For all you fair-goers and adrenaline addicts out there, this year's Arizona State Fair is once again set to quickly to deliver an array of new sensory experiences and a blast from the past. Kicking things off on September 20, the fair is celebrating 140 years of history, with Brianda Martinez, Arizona State Fair’s marketing director, providing ABC15 with a rundown of what attendees can expect. The fair runs until October 27, and if you're eight or over, entry will set you back $15, although kids under 7 can join in the fun for free.
Fair food aficionados, you're in for some wild treats. To honor the 140-year mark, a "cotton candy cake" has made it to the menu. Described by Martinez in an interview with ABC15, this confection is "just like a multi-layered cake made entirely of fluffy cotton candy" and just one of the kooky new items to try, which also include a "pickle split"—imagine a banana split, but with a dill pickle. Meanwhile, the Coliseum will host the Omnium Circus, where tickets starting at $25 will include fair admission, and Martinez couldn't hide her enthusiasm about welcoming them back.
Taking a nostalgic look back, The Arizona Republic reminisces over the fair's evolution from its beginnings alongside the Salt River to its current incarnation, complete with rides and rockstars. From Elvis to Snoop Dogg, the Coliseum has seen its fair share of iconic performances over the years. Even the fair's schedule has shifted through time—from its December inception to its current fall dates, shaped by events like the Spanish Flu and the World Wars.
While the event has undoubtedly transformed since its agricultural expo days, the heart of the fair remains: showcasing the lively best of Arizona. This year's Grandstand Series includes activities from Figure 8 Races to Xtreme Bulls, with free entry included in the general fair admission. As for those looking for a bargain, "Feel Good Fridays" will allow fair patrons to support Saint Mary's Food Bank, with 10 cans of food earning them a free entry ticket, Martinez told ABC15. Make sure to put all these on your calendars if you're eager to experience both the present thrills and past charm of the historic Arizona State Fair.
