As the spring planting season has concluded and the summer marches on, crop producers across the country are likely ready for some fun, relaxing days with the family whenever time allows for it. Between July 4th and Labor Day, there will be a number of 2014 state fairs taking place, giving area residents (and even non-residents) a gathering place for food, fun, education, and much more.
We’ve searched the web for information covering eight state fairs that we believe are “can’t miss” events this year. So, while producers are preparing their harvesting equipment, we hope this list and information allows them to mark their calendars for a well-deserved day of family-fun!
Ohio State Fair
When: July 23 – August 3, 2014
Where: Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH
About: Since 1850, the Ohio State Fair has celebrated Ohio’s products, its people and their accomplishments. The 2013 fair drew 903,284 people and the 2014 expects more of the same success through a variety of activities and exhibits including interactive educational displays, sporting competitions, a fine arts show, exotic animals in the free petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, helicopter rides, roving performers, youth agricultural competitions, horse shows, and much more.
Additional Information: www.ohiostatefair.com
Facebook.com/OhioStateFair
Twitter.com/OhioStateFair
Iowa State Fair
When: August 7 – 17, 2014
Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
About: The Iowa State fair attracts more than million attendees from around the world. Along with livestock shows, art shows, competitive events, and hundreds of exhibitors, the fair enables attendees to get up-close and personal with farm animals, shop for farm equipment or introduce children to Iowa’s agricultural heritage. Don’t forget to visit the butter cow, an Iowa State Fair staple since 1911!
Additional Information: www.iowastatefair.org
Facebook.com/iowastatefair
Twitter.com/iowastatefair
Kansas State Fair
When: September 5 – 14, 2014
Where: Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, KS
About: The fair historically takes place the Friday following Labor Day, lasting for ten days. The fair annually attracts around 350,000 visitors by promoting and showcasing Kansas agriculture, industry, and culture, to create an opportunity for commercial activity, education, and entertainment.
Additional Information: www.kansasstatefair.com
Facebook.com/kansasstatefair
Twitter.com/KansasStateFair
Indiana State Fair
When: August 1 – 17, 2014
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN
About: The State Fair Commission’s renovation of the grand Coliseum is the headline of the 2014 show. This year, the Coliseum will continue to bring families together through events like this year’s draft horse competitions, livestock shows, the Champion Drive, the Celebration of Champions and several headline concerts. The fair primarily focuses on celebrating agriculture, youth and education.
Additional Information: www.in.gov/statefair/fair
Facebook.com/IndianaStateFair
Twitter.com/indystatefair
Minnesota State Fair
When: August 21 – September 1, 2014
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St Paul, MN
About: Living up to its slogan, “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the Minnesota State Fair is historically the largest fair in the United States in terms of daily attendance. Residents of the state and region come to the fair to be entertained, exhibit their best livestock, show off their abilities in a variety of fields including art and cooking, learn about new products and services, and enjoy many different types of food.
Additional Information: www.mnstatefair.org
Facebook.com/minnesotastatefair
Twitter.com/mnstatefair
Missouri State Fair
When: August 7 – 17, 2014
Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO
About: This 11-day fair offers a variety of entertainment for the family, including, concerts, auto racing, and farm displays. The 112th Missouri State Fair, themed “Harvest the Fun,” will look to continue on last year’s success which drew 366,218 people to the fairgrounds.
Additional Information: www.mostatefair.com
Facebook.com/MissouriStateFair
Twitter.com/MOStateFair
Illinois State Fair
When: August 7 – 17, 2014
Where: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
About: Illinois’ annual festival focuses on the theme of agriculture and has been celebrated since 1853. The fair’s goal is to showcase Illinois agriculture and offer wholesome family entertainment.
Additional Information: www.agr.state.il.us/isf
Facebook.com/pages/Illinois-State-Fair
Twitter.com/ILStateFair
Nebraska State Fair
When: August 22 – September 1, 2014
Where: Fonner Park, Grand Island, NE
About: With the “A Bumper Crop of Fun” slogan, the Nebraska State Fair focuses on interactive agriculture and educational experiences promoting families, fun, and Nebraska pride. The Antique Tractor Games, which includes games such as tractor balancing, the slowest tractor race, and team obstacle course racing, is always a fan favorite.
Additional Information: www.statefair.org/fair