America’s Best State Fairs

[left-of-center2012]

While there are county fairs and events that take place throughout the year, many folks look forward to attending their annual state fairs.
Each one offers something unique, whether it’s a contest that’s been held for decades or a specific food that’s become a permanent fixture on the menu.
You might not make it to all of the state fairs, but some of the best ones might be worth visiting.

Some state fairs – including the state fairs in Mississippi, Vermont, Wyoming and Du Quoin (Illinois) – did not make it into our study because we were unable to collect enough information about them. We contacted their offices but did not hear back from them prior to publishing this article.

The State Fair of Texas was also omitted. Fair officials say that it’s difficult to track the number of people who attend the fair and therefore it does not release any data related to attendance.
https://smartasset.com/mortgage/americas-best-state-fairs#q=state%20fair

[Little Star]

1. Here in Massachusetts/New England we have.....

The Big E
Eastern States Exposition
http://www.thebige.com/

It's simply wonderful! Educational, fun & great food! I guess that it's not exactly a state fair because its for multiple states.

[Atman]

2. Just gonna post that! How could The Big E be left off this list?

Two weeks, representing six states. This is the mother of all state fairs!

[Little Star]

6. Good question but...

lets just keep it our northeast secret. Don't want to spoil the fun for those other states, lol.

[RockaFowler]

5. That was my favorite when I was a kid in the 70's

Love that it is still going strong!!

[left-of-center2012]

11. Loved it

Went there several times when I lived in Hartford.

[Archae]

3. Best part about state fairs...

The food!

[Initech]

4. It's not fair food unless it's deep fried and served on a stick!

[MineralMan]

7. Hey! Where's the Minnesota State Fair.

Seriously. "Our state fair is a great state fair! Don't miss it; don't even be late. It's the best state fair in our state," after all.

[Brickbat]

8. It is a CRIME that Minnesota's is not on here.

[Aerows]

10. MN's is pretty good?

What's the best part of it? I love going to fairs.

[MineralMan]

12. Excellent. Over a million visitors enjoy it each year.

It has everything, from farm animals aplenty to commercial exhibits, outstanding concerts, both free and big-ticket, a big midway, and the best assortment of fair food you'll find anywhere, everywhere you turn. The fairgrounds are huge, it's easy to get there from just about anywhere in the Twin Cities metro area, with free shuttle buses from parking lots all over the cities.

There's a daily parade, a "miracle of birth" building where farm animal babies are being born almost around the clock, while you watch. There's a fun house, weird art exhibits, hobby exhibits, lots of junk to spend money on and all those people of all ages dressed for 90 degree weather. The people are the very best part of the fair. I often grab a seat on a bench and just watch the parade of people walk by for an hour or two. It couldn't be more entertaining.

And the food. One year, I ate camel on a stick, alligator tacos, a scotch egg, and deep-fried cheese curds, and that was all before lunch. Sweet Martha's cookies, deep fried Twinkies, and any other high-calorie, high-fat food you can imagine. Most of it is served on a stick, too.

[Aerows]

9. It's pretty goofy

but I love festivals of all sorts. I missed the pepper festival this year - my GOODNESS that have a few that are hot as hell even for my taste.

Blues fest, Jazz fest, Farts and Craps - love them all. Renn-fest is the best, though. I've been to Renn-fest in three different states, all were a total blast. I even have a beer horn!

Hell I went to a craft fair that the singular focus seemed to be on mailboxes made like birdhouses. They had no food, either. That's the one I had in mind when I called it Farts and Craps. There is no need for a fair to be that boring.