The grandest fun fairs in the US and beyond

[jw5]

The grandest fun fairs in the US and beyond​

For millions of people, fun fairs were always the highlight of our early years. The dizzying rides, the dazzling marquee lights, the smell of funnel cake that couldn't be shaken for days afterwards–all made up some of the happiest nights of our childhoods. With a long, rich history that began with agriculture exhibitions in the 19th century, county fairs, state fairs, and all sorts of other fun fairs have become one of our most wholesome and community-based traditions.

 

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Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver​

Running annually since 1910, Vancouver's Pacific National Exhibition fair is one of Canada's largest and most beloved events. Bringing in more than three million visitors over the course of two weeks in August and September, the PNE has everything from live music to roller-coasters and classic fair food.

 

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State Fair of Texas​

The largest state fair in the United States is widely believed to be the State Fair of Texas, which runs for nearly a month at the beginning of autumn. First held in 1886 in Dallas, the State Fair of Texas attracts over two million people every year.

 

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Minnesota State Fair​

In a close second place behind Texas for the largest fair in the United States is the Minnesota State Fair, lovingly nicknamed the Great Minnesota Get Together. The Minnesota State Fair has everything you'd expect from a fair, from Ferris wheels to vegetable contests.

 

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Iowa State Fair​

The Iowa State Fair might not be the largest in the United States, but it is certainly one of the most famous. Known for its iconic cow butter sculpture and extensive agriculture contests, the Iowa State Fair is a must for any fair enthusiast.

 

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Cheboygan County Fair, Michigan​

Since 1876, the Cheboygan County Fair in Michigan has been held during the first week of August. The whole Cheboygan community congregates to celebrate and have fun with classic fun fair rides, games, and deep-fried treats.

 

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Funderland, Ireland​

Ireland's Funderland boasts the title of being Europe's largest traveling amusement fair. With its headquarters in Limerick, the huge, traveling park goes all across the Emerald Isle from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.

 

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The Big E, Massachusetts​

The Eastern States Exhibition, affectionately called the Big E by locals, is held in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The only multi-state fair in the US, the Big E represents all six of the New England states.

 

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Erie County Fair, New York​

The Erie County Fair, held annually in Syracuse, New York, is the largest county fair in the United States outside of California. In fact, it is even bigger than the New York State Fair, with more rides, slides, games, and snacks than any kid could imagine.

 

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Middlesex County Fair, New Jersey​

Starting on the first Monday of August and lasting a full week, New Jersey's Middlesex County Fair isn't one you'll want to miss. Everything from pig obstacle courses to archery and roller-coasters can be found at New Jersey's greatest county fair.

 

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Idaho State Fair​

The Idaho State Fair is a true state fair in every sense of the world. Tradition has held on at this fair that still focuses on livestock and produce shows, but also boasts over 70 food stalls and hosts other events like tractor pulls.

 

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Québec Association of Agricultural County Fairs​

The Québec Association of Agricultural County Fairs, or AEAQ, was formed in the mid-19th century to promote the region's agriculture industry. While still focused on agriculture, the fairs thrown across Québec today also incorporate performance artists, live music, and all the other makings of a great county fair.

 

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Illinois State Fair​

Famed to be the birthplace of the corndog, the Illinois State Fair has been put on annually since 1853. While not the largest state fair by numbers, it does span across dozens of acres and always finds a way to attract the biggest stars. Past performances have been put on by the likes of Jason Derulo and Brad Paisley.

 

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Elkhart County 4H Fair, Indiana​

The 4H fair in Elkhart County, Indiana, is one of the country's greatest 4H events. 4H, a nationwide non-profit youth organization dedicated to the "head, heart, hands, and health" of children in rural America, puts on a great agricultural fair that caters to 200,000 visitors a year.

 

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Virginia State Fair​

The Virginia State Fair is the best event in the state to get your cotton candy and corndog fix, ride your favorite rides, and spend time with the family surrounded by the joy of others.

 

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Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto​

Toronto's Canadian National Exhibition, or the CNE, is Canada's largest fair and takes place annually between the third Friday of August and the first Monday of September. Although originally a more traditional exhibition, where farmers and innovators gathered to show off and share their latest developments, the CNE has since become a highlight of the year for families and people of all ages.

 

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Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London​

One of the largest holiday season fairs in the world, London's Winter Wonderland is set up in Hyde Park every year between November and January. Famous for its massive Ferris wheel and impressive ice skating shows, it really does turn Hyde Park into a winter wonderland.

 

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San Diego County Fair​

First put on as a modest agriculture show in the late 19th century, the San Diego County Fair has grown to become the single largest county fair in the United States, and boasts multiple Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, every fried food imaginable, and countless animal and produce shows.

 

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Great Geauga County Fair, Ohio​

Held since 1823, when the state of Ohio itself was only 20 years old, Geauga County puts on one of the best and oldest fairs in the Midwest. With everything from demolition derbies to rodeos, there's never a dull moment at the Great Geauga County Fair.

 

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North Carolina State Fair​

Held every year in the city of Raleigh, the North Carolina State Fair has something for everyone. From flower shows to arcade games, people from all around the state travel to Raleigh to enjoy the 11-day event.