Enjoy the mighty midway at the Minnesota State Fair.
The food can be the best part at the Texas State Fair.
MONTANA FAIR The biggest happening in Billings—if not the entire state of Montana—rolls around every August when the state fair makes its nine-day run at MetraPark. It’s a traditional agricultural exposition / carnival that draws nearly a quarter of a million visitors each year. Nearly 10,000 participants vie for cash and ribbons with entries ranging from crocheting to cattle. The Thomas Carnival operates the midway featuring dozens of rides and those aggravatingly unwinnable games, while stages around the grounds provide entertainment including music, comedy, variety acts, and shows for the kids. Night shows include concerts and a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Pro Rodeo. Food choices are staggering and they range from ordinary—corn dogs, pizza and chicken nuggets, to outlandish—chocolate dipped bacon and deep-fried butter—but the fair favorite is “Vikings on a Stick.” Served up in the thousands by the Sons of Norway, it’s a spicy oversized meatball, breaded and deep-fried and served on a stick. Many folks say it’s the main reason they come to the Montana Fair. 2021 dates: August 13-21
11-day run in August. Thrill rides abound and, of course, there’s plenty to eat—but most activities take place in the fair’s 1,200,000 square feet of indoor space that features exhibits, including health screenings, acrobatic shows, illusionists, home improvement demos, and numerous competitions ranging from quilt-making to beer brewing. Musical entertainment includes the Texas Roadhouse concert series and the Kentucky State Fair Talent Classic that showcases the skills of 13-to-21- year-old performers. The Gourmet Garden features demonstrations by chefs and bakers from across the state (technically it’s a commonwealth) that offer cooking demonstrations and competitions. The Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show is one of the fair’s most prestigious events, bringing together more than 2,000 elite saddlebreds in competition for $1.2 million in awards. 2021 dates: August 19-29 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209-1398 www.kystatefair.org • 502-367-5144
308 6th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101 www.montanafair.com • 406-256-2400
STATE FAIRS
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2021
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