You Must Be Trippin'

Our State Fair is a Great State Fair

August 24 2012 by Claudia Kunkel

In Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic 1945 musical State Fair, viewers were able to watch the drama unfold of the glory and excitement surrounding a state fair, whether attending as a contestant or to revel in the American tradition of bringing the best of a state into one central location. It's no wonder that the most popular song from the musical is, " Our State Fair is a great state fair... it's the best state fair in the state!"

Over 65 years later, a lot of state fairs have faded into history, but there are a few that are as popular as they ever have been. Here are three that still put on quite the show each summer:

Texas

Let's face it, everything is bigger in Texas and the State Fair of Texas is no different. Held this year from September 28- October 21 in Dallas, this Lonestar tradition includes everything from Big Tex, the giant cowboy who gives entertaining announcements throughout each day to traditional livestock exhibits, fair rides, an auto show and lots of food. The Texas SkyWay offers gondola rides to give you a view from above all of the action or there's the nightly Illumination Sensation, which dazzles spectators with lights, music, dancing waters and pyrotechnics along a 700-foot reflecting pool. General admission is $16 with discounts for senior citizens and children. While you take part in all of the big action, stay at the BEST WESTERN Cityplace Inn located minutes from the fairgrounds.

Minnesota

The Minnesota State Fair, or the Great Minnesota Get Together as it is know, welcomes approximately 1.6 million visitors each year and is held from August 23 to Labor Day (September 3) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This year's Grandstand entertainers include Alan Jackson, Demi Lovato, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. Fair attractions include agricultural exhibits, a giant sing-along, every food-on-a-stick you can imagine and a daily parade. General admission is $12 with discounts for seniors and children, with $9 tickets available if purchased before the fair. Make your visit to the Twin Cities even more memorable when you stay at the BEST WESTERN Bandana Square, just 1 mile down the road from the fairgrounds.

Iowa

There's a reason that State Fair's romantic story takes place in Iowa, because nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair, which will be held this year from August 9-19, in Des Moines. Grandstand entertainment this year includes TobyMac, Larry the Cable guy and, you guessed it, a Demolition Derby! From Iowa's famous cow sculpted out of butter to the art displays and the Belle City Amusement park, there is plenty to do at this classic Midwestern fair. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for children, with discounts available for purchasing tickets online before the fair begins. To keep things classy while you're experiencing America's heartland, make your stay at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Des Moines West Inn & Suites.

Email This Comments (0)

Categories : Are We There Yet?, Home

Tags : best western, BEST WESTERN Bandana Square, BEST WESTERN Cityplace Inn, state fairs

0 TrackBacks

http://www.youmustbetrippin.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-t.cgi/1238

Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry

0 Comments

Leave a comment

Name
Email Address
	Remember personal info?

Your comment may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.

Comments (You may use HTML tags for style)

I certify that I am the author or sole owner of all content I am submitting in my comment. I have read, understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions of this Site.