Western Idaho Fair facts for kids
The Western Idaho Fair is a big annual event in Idaho. It's one of three main state fairs held there each year. This exciting fair takes place in Boise, Idaho's capital city. It has been a tradition almost every late summer or early fall since 1897. Since 1967, the fair has been held at Expo Idaho, just west of Boise. You can usually visit the fair from the third Friday of August until the fourth Sunday of August.
Idaho is a large state with many different types of weather. Because of this, there are other state fairs too. The Eastern Idaho State Fair is held in Blackfoot. This town is southwest of Idaho Falls. The North Idaho Fair takes place in Coeur d'Alene. This city is in the northern part of the state.
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History of the Fair
The Western Idaho Fair has a long and interesting history. It started as the Idaho Intermountain Fair in 1897.
Early Days and Growth
In its early years, the fair was mostly about farming and animals. Farmers would bring their sheep, cattle, horses, and hogs. These animals came from all over the West to be shown at the event.
In the spring of 1902, the fair bought 84 acres of land. This land is now at the corner of Fairview and Orchard streets. The fair moved to this new spot. That same year, a famous show called "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Wild West Show visited the fair. In 1913, the fair hosted its first full rodeo. It was called the Boise Stampede. This rodeo featured top animals and riders from other famous rodeos. These included the Pendleton Round-Up and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Challenges and Comebacks
The fair faced some tough times over the next 20 years. Money problems, wars, and changes in leadership made it hard to keep going. From 1913 to 1935, the fair changed its name five times. It was even canceled for eight of those 22 years. For example, it did not happen in 1917 and 1918 because of World War I.
In 1936, leaders in Ada County created a Fair Board. Their job was to organize a new Western Idaho State Fair. Ed Sproat became the fair manager. The 1936 fair was a big success. Mr. Sproat received $1,000 for his great work. This was the first time fair volunteers were paid. After 1941, World War II caused the fair to be canceled for four years.
New Home and Modern Fair
In 1967, the fair had grown very large. It moved to its current location. This spot is at the corner of Chinden Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue. The fairgrounds are still in Ada County. However, the city of Garden City now completely surrounds the area.
When the fair moved, its name officially changed to the Western Idaho Fair. The new location became known as Expo Idaho. A reporter named Bob Lorimer wrote about the move. He said, "Even the name is new—and so is everything else except familiar faces and tradition."
The Western Idaho Fair in 2020 was canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it returned in 2021. It went back to its roots with 4-H and Future Farmers of America exhibits. These included competitions and sales for young people.
Fair Events and Entertainment
The Western Idaho Fair has always shown off Idaho's best. This includes crops, farm animals, art, and local culture.
Competitions and Shows
The fair hosts many judging competitions. You can see who has the best livestock or the most impressive crafts. It also features popular entertainment. This is typical for a state fair in a farming state like Idaho. Concerts are held on the fairgrounds. The best part is that these concerts are free for anyone who pays fair admission.
Famous Visitors
Many famous people have visited the Western Idaho Fair. Some came as guests, and others performed. Here are a few examples:
- Charles Lindbergh visited in 1927.
- William Shatner was there in 1968.
- Ronald Reagan visited in 1976.
- The Charlie Daniels Band performed in 1984 and 1988.
- Muhammad Ali visited in 1985 and 1986.
- Country music stars Reba McEntire and Conway Twitty performed in 1986.
- Johnny Cash was there in 1990.
- REO Speedwagon played in 1997 and 2007.
- Foreigner performed in 2009 and 2013.
- "Weird Al" Yankovic and Styx visited in 2012.
Special Fair Fans
The late J. R. Simplot was a big fan of the fair. He was famous for creating a way to freeze potatoes. This helped supply McDonald's with its famous French fries. Mr. Simplot loved the draft horse and mule show. He rarely missed a fair during his 99 years of life.
