Where can you enjoy fine art, eat all the ice cream you want, see a cow made entirely from butter, eat funnel cakes and fried Jell-O, ride the Ferris wheel, experience baby farm animals, plus get a glimpse into the hard work and dedication of farm kids? Nowhere but the fair! The Utah State Fair provides unique experiences for the most diverse audiences in one convenient location.

In 1856, the first territorial fair, then called “Deseret State Fair,” was held in the Salt Lake Valley. For a time, the fair was held in October, which brought people to Salt Lake for two reasons: to attend the general conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to attend the state fair.

In those early years, the public showed great interest in the fair exhibits and participated by entering some of their finest work. Brigham Young once received “Best Stallion” and the first prize for “Best Celery Exhibit.”

In 1902, the Utah Legislature acquired 65 acres and relocated to what we now call the Fair Park, on the west side of Salt Lake City. Throughout the years, the Fair Park has grown by adding livestock barns, an outdoor arena, 33 exhibition and event buildings and a skate park. The expansion created space for larger crowds and additional diverse events throughout the year.

This fall, from September 4-14, the Utah State Fair provides a fun-filled lineup of “Must Do” experiences you don’t want to miss!

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Interactive Exhibits 

Barnyard Friends

Utah Farm Bureau’s Barnyard Friends is the most visited exhibit at the fair, and for good reason. It’s a family-friendly, hands-on experience that combines close-up views of baby farm animals and opportunities to witness the miracle of agriculture, like watching a chick hatch from its egg! Come meet our newborn baby lambs, kids, calves, and piglets. Barnyard Friends brings the farm to life, fostering curiosity and appreciation for the wonders of nature.


Little Hands on the Farm

Little Hands on the Farm exhibit is a favorite stop for children ages 2-10. Children become farmers for a day. By participating in several farm activities that mimic real-life experiences like picking apples, gathering eggs or milking a cow, kids begin to understand the connection from farm to grocery store.  Utah FFA Chapters from all over the state come and volunteer at this exhibit to share their knowledge and passion for agriculture with the children.

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Foods

For some people, the sole motivation to go to the fair is to experience foods you can’t get anywhere else, and who can blame them? It’s not every day you can pick up deep-fried              Jell-O or Pop Rocks crackling candy-encrusted chicken. You may be familiar with the classics like turkey legs and funnel cakes, but have you tried the chicken and maple one? Don’t miss the Pie’s Hot Beef Sundae – mashed potatoes topped with roast beef and gravy, sour cream, a cherry tomato, and sprinkled with cheese – it’s worth the entrance fee! Head over to Jugos y Tortas el Padre to top it off with their Strawberries & Cream, a delicious, layered parfait of strawberries, cream, and granola.

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Entertainment

This year the fair will feature a variety of entertainment, including concerts, the Day of Wreck’oning Demolition Derby, Utah’s Own PRCA Rodeo, and two Jaripeo events (a Mexican rodeo-like event that combines no-hands bull riding with live music and dancing.)

Need a little comedic relief? Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will draw you in with his lighthearted storytelling and anecdotes about his Mexican-American heritage, his experiences with weight, and finding the humor in everyday relatable situations.

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Rides and Midway Attractions

For some, the fair is an opportunity to embrace their sense of adventure! If it’s an adrenaline rush you’re looking for, you’ll find it on the Midway with thrilling rides and attractions that range from mild to catch-your-breath! The thrill of the rides might get you to the fair, but there is so much more to discover and do. To make the most of your visit, download the Utah State Fair app on the App Store and Google Play. The app will help you plan your day, point you to food vendors, and explore what events are happening daily.

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Livestock Shows and Competitions

If you live in the city, the Junior Livestock Program might be a well-kept secret, but it’s a really big deal for 4-H and FFA kids. This USU Extension program is for youth beginning in the third grade up to seniors in high school. Students participate in livestock shows, county fairs, service projects, judging contests, and leadership opportunities.  Kids take on the responsibility of raising, training, and caring for an animal. At Jr. Livestock events, youth present their animals to showcase the animal’s best physical features to a judge. The judge ranks each animal by species on structure, muscle, and quality, as well as the youth on their ability to show the animal. Jr. Livestock kids learn responsibility, healthy competition, and sportsmanship, develop life skills, and build character through raising and showing their animals.

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Junior Market Livestock Auction

The culmination of the kids’ hard work is the Junior Livestock Auction at the state fair, which supports the upcoming generation of agriculture leaders. Proceeds from the auction go to the youth to fund their educational goals, extracurricular activities, or agricultural aspirations.

Farm Bureau encourages individuals and businesses to attend the auction and buy animals, recognizing the dedication and effort 4-H and FFA kids have in raising livestock. The bid price does not include processing fees. Do you or your business want to support youth, but don’t know what to do with the animal you win? Many purchase the animal and donate it back to the fair for another round of bidding, or donate it to the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, helping youth even more.

Jeff Kent, president of the North Box Elder County Farm Bureau, and Andy Yeates, president of the South Box Elder County Farm Bureau, had a “full circle” idea last summer. The two county Farm Bureaus came together to purchase a hog raised by local youth at the state fair.  They turned around and donated the pig and the processing costs to the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, the charitable arm of Utah Farm Bureau, to give back to their local Box Elder County food pantries.

“We are hoping to get families the protein they need, but we are also hoping it helps the kids realize that the animals they are raising for the fair are going to a good cause,” Kent said. 

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Volunteers

The Utah State Fair is an annual 11-day celebration that draws over 300,000 people.  Preparing for the state’s largest event takes the entire year, and it would not be possible without a community of willing volunteers. Volunteers are essential in creating memorable experiences for state fair guests. Most positions don’t require any expertise or experience, just a happy, helpful attitude. There’s a wide range of volunteer opportunities like caring for baby animals, cleaning animal pens, making wool bracelets, greeting guests, answering questions, or cleaning the kitchen before and after food demonstrations, to name a few.

To volunteer, go to utahstatefair.com and click on the “Participate” link at the top of the page.

 

Nowhere but the Fair—Memories

Darann Smith recalls, “I grew up at the Utah State Fair.  It’s an amazing tradition. My grandpa was on the fair board, so I worked at sheep events and spent a lot of time helping in the beef barn. I also have good memories of attending fair concerts as a teenager.”

The tradition continued for Smith’s family, “Any type of agriculture that kids can touch, I really want them to be a part of, so my kids got involved in Junior Livestock. It’s more than just buckles and banners. It’s about life lessons like caring about something more than yourself and finding out that life isn’t fair. It’s about the relationships they’ve built with kids all over the state. If my kids were stranded anywhere in Utah, within a call I could get them help from one of our Junior Livestock friends. The program spans generations and that’s one of the magical parts about Junior Livestock--when you age out, you give back. It feels like a family reunion at the state fair in the Junior Livestock Auction barn—you’re sitting in those bleachers with grandparents, parents, and children you’ve known over the years.”

The Utah State Fair has remained a popular attraction since 1856. Whether it’s your first time or it’s an annual family tradition, come and create your own Nowhere but the Fair memories!

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for youth 6-12 years of age, and free for 5 and under. Farm Bureau members receive a BOGO offer.  Members can find the discount code by accessing UFBF Exclusive Benefits on the BenefitHub app.  If you haven’t already set up a BenefitHub account, visit UtahFarmBureau.org/Member-Benefits.