We don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy a state fair. Over the years we've pitched dimes for silly prizes, walked through miles of agricultural displays, cheered at the animal husbandry competitions, soared above the midway on the ferris wheel, and sat on the judging committee of numerous recipe, baking, and canning competitions.
A search for 'state fairs' brought up these major state fairs that have websites; we're passing on to you some of the information found on them. Check out the special events you might find yourself standing in line for. For basic information on all state fairs and festivals, visit www.fairsnet.org.
Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, Oct. 10-27 - Carmin Petting Zoo with exotic miniature animals and familiar barnyard friends; La Placita de Flores Stage with great Hispanic entertainment for the whole family; craft and hobby demos including lacemaking, woodcarving, leather crafts, and more; toddler games and toys for the 4-year and under crowd; exhibits in livestock, fine arts, agriculture, baking, and more.
California State Fair, Sacrament, Aug. 16-Sept. 2 - A World Party -- Carrnával floats decorated with kale, vibrantly costumed entertainers, and lively music. Travel through the Rain Forest in search of jewels and exotic animals or join pirates on a hunt for treasure. Free concerts include Foreigner (Aug. 10), Lee Greenwood (Aug.20), Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence and Mark Chesnut (Aug. 22), Michelle Branch (Aug.26), and Jeffrey Osborne (Aug.27), and more. From Aug. 16-22, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will perform daily with their world-renown Musical Ride, including the spectacular CHARGE!
Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, Aug. 7-19 - Pioneer Village and Little Hands on the Farm will delight the whole family. Some of country music's hottest stars such as Toby Keith (Aug. 8), Chris LeDoux (Aug. 13), Kenny Chesney (Aug. 14), and Aaron Carter (Aug. 16) will perform live at the Marsh Grandstand. New exciting midway rides including a Bumble Bee Bop, Cuckoo House, The Fireball, and Mardi Gras Glass House.
Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, Aug. 8-18 - Big news here at this giant fair is the all new food and contests and demonstrations in the Family Center and, just for kids, a Mad Hatter's Tea Party (Aug. 11), Spam Kid Chef of the Year Contest, and the Blue Bunny Cares for Kids Club (twice each day).
Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, Oct. 2-13 - Mile long midway, free entertainment, livestock shows and 120,000 sq. ft. of exhibits to entertain every member of the family.
Great New York State Fair, Syracuse, Aug. 22-Sept. 2 - Over a million are expected to attend this fair in its 156th year showcasing New York agriculture, entertainment, education, industry, and technology. With over 200 acres of animals, exhibits, and displays; Midway rides and games of skill; and live performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment, the fair has added more children's activities and educational experiences.
South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, Oct. 3-13 - Montgomery Gentry, Steven Curtis Chapman, Lee Greenwood, The Isley Brothers, and Brad Paisley are among the headliners at this fair which offers everything from cooking contests, home & craft demos, agriculture and flower exhibits, livestock show, and on the last day of the event, clowns everywhere (in fact, if you come with a clown face and a red nose, admission is free).
Texas State Fair, Dallas, Sept. 27-Oct. 20 - The Big Tex theme this year is "World in Motion" and offers everything from country music's red-hot Dixie Chicks and special guest Pat Green to Marine bands, a nightly parade, a stunning array of food, special exhibits, cooking contests, and football games for 24 days of nonstop family fun. Kids will love getting up-close-and-personal with agriculture where they can gather eggs, plant seeds, dig up artificial vegetables, and feed and milk a "cow." Walk-around acts include 8 fife and drum marchers, a French Napoleonic band, 30 Italian flag-throwers, and 40 Belgian stilt walkers.
Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, Aug. 1-11 - The Dairy State welcomes the Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, John Michael Montgomery, Jaci Velasquez, the Neville Brothers, Eddie Money, Blues Traveler, and Sara Evans to the fair's Miller Time Main Stage. In addition to live music, the 11 fun-filled days offer great food, exciting rides, and hands-on educational activities such as AG-venture, Animals of the Rain Forest, Famous Racing Pigs, Milking Parlor, and a daily parade with marching bands, floats, animals, and special surprises. Visit the Chocolate Milk Moustache Mobile and get an opportunity to become the next milk mustache celebrity.
As always, if you have diabetes, be sure to carry your meds, testing equipment, sun block, sunglasses, carb snacks, and bottles of water. It'll be hot in the sun, so wear a hat and pace yourself and other members of the family. Have fun!
FTG
