Arizona State Fair celebrates 124 years!

Arizona weather is changing and the warmest summer heat is behind us, and the Phoenix Fall Festival lineup has begun.  If you enjoy corn dogs, cotton candy, grilled corn on the cob and Indian fried bread then you will most likely be a patron of the Arizona State Fair!  The gates finally open this Friday, October 10th.  The Arizona State Fair will open this year on October 10, 2008 and continue through November 2, 2008 (closed Mondays). It’s almost time for rides, food, livestock, exhibit halls, and concerts!

The 2008 Arizona State Fair will mark the 124th year of tradition that spans three centuries. It was 124 years ago that Arizonan came together to show off their best livestock and share their agricultural accomplishments.  Arizona wasn’t even a state 124 years ago. 

"In November of 1884, a group of citizens in the territory of Arizona wanted to organize an event with the family in mind. The very first Arizona Territorial Fair was held in Phoenix in late fall, near the Salt River west of Central Avenue. Fairgoers of the day were treated to horse, pony, and mule races along with exhibits including agriculture, home economics, and dairy and beef cattle. Fairs were held here annually until 1891, when the untamed Salt River flooded and destroyed the site’s buildings and racetrack.

Reviving the Fair became the mission of a citizens’ group which formed the Arizona Territorial Fair Association in 1905. Financed by its members, the group led by hotelier J.C. Adams purchased the present location for $9,200.

The Association immediately developed the property, adding two racetracks, a grandstand, and a wooden fence around the grounds.

To aid the Association with their 80-acre development, the Territory of Arizona created a Fair Commission. With a legislative appropriation of $22,500, the Commission constructed two buildings on the property.

After renting the property from the Fair Association for $10 a year, the Fair Commission purchased the property in 1909 for $30,000. With statehood granted in 1912, the State Fair Commission continued the work of the Territorial Fair Commission in presenting the annual Fair. With the exceptions of 1921 (cotton crop failure), 1934 to 1939 (Depression era), and 1943 to 1945 (World War II), the Fair has been presented yearly.

The 2008 Arizona State Fair preserves the best of the Fair’s traditions, while moving forward with 21st century innovations in technologies for education and entertainment. This year’s Fair marks the 63rd consecutive time Arizonans have celebrated with an annual State Fair."

Don’t miss out on all the fun at the Arizona State Fair.  There are many new and returning attractions at the 2008 Arizona State Fair.  If you are a ride fanatic, check out the great ride deals before you make your trip. 

2008 will be equally as good and no different. Be sure to check out the concert schedule — Goo Goo Dolls, Larry the Cable Guy, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Blake Shelton and more, all free with your Fair admission.  Reserved Seating is available through ticketmaster. Coliseum seating chart.

For more information parking, directions, and more, and discounts be sure to check out the the Arizona State Fair web site at www.AZStateFair.com