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A view between Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN
Cotton candy, carnival games, and my mother slathering my body with plenty of sunscreen are some of my fondest memories of state fairs. But that is only the beginning!
No matter where you live in the country, you will be able to find a state fair filled with live entertainment, agricultural exhibits and competitions, rides, carnival games, creative craft booths, delicious food booths and more. Following are just a few of the many state fairs going on this summer.
On the East Coast
Referred to by some as “the mother of all state fairs,” the New York State Fair began in 1841, and although it bounced around to different locations for a few decades, it eventually found its permanent home in Syracuse. This year, from August 27 through September 7, expect to find all of the classic as well as the more contemporary exhibits and activities including agriculture, livestock and animal competitions, bull and barrel shows, a Pan-African Village, street corner entertainers, parades, a Hall of Veterinary Health and a Grandstand Winery.
For the kid in all of us there is big top fun with high-flying trapeze artists, clowns, animals and more, plus a petting zoo and of course pint-sized rides. Be sure not to miss the Monster Jam monster truck show, Gospel weekend, Women’s Day and other special days where individuals get in free. Live performances run the gamut with some of today’s hottest entertainers including “Crüe Fest 2” featuring Mötley Crüe, Kelly Clarkson with Gavin DeGraw, Kid Rock and Kenny Chesney with Jake Owen, just to name a few.
Held from August 28 through September 7, the Maryland State Fair has been around for over 125 years. The entire family will be delighted with the plethora of amusement rides, thoroughbred horse racing, Masters of the Chainsaw demonstrations,bull riding and barrel racing competitions and agricultural fair tours, among other activities. Other entertainment includes the “Swifty Swine” Racing & Swimming Pigs, antique vehicle show, and performances by Gary Allan and Boys to Men.
Out West
Sacramento, California is the home of the California State Fair. This year August 21 through September 7 marks the 156th anniversary of this extravaganza that attracts an estimated one million visitors a year. This year’s theme is “Weird Wild & Wacky,” and visitors will find everything from the Magnificent Midway where thrill rides of all kinds abound, to thoroughbred horse racing, a Dachshund derby, the Toyota Xtreme Zone, California Forest Center, California Green Dream Expo, insect and wildlife pavilions and oodles more. The Fab Four, David Cook, Salvador and Blake Shelton are just a few of the many performers this year.
The Evergreen State Fair is in Monroe, Washington, a short drive from the Seattle, Bellevue and Everett Metro areas. Specialty acts, local personalities and a wide variety of dancers, jugglers and more are just the beginning of the fun. Held from August 27 through September 7 this year, the fair is situated on 185 picturesque, partially wooded and landscaped acres and has been a Washington state favorite since 1945. If you care to be a contestant, you might try the pie eating or bubblegum blowing or contests. The Shrine Circus Gatti, Windy Tides Horse Show, drag, drifting and auto races, and Evergreen pygmy goat show are other highlights here.
And, somewhere in between…
One of the nation’s largest fairs, the Minnesota State Fair runs from August 27 through Labor Day. Located midway between Minneapolis and St. Paul, the activities galore here encompass the Agri-lympics, English and Western horse shows, an Adventure Park, a Kidway and Little Farm Hands areas and of course the Mighty Midway thrill rides. The amateur talent contest, Milk Run, fine arts competition and horse show are other ways you can be more than just a spectator! The free concert series features performances by Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Hebegebees Family Comedy Music Show, Mariachi Mexico, Native Pride Dancers, Robby Vee & his Rock-N-Roll Caravan, The Front Porch Swingin' Liquor Pigs and Blood, Sweat & Tears, among others.
From August 20 through 30, the Kentucky State Fair “defines the Bluegrass State like no other event.” Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the fair began back in 1816 as Kentucky’s first fair and stock show. Today it is a state favorite, drawing folks from all around the area to participate in 11 days of whirlwind fun with activities. Attractions and events include Main Street Kentucky with exhibits that represent the cultural heritage and diversity of the Bluegrass State, the North American Midway Entertainment & Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, animal displays and judging, cheer and dance competitions,the Kentucky Beef Producers' Gourmet Garden Cooking Contests, a Coca-Cola Talent Classic and a great deal more. Concert performers include Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson, among others.
Family Vacations
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