Exploring State Fair Destinations: A Traveling Extravaganza

State fairs are annual events held in the US, usually in late summer or early fall. They are larger versions of county fairs, often featuring exhibits and competitors that have won at more local fairs. State fairs began in the 19th century as a way to promote state agriculture, but have since expanded to include carnival rides, games, car racing, and musical concerts. The largest state fair in the US is in Texas, with over 2.5 million visitors. Other popular state fairs include those in Minnesota, California, Oregon, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Iowa.

The State Fair of Texas

The fair is easy to get to via public transport, with the DART Rail Green Line stopping at two stations near the fairgrounds. The Trinity Railway Express also runs from Tarrant County and Dallas County, connecting with the DART Rail Green Line. There are also parking options available for those who wish to drive.

State Fair of Virginia

The State Fair of Virginia is an annual event held at the end of September at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia. The fair has been running since 1738, making it the oldest in the state and the oldest in the country.

The fair offers a range of entertainment, including rides, carnival games, concerts, and typical fair foods such as cotton candy, funnel cakes, barbecue chicken, and peanuts. There are also various exhibitions and competitions, including livestock shows, pig races, and a magic show. The fair has a strong focus on Virginia's agricultural industry, with highlights of local agricultural products, as well as technological, historical, and industrial developments.

The State Fair of Virginia has had a few different locations throughout its history. Until 2008, it was held at the Richmond Raceway Complex in eastern Henrico County, just outside of Richmond, the state capital. In 2009, it moved to its current location at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. This new location is a multi-use space of 360 acres, featuring a large exposition hall, a multi-purpose pavilion, and an equine facility, providing a versatile space for various events.

The fair did not take place between the years 1861-1864, 1917-1918, 1942-1945, and 2020. In 2012, the fair's parent company filed for bankruptcy, and the fair was temporarily put on hold. However, later that year, Universal Fairs purchased the assets of the State Fair of Virginia, and in partnership with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, they ensured the fair's continuation.

Washington State Fair

The Washington State Fair, formerly the Puyallup Fair, is an annual event held in Puyallup, Washington, 35 miles (56 km) south of Seattle and 10 miles (16 km) east of Tacoma near Mount Rainier. It is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington and is one of the largest fairs in the country, drawing over one million visitors each year. The fair includes agricultural and pastoral displays, amusement rides, and concert series.

The Washington State Fair hosts two annual events: the 21-day Washington State Fair in September and the four-day, two-weekend Washington State Spring Fair in April. The fairgrounds cover an area of 160 acres (0.65 km2) with buildings and land valued at more than $54 million. The facilities are available for rent throughout the year and host various seasonal festivals, races, concerts, car shows, and sporting expositions.

The fair began in 1900 as the "Puyallup Valley Fair" and has undergone several name changes throughout its history. In 1913, it was renamed "The Western Washington Fair," but it was still primarily known as the "Puyallup Fair" until the early 1980s. In 2006, the name was changed back to "The Puyallup Fair," and the venue became known as "The Puyallup Fair and Events Center." Finally, in 2013, the fair received its current name, the "Washington State Fair." However, the marketing tagline "Do the Puyallup" was retained, and many locals still refer to the fair by its previous name.

During World War II, the fairgrounds were closed and occupied by the army, which set up Camp Harmony, a temporary assembly centre within the system of concentration camps for Japanese Americans. After the war, the fair returned in 1946, setting an attendance record of 100,000 people on opening day. The fair has continued to grow and evolve, becoming one of the largest and most popular attractions in the state of Washington.

Arizona State Fair

The Arizona State Fair is an annual event held in Phoenix, Arizona. The fair has been a tradition for over 140 years and is usually held in the fall, often in the months of September and October.

The Arizona State Fair offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors, including rides, games, and live performances. The fair also features special promotions, such as "Feel Good Fridays," where visitors can bring canned food items to donate to St. Mary's Food Bank and receive free admission. The address for the Arizona State Fair is 1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The fair typically opens on Thursdays through Sundays at noon, with tickets available for purchase online and at the gate. In addition to the general admission tickets, the Arizona State Fair also offers special promotions and discounts on select days and times. For example, visitors can enjoy 20% more ride and game tickets before 1 PM on certain days.

The Arizona State Fair also hosts a variety of live performances and events throughout the fairgrounds. These include performances by All Star Monster Trucks, which take place in the Grandstand Arena, and a range of entertainment options at the Skyline Stage, which is open from noon to 9 PM. Visitors can also explore the Agriculture Center to learn more about the state's agricultural heritage and traditions.

The Arizona State Fair is a highly anticipated event for the community, offering a unique blend of entertainment, competition, and community engagement. With its long history and tradition, the fair continues to be a beloved annual gathering for the people of Arizona and beyond.

California State Fair

The California State Fair is held at Cal Expo, a 350-acre site featuring beautifully landscaped grounds. The site was initiated by Governor Pat Brown and opened by Governor Ronald Reagan in 1968. It was dedicated as a place to celebrate California's achievements, agriculture, diversity, traditions, and trends that will shape the state's future.

The California State Fair is an annual event, usually held in late summer or early fall. It is a large gathering that attracts visitors from across the state and beyond. Like other state fairs, it began as an agricultural event in the 19th century, showcasing competitive exhibitions of livestock and displays of farm products. Over time, it has expanded to include carnival amusement rides, games, industrial product displays, automobile racing, and entertainment such as musical concerts.

The California State Fair at Cal Expo plays host to hundreds of other events each year. For example, the Oddities & Curiosities Expo features a curated selection of weird treasures, including taxidermy, original art, and creepy clothing. Another event is the International Railfair Model Train Show, which offers 28,000 square feet of model railroads, vendor tables, and how-to clinics for train lovers of all ages.

The California Exposition and State Fair Police maintain the security of the event, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the wide range of attractions and exhibits safely. The state fair is a celebration of California's past, present, and future, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy a unique mix of education and entertainment.

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