Arizona State Fair Attracts Crowds

by: Zeanna Hawk

The Arizona State Fair opened October 15 and closes November 7. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays and open Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesdays through Friday the fair will open at 12p.m. and Saturday through Sundays the fair will be open 10a.m.

“Every moment of the State Fair is awesome,” said senior Natalie Pinkowski. The regular general admission is $10 adults, $5 children [5-13], and $5 seniors [55+]. These prices are good any day of the fair.

The Arizona Sate Fair has been going on for 125 years. In November of 1884, a group of citizens in the territory of Arizona wanted to organize an event especially for families.

The first Arizona Territorial Fair was held in Phoenix by the Salt River. People who went enjoyed horse, pony, and mule races along with exhibits including agriculture, home economics, dairy and beef cattle. “My favorite attraction is the merry go round,” said senior Riley Poff.

This year the fair is featuring Freestyle Monster Truck Action and Motor Home Demolition Derby on November 5 at 7p.m., November 6 at 7p.m., and November 7 at 5p.m.

The United States Arm Wrestlers are coming for the Arm Wrestling Championships. People can visit the Dave Bang Playground - an exciting playground area set aside for the children. One exhibit that will be there is the Floriculture, Agricultural Sciences, and Minerals & Jewelry in the Home Arts Center. Finally, the Great American Petting Zoo will be at the fair.

The fair’s 2010 menu will be featuring: funnel fries, mealworm caramel apples, deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, scorpions and crickets dipped in chocolate, apple dumplings, and frog legs. “The fair has the best food; my favorite is the chili cheese dog,” said senior Courtney Piazza.

The fair will also host musical artist such as: Montgomery Gentry who will be performingNovember 3 at 7 p.m. with reserved seating for the price of $20. There will also be Old School Jam per­forming November 5 at 8 p.m. with reserved seat­ing at $15. Miranda Cosgrove will be performing November 7 at 5 p.m. with reserved seating at $15.

For further information, fair-goers can visit the Arizona State Fair website or call 602-252-6771. The fair’s address is 1826 West McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85007.