TV-Free Family Entertainment: The Best County Fairs

Is your state fair a great state fair?

During summer, the state, regional and county fair season is at its height. In all, there are more than 3,200 such events throughout North America during the year, according to the Springfield, Mo.-based International Association of Fairs and Expositions. They range from modest agricultural-themed events, such as the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla., to mega-sized ones that resemble temporary theme parks, such as the 23-day State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

With that in mind, here are some fairs of note on this summer's calendar, with some insights on what makes them special.

Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17, Des Moines, Iowa:

When surveys are taken as to which state fair ranks highest, Iowa inevitably makes the short list.

It's not hard to see why: This 154-year-old event, which served as the inspiration for the Rodgers and Hammerstein movie-musical "State Fair," features classic fair attractions (think livestock exhibits), classic fair foods (more than 30 on-a-stick items) and pure cornpone fun (the fair has its own "butter sculptor" who's responsible each year for creating the famed 1,000-lb. Butter Cow statue).

Throw in a full slate of entertainment -- the 2008 fair will showcase country newcomers Lady Antebellum, classic rockers Rare Earth and Foghat and the "Bob the Builder" children's show -- and you begin to see why the Iowa event draws more than 1 million patrons annually.

Calgary Stampede, July 4-13, Calgary, Alberta, Canada:

Canada's great state fair rivals just about any in the United States, say fair industry insiders.

True to its name, the stampede is Canada with a cowboy flavor, as evidenced by such popular fair features as rodeo events and chuckwagon races. (Little wonder that western attire is practically de rigueur for fair attendees.) But the biggest spectacle of all is the fair's opening-day parade, billed as "the world's largest western-themed parade," drawing 350,000 viewers.

Special highlights of the 2008 Stampede include a concert by James Taylor (July 13) and a tribute to Quebec City on its 400th anniversary.

Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, July 25-27, Readington, N.J.:

Who would think that New Jersey, home of Bruce Springsteen, Tony Soprano and two football teams from "New York," would be such a hotbed of hot-air ballooning. But this 26-year-old festival, which draws 175,000 attendees, is considered the summer's largest balloon/music event nationwide.

On the balloon side, you'll find some 125 on display, including one this year designed to resemble Darth Vader from Star Wars. (The balloons aren't just for viewing: Rides -- starting at $185 per person -- are offered as well.)

On the concert side, look for performances by the Gin Blossoms, Kenny Loggins, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers and teen sensations Menudo.

Great Performers of Illinois, July 18-20, Chicago, Ill.:

Call this three-day event a "music state fair."

Given Illinois' rich blues tradition, it's the perfect place to hold such a festival. Rock and Roll Hall of famer and Chicago legend Buddy Guy is this year's big draw -- he's playing a free concert the final night -- but the festival will also feature Grammy-winning artist Jimmie Vaughan and Mexican dance-music sensations Skandalo Musical (yes, they're from Illinois, too).

Beyond music, the event offers regional foods, square dancing and even an Abe Lincoln impersonator.

California State Fair, Aug. 20-Sept. 1, Sacramento, Calif.:

How many state fairs boast about their wine garden? Then again, how many states have the wine industry that California does?

To be sure, the fair offers a lot more than vino: On tap for 2008 is everything from thoroughbred racing to a concert series than runs from A (Air Supply) to Y ("Weird Al" Yankovic), plus the usual livestock and agricultural exhibits and midway fun. But the wine garden has a special appeal since it showcases award-winning California wines from the fair's annual wine competition, which draws entries from 400 vintners throughout the state.

Oh, and if you want to take home a souvenir from the fair, cases of wine are for sale.