State fairs

Details for competitions at Kentucky State Fair now online

May 25, 2022 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The premium book is now online with details about competitions at the Kentucky State Fair.

The book outlines classes, rules and deadlines for the fair.

Cash prizes and more than 5,000 blue ribbons are awarded each year at the fair for baking, livestock, art, crafts and gardening, officials said.

After decades in Baton Rouge, state fair moves to Gonzales

May 18, 2022 GMT

GONZALES, La. (AP) — After more than 50 years of hosting the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair in Louisiana's capital city, organizers plan to move it to neighboring Ascension Parish — at least temporarily.

West Virginia State Fair seeking submissions for art contest

May 11, 2022 GMT

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) — The State Fair of West Virginia is launching an art contest and invites entries this month.

The image should be 11 inches by 14 inches or 11 inches by 17 inches and done in oil, acrylic, watercolor or pastels.

Kansas to set up weevil program, let drinkers roam at fair

April 18, 2022 GMT

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Kansas laws will make the state fair home to drinkers who roam and allow the state to tax each bale of home-grown cotton up to $2 to pay for efforts to get rid of the bug that ruins cotton crops.

Indiana State Fair to celebrate state’s automotive heritage

April 16, 2022 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana State Fair will celebrate the state's automotive heritage this year.

Fairgoers can expect to see iconic, celebrity cars from movies and books and world-class classic car collections showcasing Indiana-made vehicles, the fair announced this past week.

Demi Lovato completes Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup

March 13, 2022 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Grammy Award-nominated singer Demi Lovato is the latest act to join this summer's Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup.

Kansas State Fair could soon be home to drinkers who roam

March 10, 2022 GMT

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — People attending the Kansas State Fair this fall will be able to stroll the grounds with a beer, a glass of wine or even a cocktail if some Kansas legislators get their way.

House and Senate negotiators are set to draft the final version of legislation expanding the sale of alcohol on the fairgrounds in Hutchinson.

Kid Rock to headline North Dakota State Fair in July

March 5, 2022 GMT

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Kid Rock will headline the North Dakota State Fair this summer, and several top country acts and an award-winning rapper also are scheduled to perform.

Encore! Nelly to play NY State Fair for 2nd year in a row

February 21, 2022 GMT

GEDDES, N.Y. (AP) — Fans who missed Nelly at last year's New York State Fair are getting another chance this summer. Organizers announced Monday that the Grammy-winning rapper will be back at the fairgrounds Aug.

Arizona State Fair has record turnout, nearly 1.6M visitors

November 8, 2021 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Arizona State Fair has posted a record turnout with nearly 1.6 million visitors.

The 116-year-old event ran from Oct. 1-30 this year at the state fairgrounds in Phoenix.

Arizona history-Oct. 31-Nov. 6

October 27, 2021 GMT

Sunday, Oct. 31

On this date in 1890, Harrison Morton Lavender, mining engineer and Vice President and General Manager of Phelps Dodge Corp. for whom the Lavender Pit at Bisbee is named, was born.

NC State Fair celebrates 2021 event despite low attendance

October 26, 2021 GMT

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Organizers are celebrating the 2021 NC State Fair despite seeing its lowest attendance total in more than a decade due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With preliminary totals collected through Sunday, officials said the fair drew 821,463 people, a 12% drop from 2019, the year before the pandemic erupted, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported.

State Fair returns after pandemic hiatus but attendance down

October 16, 2021 GMT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Attendance at this year's New Mexico State Fair dropped by about two-fifths from the 2019 fair, the last before the 2020 event was canceled because of the pandemic.

State Fair General Manager Dan Mourning said Friday that 275,467 people attended the nine-day event from Sept.

Nearly 1-ton pumpkin sets record at North Carolina fair

October 15, 2021 GMT

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The record-setting pumpkin at this year’s North Carolina State Fair can make a lot of pies.

A news release from the fair on Thursday says Chris Rodebaugh of Lewisburg, West Virginia, set a record with a 1,965.5-pound (891 kg) pumpkin.

First in-person SC State Fair since pandemic opens Wednesday

October 12, 2021 GMT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina State Fair returns Wednesday after a hiatus brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year's event was drive-thru only due to a high number of COVID-19 cases.

DuQuoin fair posts attendance gain

October 11, 2021 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Attendance at the DuQuoin State Fair jumped 22% over what it was two years ago, officials said.

More than 150,000 visitors entered the gates for the event's return in late August and early September, the Department of Agriculture reported last week.

Red River rivalry at fair highlights week with Big 12 byes

By STEPHEN HAWKINSOctober 7, 2021 GMT

Some things to watch in Week 6 of the Big 12 Conference:

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 21 Texas. While the Red River rivalry won't be a Big 12 game too much longer, the six-time defending Big 12 champion Sooners (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) and resurgent Longhorns (4-1, 2-0) meet this second Saturday of October at the State Fair of Texas tied with idle No.

Red River more normal for No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 21 Texas

By STEPHEN HAWKINSOctober 7, 2021 GMT

DALLAS (AP) — This is how the second Saturday of October is supposed to be for No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 21 Texas, even though their Red River rivalry won't be a Big 12 game for too much longer.

The Sooners (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) and Longhorns (4-1, 2-0) are both nationally ranked with first place in the Big 12 on the line.

N. Carolina fair menu includes barbecue stuffed egg rolls

October 5, 2021 GMT

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — After missing last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the N.C. State Fair returns in 2021 with its annual list of diet-busting, heart-challenging concoctions, including a turkey leg stuffed with shrimp Alfredo and barbecue stuffed egg rolls.

State fair attendance healthy after pandemic layoff

September 28, 2021 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — State officials are celebrating attendance at this year's Illinois State Fair after it was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that the Springfield-based festival in August attracted 472,390.

Vaccinations encouraged, not required at NC State Fair

September 22, 2021 GMT

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — People attending the 2021 N.C. State Fair won't be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, but it's strongly encouraged, officials said.

Also, those going to the fair, which begins on Oct.

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair returns with food, rides, fun

September 19, 2021 GMT

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair returns after the COVID-19 pandemic squashed last year's event.

“We feel that it is important for us to have an event this year,” Fair Chairman Cliff Barton said.

Buffalo carved out of butter featured at Kansas State Fair

September 12, 2021 GMT

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas's state animal — the buffalo — is being celebrated at the State Fair this year with a 700-pound butter sculpture.

The Hutchinson News reports that a sculptor from Iowa, Sarah Pratt, had to do some research on buffaloes before she designed this year's butter statue.

Invasive insect spotted in 4-H entry at Kansas State Fair

September 12, 2021 GMT

HUTCHINSTON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State Fair officials judging the 4-H entomology entries last week discovered an invasive insect that prompted quarantines elsewhere.

Fair Board member Gregg Hadley the student who caught the bug didn't know it had prompted quarantines in at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to try to stop its spread.

State Fair final attendance: 1.3M, far below 2019 record

September 7, 2021 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota State Fair wrapped up its 12-day run with total attendance of about 1.3 million, well below usual numbers as the delta variant kept many fairgoers away.

The coronavirus wiped out the 2020 state fair, and this year's comeback returned just as the delta variant was heating up.

Crowd creates disturbance as Minnesota State Fair closes

September 7, 2021 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Law enforcement officers used a chemical spray to disperse a crowd that created a disturbance at the main gate to the Minnesota State Fair as it was drawing to a close, sheriff's officials said.

After year off, people flock to UP State Fair, set records

September 5, 2021 GMT

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Who doesn't like a corn dog?

Attendance at the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba was up 3% to nearly 100,000 people, with records set on four of the seven days, The Daily Press reported.

Masks mandated for Washington State Fair visitors

August 31, 2021 GMT

PUYALLUP, Wash. (AP) — Visitors to the Washington State Fair will be required to wear masks at all times as Pierce County works to stem “unprecedented levels” of COVID-19.

Minnesota State Fair first-day attendance down by half

August 27, 2021 GMT

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — First-day attendance at the Minnesota State Fair was down by roughly half as the fair returned after missing last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With simmering concern over the delta variant, and fair officials declining to require masks or proof of vaccinations, Thursday's attendance was 61,983.

Nebraska State Fair opens with full slate of rides, concerts

August 27, 2021 GMT

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fair has kicked off and will offer a full slate of attractions and music a year after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the annual event’s concerts, carnival and other draws.

New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo relocating to Roswell

August 27, 2021 GMT

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Youth Livestock Expo is relocating to Roswell over Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State Fair vaccination mandate.

Get a COVID shot at State Fair, walk away with $100 reward

August 25, 2021 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesotans who get their first COVID-19 vaccine dose at the Minnesota State Fair can walk away with a $100 Visa gift card.

Gov. Tim Walz announced the State Fair edition of the state's $100 reward program Wednesday.

Health officials nervous about Minnesota State Fair crowds

By MOHAMED IBRAHIMAugust 24, 2021 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Tuesday said they're nervous about the large crowds expected at the Minnesota State Fair as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to circulate statewide.

Virus fears lead some vendors to skip Minnesota State Fair

August 24, 2021 GMT

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — Around 150 vendors will be missing when the Minnesota State Fair returns this week from a one-year layoff due to the pandemic.

Driver’s license renewals available at Kentucky State Fair

August 23, 2021 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentuckians can renew their standard driver's license or upgrade to a REAL ID at the Kentucky State Fair.

Two popup stations will be open daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Main Street Kentucky area at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, transportation officials said in a statement.

Minnesota State Fair returns after 1-year COVID-19 hiatus

By STEVE KARNOWSKIAugust 21, 2021 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota State Fair is back after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19 but it won't be back to normal when the gates open on Thursday for the fair's 12-day run through Labor Day.

COVID-19 vaccines available at the Kentucky State Fair

August 20, 2021 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — COVID-19 vaccines will be available for free at the Kentucky State Fair through Aug. 28, Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Fairgoers 12 and older do not need to RSVP or schedule appointments but must provide identification or proof of health insurance and state residency to receive a dose.

Missouri political hopefuls schmooze at State Fair event

August 19, 2021 GMT

SEDALIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri political hopefuls, including a long list of candidates vying for a U.S. Senate seat, gathered Thursday at the State Fair to bolster support.

The annual Governor's Ham Breakfast is a political rite of passage in Missouri and a rare event that brings both Republican and Democratic candidates under the same pavilion to mingle.

New Mexico State Fair vaccine mandate spurs concern

August 18, 2021 GMT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Some are calling a requirement for everyone attending the upcoming New Mexico State Fair to show proof of vaccination anything but fair.

Minnesota State Fair strongly urges masks and vaccinations

By STEVE KARNOWSKIAugust 18, 2021 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota State Fair officials on Wednesday strongly urged fairgoers to mask up inside and outside, but stopped short of imposing any mask or vaccination mandates to fight the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus.

At Midwest state fairs no masks required, vaccines are free

By DAVID PITTAugust 17, 2021 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Nestled between corn dog stands, animal barns and booths touting hot tubs and John Deere tractors, a Hy-Vee pharmacist and several nurses have been administering COVID-19 vaccines at the Iowa State Fair to anyone eligible that wants one.

Mostly unmasked crowds pack into Missouri State Fair

August 14, 2021 GMT

SEDALIA, Mo. (AP) — Mostly unmasked crowds packed into the Missouri State Fair shoulder-to-shoulder this week as it opened in Sedalia amid soaring numbers of new COVID-19 infections.

Fair officials decided in the spring to bring back the full fair after replacing it with a much smaller youth livestock show last year because of safety concerns, the St.

West Virginia State Fair starts 10-day run on Thursday

August 11, 2021 GMT

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia State Fair opens this week after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fair starts Thursday and runs through Aug. 21 in Lewisburg. The event was canceled last year.

State fair clinic administers nearly 200 vaccine doses

August 9, 2021 GMT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A free clinic at the Wisconsin State Fair has administered nearly 200 doses of COVID-19 vaccine so far, Gov. Tony Evers' office said Monday.

The clinic has administered 194 doses since the fair opened on Thursday, the governor's office said.

Unclaimed property auction set at West Virginia State Fair

August 9, 2021 GMT

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia treasurer's office will hold two auctions for unclaimed property at the State Fair this month.

The auctions will take place at 5 p.m. on Aug. 14 and Aug.

COVID-19 safeguards among new Illinois State Fair features

By JOHN O'CONNORAugust 8, 2021 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Among several new features at this year's Illinois State Fair will be an unwelcome one: COVID-19.

Arizona State Fair cancels move, to remain at Phoenix site

August 6, 2021 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona State Fair will be staged this October at its usual site on the state fairgrounds in central Phoenix after all.

Wisconsin State Fair returns with some COVID-19 tweaks

August 5, 2021 GMT

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin State Fair returns Thursday after the coronavirus pandemic canceled last year's event for the first time in 75 years.

The event runs through Aug. 15 at the 200-acre State Fair Park in West Allis.

Iowa State Fair seeks to fill job slots 2 weeks from opening

July 30, 2021 GMT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — With only two weeks to go before the 2021 Iowa State Fair kicks off, fair officials say they're still looking to fill fair job openings.

The fair still has openings in admissions, carnival rides, maintenance and parking, among other positions, television station WHO 13 reported.

Deadline for discounted WVa State Fair tickets is Saturday

July 30, 2021 GMT

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) — This is the last week to buy discounted West Virginia State Fair tickets, which gets underway in less than two weeks.

The tickets may be purchased at select One Stop and Stop-In Food Stores or the State Fair website until Saturday, fair officials said.