How Do Local Businesses Profit From County Fairs?

Strangest Things To See: There’s something magical about a county fair. Sure, there are the usual rides, games, and fried treats, but tucked between the livestock barns and cotton candy stands are the moments that make you pause and smile. County fairs have a knack for mixing the ordinary with the absurd, giving visitors a taste of local tradition alongside a dash of delightful weirdness. From oddball competitions to one-of-a-kind performances, the strangest things you’ll see at a county fair are often the ones you’ll talk about for years. Here’s a look at some of the quirkiest, most unexpected sights that keep people coming back. Why County Fairs Are Full of the Unexpected County fairs started as gatherings to showcase farming skills, agricultural products, and homemade goods. Over time, they evolved into full-blown celebrations with rides, music, and entertainment for all ages. This blend of heritage and showmanship naturally creates space for unusual ideas to flourish. Local pride also plays a role. Communities often bring their own unique traditions, and when those traditions meet carnival creativity, the result is a colorful mix of the familiar and the downright odd. Odd and Unusual Competitions Fairs aren’t just about who grows the biggest pumpkin or bakes the best pie they also celebrate unusual talents and creative thinking. Vegetable Sculptures That Look Like Celebrities Carrots carved into Elvis, pumpkins painted to resemble movie stars some of these entries are so impressive they belong in an art gallery. Extreme Pie-Eating Contests Beyond the standard race to finish, some contests add twists like blindfolds, unusual pie fillings, or team relays. Outlandish Pet Costume Shows Picture a goat in a wedding dress, a cat dressed as a cowboy, or a chicken wearing tiny sunglasses. Unconventional Fair Food Creations Fair food is famous for pushing the limits of what can be fried, grilled, or served on a stick. The stranger it sounds, the longer the line often gets. Deep-Fried Everything – Oreos, pickles, cookie dough, even butter. If it exists, someone has probably dropped it in hot oil. Foods on a Stick You’d Never Expect – From spaghetti to cheesecake, vendors love making unusual meals portable. Unexpected Flavor Pairings – Bacon-wrapped candy bars, hot dog-flavored ice cream, or peanut butter-stuffed burgers. Eccentric Livestock and Animal Displays Animal barns at county fairs often hold more surprises than just prize-winning cows. Giant Pumpkins with Names – Some growers treat their massive pumpkins like celebrities, complete with signs and fun backstories. Miniature Livestock – Tiny goats, cows, [...]

The buzz of livestock shows, the scent of fresh-popped kettle corn, the echo of laughter from the carnival midway for many, the county fair is the highlight of the year. It’s where neighbors meet, traditions are kept alive, and communities come together in celebration. But behind the colorful booths and thrill rides lies a history that stretches back over two centuries. So, when did county fairs start, and how did they grow into the lively gatherings we know today? The answer takes us back to a time when the fairgrounds looked very different from what we see now. The Origins of County Fairs Fairs in some form have existed for hundreds of years, long before the first official county fair appeared in the United States. In Europe, especially during the Middle Ages, fairs were marketplaces and community gatherings. They often aligned with seasonal harvests or religious festivals and were used to trade goods, showcase livestock, and strengthen community ties. When European settlers came to America, they brought the tradition with them. Agricultural communities in the new world began holding small exhibitions to share farming techniques, display livestock, and exchange seeds and produce. These events laid the foundation for what would eventually become the county fair. The First County Fairs in the United States The title of “first official county fair” in America goes to Franklin County, New York, in 1811. Organized by Elkanah Watson, a forward-thinking farmer and businessman, it aimed to promote better farming practices and encourage community learning. Back then, fairs were focused on agriculture and education rather than amusement. The main attractions were: Livestock competitions Crop displays Demonstrations of new farming tools Lectures on agricultural advancements There were no roller coasters, no fried treats just a genuine exchange of knowledge and community pride. How County Fairs Spread Across America After the success of the Franklin County Fair, the idea quickly spread. By the mid-1800s, fairs were popping up across New England, the Midwest, and the South. Agricultural societies played a major role in organizing these events, often hosting them in late summer or early fall after the harvest. Several factors fueled their expansion: Improved transportation – Railroads made it easier for people and livestock to travel. Agricultural organizations – Societies and cooperatives saw fairs as a way to educate farmers. Youth involvement – Groups like 4-H Clubs and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) began encouraging young people to participate. County Fairs in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries By the late 1800s, [...]

County fairs have been part of American life for more than a century, bringing together communities for a mix of agriculture, entertainment, and food that’s hard to find anywhere else. They’re not just about carnival rides and deep-fried treats though those are part of the fun. County fairs showcase local traditions, livestock competitions, craft displays, and music performances that celebrate both rural heritage and modern-day festivities. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most famous county and state fairs in the United States, explore what makes them stand out, and share a few tips for making the most of your visit. Why Most Famous County Fairs Are a Time-Honored American Tradition The origins of county fairs date back to the 19th century, when farmers and ranchers gathered to share knowledge, compete in agricultural contests, and celebrate the harvest season. Over time, these gatherings grew into multi-day events with food stalls, games, music, and attractions for all ages. Today, county fairs still honor their agricultural roots while embracing popular entertainment. They serve as annual milestones in many communities bringing together families, friends, and visitors for shared experiences that feel both nostalgic and exciting. How We Chose the Most Famous County Fairs When selecting fairs for this list, several factors came into play: Visitor Attendance – The number of people the fair attracts each year. Historical Importance – How long the fair has been running and its cultural impact. Signature Attractions – Unique events or traditions that set the fair apart. Reputation – Local pride and national recognition. Top 10 Most Famous County and State Fairs in the US Here’s a closer look at some of the most iconic fairs, listed with their standout features and reasons they’re worth visiting. 1. Iowa State Fair – Des Moines, Iowa One of the most recognized fairs in the country, the Iowa State Fair draws more than a million visitors each year. Dating back to 1854, it’s known for its Butter Cow sculpture a life-sized cow made entirely from butter. Beyond quirky attractions, it features large-scale livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and big-name music acts on the grandstand stage. Highlights: Famous Butter Cow display. Competitive livestock and 4-H events. Dozens of food options on a stick. 2. Texas State Fair – Dallas, Texas Everything is bigger in Texas, and the state fair is no exception. Held annually at Fair Park in Dallas, it’s one of the largest fairs in the US. The fair is home to “Big Tex,” a 55-foot talking [...]