo, and both will be available — but they often run out, said spokeswoman Cathy Lee Chong. Some 210 gallons of gumbo will be made and offered in 16-ounce and 32-ounce containers. Make sure somebody brings ice packs and an insulated bag to get it all home.

Scrip cost about 50 cents each. Malasadas will be sold in pairs for three scrip, and “the biggest rib combo plate with tons of food that could feed at least two people is 24 scrip,” said Chong.

As for the gourmet tent, the school has snagged a slew of well-known Honolulu chefs to cook upscale dishes. They include Robynne Maii of Fete, Ronnie Nasuti of Tiki’s Grill & Bar and Fred DeAngelo of BLT Steak.

Gourmet offerings include chicken Alfredo with garlic bread, a grilled provolone-and-Gouda half-sandwich with lobster bisque, pork banh mi with a pho dipping broth, and a lobster-and-shrimp roll. Bulgogi and Greek wraps, wedge salads, and drinks including strawberry Italian soda, root beer floats, and lemonade with popping boba (tapioca pearls) will be available, too.

The fair also includes entertainment, of course, including a talent contest, midway games, E.K. Fernandez rides and Keiki Kountry games for wee ones, a petting zoo and pony rides. The fair’s marketplace will be stocked with homemade baked goods, preserves, kim chee, crafts and gently used clothing and accessories in the Chic Boutique.

The fair raises money to provide travel opportunities for students, Chong said. Last year, more than 20 academic teams, athletic teams, clubs and performing arts groups were able to attend tournaments and perform on the mainland and abroad with support from the event.