The smell of kettle corn and sweet cotton candy permeates the air, with faint joyful screams and carnival games as background noise. The Arizona State Fair is back in town and from Oct. 12 to Nov. 4, lasting memories can be made.
The Arizona State Fair, located in Phoenix, is making a sure statement with new rides, attractions and a concert series that one will not want to miss. How does a ride called Alien Abduction, live street magic and a performance by the band, Weezer, sound for intriguing? The state fair will also offer attractions like animal shows and competitions, contests, grandstand events, fun for kids, stage entertainment, and sports events, to name a few. There is even a place for the youngest state fair-goers, Toddler Town. Little ones can tumble around on indoor mats, crawl through tunnels and even participate in a Diaper Derby on Sundays. If a pie-eating contest isn’t one’s forte, there will be a hypnotist for equal entertainment. And, of course, what would a state fair be without a view of the city lights on the ferris wheel along with the ever-popular rodeo show?
Aside from the array of attractions and entertainment, the Arizona State Fair also has special days and events for visitors. Event-goers can look forward to Armed Forces Day, Senior Day, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Public Safety Days and a Wine Competition and Tasting. All of these events are free with admission.
If you are the competitive type, gear up for a chili cook-off, a live mural-painting contest, a pie-baking contest, a tamale contest and a teen anime-drawing contest.
All of this and more is offered at the Arizona State Fair with a regular admission price as well as discounted rates on specific days. General admission to the fair: adults, $10; children/seniors, $5; and children under five are free. The state fair offers a $2 price for admission every Saturday and Sunday before 2 p.m. The fair also has $2 rides and games every Wednesday and $2 midway games every Thursday and Sunday. Best of all, admission on opening day, Oct. 12, is only $1 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a free park-and-ride for visitors who do not want to spend money on parking. The park is open Wednesday through Friday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. The fair will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
For more information on discounted days, admission and parking, check out the state fair Web site at: azstatefair.com. The concert series schedule can also be found at azstatefair.com/concerts.
Whether you are looking to win a pie-eating contest, enjoy fair delicacies, spin around on endless rides, or sing along to your favorite band, the Arizona State Fair is the place to go this fall.
