Most American’s remember going to the state fair as a child. It was the highlight of the fall season. Corn dogs, hot dogs, sausage on a stick and cotton candy were often regarded as a treat for that once a year event. The anticipation of winning a stuffed animal larger than the family car was almost too much to bear for most youngsters.
State Fairs attract people from all walks of life. Individuals come from all
over the country to attend these wonderful gatherings. Events such as pig races
(The State Fair of Texas), antique tractor pulls, and rubber chicken relays
(Wyoming State Fair) set each fair apart from the other. One thing is certain;
the state fair is a true American tradition.
The State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is held in the fall of each year at Fair
Park in Dallas,
TX. Fair
Park is located two miles east of
the downtown area of Dallas. This
fair was chartered as a private corporation in 1886. Thousands of Texans and
out-of-state individuals flock to the fair each year to enjoy the many events.
Some of the notable Americans who have attended past fairs in the Lone Star
state are: Booker T. Washington, John Phillips Sousa, and William Jennings
Bryan. Past presidents who have also attended are: President William H. Taft in
1909 and President Woodrow Wilson in 1911. Popular events that were held at
past fairs include: cattle sales, hot air balloons, and also various contests
for the ladies.
Today the State Fair of Texas remains as popular as ever. Some of the events
offered each year are:
State Fair Fall Garden Exhibition-
Landscapers compete for the title “Best of Show”.
Concerts- Held at the
Chevrolet main stage each year. All shows are free to fair visitors.
The “Taste and See” Pavilion-
Guests are invited to sample dishes, wines and other various offerings.
Pig Races- Three times a day
visitors can wager on that special pig that they think will win.
Musical- Guests are treated
to a musical each year at the Fair
Music Hall.
Starlight Parade- A popular
yearly attraction is the night time parade.
Midway- The yearly midway
boasts plenty of rides and games to keep children of all ages occupied.
Auto Shows- An exhibition of
the latest in automobiles is always a popular event.
Hotels are located in the downtown area close to Fair
Park.
Wyoming State
Fair
This fair is held in the fall of each year in Douglas,
WY. This unique town has an approximate
population of 5000 citizens and is located 130 miles from the state capital of Cheyenne.
Douglas is a beautiful community on the North
Platte River that offers visitors plenty of activities year round.
Some of these activities, weathering permitting, are: fishing, swimming, and
canoeing.
The Wyoming State Fair is held at the fairgrounds in Douglas.
Weather for the fair varies each year from hot to cold so come prepared. Some
of the events offered at the fair are:
An Antique Tractor Show and
Pull
Ranch Horse Competition
Demolition Derby
Rodeo
Pigs-N-Mud Wrestling
The Famous Rubber Chicken
Relay
Midway- Plenty of carnival
rides and games
Entertainment- Concerts and
Shows
A campground is located next to the fairgrounds which has 312 camper hookups
with electricity, water and sewer and also 144 temporary spaces with
electricity and water. The spots are given on a first come first serve basis
only. There are hotels in close proximity to the fairgrounds.
Arkansas State
Fair
The Arkansas State Fair is held each year in the fall and runs for two
weeks. The fair is located at the state fairgrounds in Little
Rock and boasts the lowest admission prices in
country. Some of the events offered each year are:
Entertainment- Each year
there are several celebrity concerts.
PRCA Rodeo- The rodeo is
always a popular event and showcases bareback riding, calf roping, steer
wrestling, bronc riding and many other rodeo related events.
Creative Arts Competitions-
Competitions are held each year in different categories such as:
needlepoint, foods, art, photography, horticulture, misc. crafts, fruits
and vegetables.
Livestock Show and Sale-
Youngsters display and sell the livestock that they have raised throughout
the year.
10 Acre Midway- The highlight
of the fair each year is the 10 acre midway. Rides of all kinds are
offered along with various games of different skill levels. Concession
stands are a plenty with every imaginable kind of food.
Exhibitions- Exhibitors
showcase many items each year from cars to the latest in fishing and
hunting gear.
Hotels are located in the downtown area close to the fairgrounds as well as
further out.
Ohio State
Fair
The Ohio State Fair is held each year at the Ohio
Expo Center
near the downtown area in Columbus, Ohio.
The fair runs for twelve days. Some of the events and activities offered are:
Chef Demonstrations
Livestock Show
Dog Show
Ohio
State Fair Choir-
High school students from high
schools all over Ohio perform.
Grocer’s Bagging Contest
Kiddie Tractor Pull Contest
Fireworks
Baton Corps Competition-
Since 1966, baton twirlers have participated in the state fair.
Weight Lifting competition
Hotels in and around the downtown Columbus
area in close proximity to the Expo Center
are: Hampton Inn, Best Value Inn, Best Western, and Comfort Suites.
Vermont State
Fair
The Vermont State Fair has been in operation since 1846. The fair started as
a one-day event that now lasts for ten days. Rutland,
VT is home to the state fair and has been
since it beginning. Events offered at the fair include:
A Carnival
Bingo
Arts and Crafts
An Art Exhibit
Open Beef Show
Farm
Museum
Cooking Demonstrations
Vegetable Displays
Pulling Contests
Hotels in and around Rutland
are: Holiday Inn, Ramada Limited, also Best Western Inn and Suites.
Apple Pie!
State fairs are as American as the proverbial “apple pie” and baseball. Let
us hope that the future is bright for the state fair.