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Idahoans flock to Blackfoot for Idaho State Fair

Tina Bosen BOS05003@BYUI.EDU Staff Writer

September rolls around, school starts and life becomes routine. But the citizens of eastern Idaho have one last “hurrah” to look forward to.

The Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot, Idaho provides a wide variety of entertainment. It opened on Saturday with the 4-H and FFA activities like live animal demonstrations, followed immediately by stock dog competitions and livestock judging.

The fair provides daily attractions for children and adults, like Brad’s World of Reptiles, the Petting Zoo, Farmer For a Day Learning Station and an Interactive Game Experience.

The fair also includes interesting exhibits, like Marioland, NASCAR racing and Ladybug City, where over 10,000 ladybugs live in an animated town.

The crowds really enjoy the carnival rides. Wednesday and Thursday are “Coca-Cola wrist band days,” which means that patrons pay $16 to ride unlimited from 1 p.m. to midnight. Fair admission for senior citizens is $2 on Wednesday as well.

Every year the fair invites celebrities to perform in the grandstand. This year, crowds will flock to see country singer, Terri Clark and Dierks Bentley on Wednesday and classic rock group Styx on Friday. The concerts range in cost from $25 to $27 and tickets must be purchased in advance. The concerts begin at 8 p.m.

Hailey Orr, a freshman from Pocatello, Idaho, goes to the fair every year with friends. Last year she went to the Brad Paisley concert and had a blast. Her favorite part of the fair is the food, especially the tiger ears, which are large scones. Orr also takes advantage of the “Coca- Cola wristband day.”

Steven McKee, of McKee’s Petting Zoo, looks forward to the fair each year. “I love it,” he said. “It’s like a week-long party.” He wanted to emphasize the puppies this year. “Everyone loves the goats and sheep, but this year we will have a lot of puppies.”

Entry to the fair includes general entertainment such as Terrance B Hypnodog and other local bands and performers. Each day brings something new to folks young and old. “I think the fair is so successful because they have a big variety in rides, food and entertainment,” said Orr.

The Blackfoot fairgrounds never rest until Saturday when the fair comes to an end. For a complete list of events and times, visit www.idaho-state-fair.com.