The Super Old State Fair That’s Been Going Strong for 208 Years

When summer arrives, it says if the entire world decides to be on vacation. There are so many summer traditions that have been memorialized in American states throughout the country. People living in the coastal states go to the beach. People living in the inland states may frolic in the water by lakes or hike up mountains. Summer activities are popular with everyone including families of all sizes. Every year, there are state fairs that pop up throughout the year. The most important and grandest of fairgrounds usually happens in the summer. For some reason, the smell of cotton candy or the rush of adrenaline you get right before going on a roller coaster feels better in summer. Some fairgrounds around the country are quite old and established, and others are very new and exciting. Let’s take a look at the 20 oldest fairgrounds in the US.

New York State Fair

It is considered the country’s first state fair, established in 1841. There were contests, speeches, and animal attractions. Today, the fair is 13 days long and takes place in late August and early September.

Topsfield Fair

It boasts the name of America’s Oldest County Fair. It began in 1818 as a one-day cattle show. The fair is held in late September and early October.

Steuben County Fair

The Steuben County Fair is one of the oldest in the country — first held in 1822. The fair usually takes place in August.

Michigan State Fair

The Michigan State Fair was first held in 1849 in Detroit, MI, where it was held for 160 years. Since 2012, it has been held in Novi.

Waukesha County Fair

The Waukesha County Fair was first held in 1842 and it is the oldest county fair in the state.

Great Geauga County Fair

Usually held every September, the Great Geauga County Fair started in 1823 to promote agricultural businesses. It is also considered Ohio’s oldest continuous fair.

Lee County Fair

It is considered Iowa’s oldest county fair, established in 1841. Moreover, you can enjoy many activities from livestock shows, car racing, rides, and more.

California State Fair

California’s State Fair started in 1854 and promotes the state’s agricultural business, among other industries. Moreover, it is usually held every July for 17 days.

San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair has been around since 1880, held every summer. It was first an agricultural fair that grew in size to include attractions, farm animal displays, and at one point even a beauty pageant.

Ohio State Fair

Held every late July to early August, the Ohio State Fair first took place in 1850. Furthermore, the fair usually runs for 12 days.

Minnesota State Fair

First held in 1859, the Minnesota State Fair takes place every August. The fair is also known as “The Great Minnesota-Get Together.”

Iowa State Fair

Held every year in August, the Iowa State Fair was first established in 1854. You can enjoy many attractions, rides, and food during the fair.

Vermont State Fair

The Vermont State Fair takes place in mid-August and lasts for 9 or 10 days. Furthermore, the fair was first established in 1846.

State Fair of Virginia

First established in 1854, the State Fair of Virginia takes place every September where there are rides, attractions, and delicious food.

Bloomsburg Fair

The Bloomsburg Fair is the largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania. First held in 1855, it takes place every September.

Great Allentown Fair

The Great Allentown Fair was first established in 1852. Furthermore, the fair takes place in late August and early September.

Oregon State Fair

The Oregon State Fair was first held in 1862. Furthermore, it usually takes place in late August or early September where you can have fun with rides, attractions, and great food.

North Carolina State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair has been around since 1853. Furthermore, there are carnival rides, attractions, animal displays, and more at the fair, which takes place every October.

Nebraska State Fair

The Nebraska State Fair was first held in 1859. It usually takes place in late August and ends on Labor Day.

Kentucky State Fair

The Kentucky State Fair is one of the oldest in the country, organized in 1816. Furthermore, there is a prestigious horse show that takes place every year at the fair.