Eastern Idaho State Fair facts for kids
The Eastern Idaho State Fair is a fun yearly event. It happens in early September in Blackfoot, Idaho. This fair is one of three big state fairs in Idaho. The others are the Western Idaho Fair in Boise and the Northern Idaho State Fair in Coeur d’Alene. The fairgrounds open on Labor Day weekend.
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Fair History
In 1902, some cattle ranchers bought land. They wanted to create a livestock show. This show was first called the "Southeastern Idaho Fair."
The fair faced money problems in 1918. It had to stop until 1920. In 1925, state lawmakers passed a special bill. The fair then became a district fair. It featured animals and fun shows. Later, to compete with the Utah State Fair, its name changed. It became the "Eastern Idaho State Fair." In 1925, the fair lasted for four days.
The fair closed in July 1942. This was after the United States joined World War II. Fair buildings were used to store extra goods. On December 10, a fire destroyed some buildings. It burned potatoes and coal. In 1942, the fair also housed about 500 Italian prisoners. They helped dig sugar beets and potatoes. The fair started again in 1944. Native Americans from Fort Hall have also been important. An Indian Relay Race has been a part of the fair for many years. The fair has always helped local agriculture. Farmers show their produce and livestock to everyone.
In 2017, the fair celebrated its 115th year. It had a record number of visitors: 239,103 people. This was even more than the record set in 2016.
In 2020, some events were canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the fair food, livestock show, and rodeo happened. The event was also shorter, lasting only four days.
Opening Day Fun
One exciting event is the annual parade in Blackfoot. The parade starts at the south end of Shilling Avenue. It then moves to the north end. Many local groups join the parade. These include clubs, high schools, police, fire department, and dance teams.
The local police and fire departments lead the parade. They sound their horns and sirens. High schools have their own floats. These include cheerleading squads and student council members. People on the floats cheer and throw candy. They also promote the fair. Local businesses join with music, candy, and brochures. Dance teams show off their moves while walking.
Fair Attractions
The fair offers many kinds of food. You can find Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, American, and Indian dishes. Popular choices include teriyaki bowls and elephant ears. There are also scone nuggets and turkey legs. You can get hamburgers, funnel cakes, and curly fries. Don't forget ice cream and Dutch oven cooking. A special treat is the "ice cream potato." It looks like a baked potato. But it's ice cream with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Horse Races and Relays
On weekdays, horse races happen at the grandstand. They usually run from noon until late afternoon.
After some horse races, the Indian relays take place. Native American tribes have three horses each. They race for three laps around the track. Riders switch horses after each lap. They jump off one horse while it's still moving. Then they quickly jump onto the next horse. It's a very fast and exciting race!
Nighttime Shows
Evenings at the fair are full of action. You can watch motocross and bull riding. There's also a rodeo and tractor pulls. Concerts feature different music styles and performers each year. A fun event is the demolition derby. In 2015, famous performers like Gabriel Iglesias and Cheap Trick played concerts.
Smaller Stages and Exhibits
Two smaller stages host other events. These include hypnotists and arm wrestling contests. You can also see "Idaho Idol" shows. Local dance teams, singers, and comedians perform too.
Around these stages, you can find more fun. There's a petting zoo where you can meet animals. You can also see camp trailers and a reptile show.
Rides and Games
The fair has many rides and games. There are rides for younger kids and for older teens. Some popular rides are the Zipper and the Fun Slide. You can also explore the House of Mirrors. Tickets and wristbands are sold for all the rides and games. Butler Amusements provides the rides.
Animals and Crafts
Many animals are shown at the fair. These include dairy and beef cattle. You can see different types of horses, sheep, and pigs. There are also goats, chicken, rabbits, and even ostriches. People can show their animals through the 4H program.
Buildings on the fairgrounds have lots to see. Some offer information about farming. Others advertise things like hot tubs and fireplaces. Smaller buildings often have handmade crafts. You can find blankets, clothes, and other stitched items. There are also photos of animals, nature, and families.
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