Believe it or not, there’s only a month left of the official summer holiday. It seems as though, as summer winds down and the call of the beach is less alluring, there are fewer and fewer activities available to keep both children and adults occupied. Just in the nick of time, however, the summer fairs begin rolling into town - aiming to please and entertain the masses!
American summer fairs are a tradition like no other. Found all over the country, in more counties than we can count, fairs feature amusement rides, games, competitions, and enough food to prove that your eyes really are bigger than your stomach.
Some travel from city to city, while others are hosted in the same place annually - always bringing the fun to you without the aggravation of a long car ride or the expensive admission fees normally associated with amusement parks. Summer fairs are an incredible destination for individuals and families alike! We’re proud to share some of our favorite upcoming fairs.
Blueberry Festival
The Blueberry Festival in Austerlitz, New York is entering its 9th year. Held on July 29th, you’ll find yourself surrounded by everything blueberry, and then some! Taste blueberry muffins, pancakes, jams, and pies or enter your favorite creation into the Blueberry Recipe Contest.
Kalamazoo County Fair
The Kalamazoo County Fair will be held on from August 4th through August 9th in Kalamazoo, Michigan! This year the fair features a talent contest, bee keeping classes, chainsaw carvers, and plenty of children’s activities. The 2008 fair will include the first ever Kalamazoo County Fair Queen Pageant - an event you won’t want to miss!
The Washington Town and Country Fair
Located an hour outside of St. Louis, the Washington Town and Country Fair in Washington is amongst the largest summer festivals held in the state of Missouri. Held from August 5th through 10th, tradition will carry on this year with livestock shows, horticulture displays, and even motor sport events. Watch out for performances by Huey Lewis and the News and other great names while you’re there, too!
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is one of the largest fairs held in Pennsylvania on an annual basis. This year’s festival will run every weekend from August 9th through October 26th, featuring different weekly themes, majestic entertainment, and traditional faire food and brew. This year the faire has added some special events, including a Royal Feaste and Tea with the Queen!
The Armada Fair
The Armada Fair will be held in Armada, Michigan from August 12th through August 17th. They bill themselves as the “best little country fair in Michigan,” and they might just be right. A visit to this fair will include entertainment by rodeo shows, derby’s, and even truck/tractor pulls!
Dutchess County Fair
Believe it or not, there is more to New York State than the city itself. The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck runs from August 19th through August 24th. The county fair features traditional amusement attractions while at the same time showcasing their agriculture. Stop by for pony rides, to watch a cow being milked, or to learn how wool is dyed and weaved!
Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival
The Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival can be found in Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colorado from August 22nd through August 24th. The festival includes an incredible powered paraglider fly-over, a car show, plenty of live music and, of course, hot air balloon shows and rides! If you are visiting Colorado from out of town you’ll want to try to find discount hotels in Littleton so you can stop to see the balloons on your way through!
Train Festival at the Depot
The Train Festival at the Depot will be held at the Depot Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio on August 23rd and 24th. Explore one of 1880’s restored train stations, walk through a vintage caboose from 1909, or browse the exhibit hall to see some of the finest model railroads and memorabilia there is!
The 10th Annual Greek Fest
In Los Angeles California you can wrap up the summer with the 10th Annual Greek Fest, held from September 5th through September 7th. If you love Greek culture, authentic foods, incredible music, and traditional dancing, this fair is for you! Enjoy a cup of Greek coffee while you browse, and keep an eye open for celebrities while you’re there!
The Chesapeake Celtic Festival
Following closely on the heels of summer is the Chesapeake Celtic Festival, to be held on October 4th and 5th in Snow Hill, Maryland. Here you’ll enjoy traditional Irish bagpipe concerts, Celtic music, dancing, and the Pub Tent, amongst other features. This year the book Saints Preserve Us, detailing the life of Saint Patrick, will be released in time for the festival! Reserve your Ocean City hotel early to ensure you have a place to stay that’s not too far from the action.
Regardless of the fair you choose to visit, you’ll find yourself amazed and entertained by all that each has to offer. When the beach grows old, pack the kids in the car and head towards the nearest fair. Have fun creating memories!
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
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August 9th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Thanks! Really amazing. I wish i could spend my time on writing articles…just have no time for it.