The Arizona State Fair began in Phoenix in 1884 as the Arizona Territorial Fair (it was not yet a state). The fair was held intermittently after that first one, but this year’s fair will be the 63rd consecutive edition.
The concert series at this year’s Arizona State Fair is particularly strong, and general admission seating is included with fair admission (reserved seating can be purchased in advance). Appearing this year: Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Weezer, Larry the Cable Guy, the Goo Goo Dolls, LL Cool J, and an old school hip-hop/rap/r&b oldies show that will include Tone Loc, Coolio, Klymaxx, Club Nouveau and others. The fair will also host the popular All-Indian Rodeo, a demolition derby, and the crash-happy figure 8 racing.
Some foods to look for at the fair include Indian fry bread, chile relleno on a stick, spamburgers, and hand-dipped corn dogs. Culinary contests are big at the AZ fair. Look for The Great American SPAM Championship, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship, the Make It With Malt-O-Meal Recipe Contest, and other contests sponsored by Fleischmann’s yeast, Hidden Valley dressings, Eagle Brand canned milk, canola oil, and C&H sugar. Marie Callender’s pie eating contest is a much-loved AZ fair tradition.
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