State Fairs of the USA - Part of the American Experience

They have made movies and musicals about them, and written books about them, fact and fiction, and each year millions of Americans flock together to enjoy the competitions, carnival rides, the food and fun of the institution known as the State Fair.

Originally held as agricultural events to showcase the best of the years harvest in competition and exhibition, the State Fair has evolved to become hugely popular, multi-faceted events with entertainment, arts and crafts, food and more.

Four legged shows stand side by side with auto displays, fast food on sticks vie with home made cakes and cookies, and everyone enjoys the fun of the carnival rides. State Fairs these days literally offer something for all the family.

Attracting over a million visitors from the USA and around the world, one of the largest and most popular of the State Fairs is the Iowa State Fair.

Showcased as one of New York Times’ "1000 Places to See Before You Die", and named the #2 choice for summer fun in America by USA Weekend, the Iowa State Fair features one of the world's largest livestock shows and the country's largest state fair foods department with more than 900 classes.

With roots that can be traced all the way back to 1886, the State Fair of Texas, a 24-day celebration of the state, has its own claim to fame and popularity.

For non-stop good times, Texas style, the State Fair of Texas offers over 70 amusement rides, the famous Texas Star (the tallest Ferris wheel in North America), 8000 livestock entries, 7,000 creative arts entries, about 200 food service locations, the largest new car show in the Southwest, and of course, Big Tex, the world's best-known 52-foot-tall cowboy who made his first State Fair appearance in 1952.

If size really counts, the Puyallup Fair (once officially known as the Western Washington Fair) continually ranks as one of the top ten largest fairs in the world.

Drawing more than a million people from across the state and the USA, features of the Puyallup Fair held in October includes free, top-liner entertainment and concerts, rides and a rodeo, arts and crafts and animal exhibits, children’s fun and of course food!

Attracting almost 2 million visitors each year, the Minnesota State Fair is one of the nation's largest and best-attended state fairs, offering world class entertainment, agricultural exhibits, horse shows, a rodeo, arts and craft displays, amusement park rides, a daily parade and food of every variety.

Started in 1853, the annual Illinois State Fair today attracts more than 800,000 visitors each year, making it the 13th largest state fair in the country.

Famous for the "butter cow", a life-size animal formed of pure butter, the 10-day Illinois State Fair focuses on the traditional theme of agriculture with a wide array of agricultural exhibits. The fair is also known for the popularization of the corn dog which first made its appearance in 1946.

There are, in fact, over 50 state fairs, far too many to mention here, most of which boast a number of superlatives, all of them fun to attend.

From home-grown folk music to multiple concert stages, from tasty local delicacies to international food stalls, from car shows to the original agricultural attractions, the State Fair in the USA is an integral part of the American experience – a must see attraction for visitors from near and far.

The only problem is in deciding which of the state fairs to visit first.

For more information about the top State Fairs in the USA, visit Top Events USA at top events usa.