The festival began six years ago in 2003 . The world 's first deep - fried cheeseburger is making its debut this weekend . The festival is expected to attract 20,000 people over the weekend . Akron is one of four cities to claim to be the birthplace of the festival .
The festival began six years ago in 2003 . The world 's first deep - fried cheeseburger is making its debut this weekend . Akron is one of four cities to claim to be the birthplace of the festival .