1. See the Animals
EMMA RAFFERTY, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR
We always do a lap or two, to check out all the new things, but if we’re being honest, we’re really there for the animals. With much persistence by me, we get there early to snag good seats for both the Clydesdale Draft Horse Hitch Show (despite my fear of horses, I sat in awe the whole show) and the Dock Diving Competition, where we loudly cheer for the hard working doggos. They’re the perfect shows to enjoy while all the delicious and occasionally questionable, fair food settles. That is until it’s time for the next round.
2. Go to the Pig Races
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
I am not a seasoned fairgoer, but my favorite is the pig races. The race-winning little porkers are fine – they really can move! – but my favorites are the dawdlers who clearly don’t care to win. Why would they, really? It’s so relatable. (Oh, and also the pretty horses and The Micro Bar, which always brings the heat with great craft beer selection.)
3. Ride the Skyglider at Night
EVAN MUSIL, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
The State Fair is a daytime occasion, for sure. But let’s face it: It’s hot, sticky and way too crowded. Roaming the grounds at night fixes a few of those things – sometimes all three. But it’s also a delight to see all the sparkling lights in their full glory, and there’s no better way to see it all than taking a spin in the Skyglider. As for the people watching, the crowd is more enjoyable when you’re floating above it, not in it.
4. Catch a Show
JONATHAN JOSEPH, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
My favorite thing to do at the State Fair is to catch a free show at one of the several stages dotted around the fairgrounds. Something shifts in my soul when I have fried food, a nice cold beer and a jam band right in front of me.
5. Suffer at the Sporkies
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
Last year, for reasons beyond the bounds of sane thoughts, I decided to eat every single State Fair Sporkie in under two hours. I do not recommend doing this. After I had stuffed myself with a “pretzaroni pizza brat,” “brat rangoon,” “street corn pizza,” and many more fried concoctions, I could do little but sit open-mouthed and panting, wondering if the roiling pain in my stomach might help atone for my sins in the next life. As I forced myself to bite into the “a hunk a hunk fat elvis donut ice cream sandwich” I questioned every choice that had brought me to this place. So yeah, I’m absolutely doing it again this year. If you don’t see an article published about it at some point soon, then just know I was not strong enough.
6. Enjoy the Day and Revel at Night
CHELSEA MAMEROW, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
For me there are two great versions of State Fair: the one where I tow my kids around and revel in their joy at seeing animals or spinning until they nearly puke, and the one where I go after dark without my kids and bounce around the music stages until I find something that makes me want to dance. Both versions include some sort of fried food.
