County fairs are the only place to experience deep-fried ice cream, pig races, and carnival rides, all at one location! These fairs have become local traditions and are exciting for the whole family to visit. In addition, county fairs can often tell us a lot about a region and fill us in on local customs. So make new memories with family and friends when you explore any of the best county fairs in this guide!
Celebrating The Best County Fairs For Families
Table of Contents
PNE, Vancouver, B.C.
The PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) is an annual county fair that opened in 1910 and runs from the last week of August to the first week of September. This is one of Canada’s most popular county fairs, with over three million visitors annually.
During the weekends in the late spring and early fall and daily in the summer, the Playland amusement park turns into the PNE. The amusement park combined with live stage shows, exhibitions arcade, a haunted house, 20 midway games, and talent competitions makes PNE the best place to be.
Some of the more popular rides at the PNE include “The Beast,” where riders are moving at 90 km/h and are swung up to 40 meters in the air. Other thrill seekers prefer the famous Corkscrew coaster, a steel coaster that has appeared in movies such as “Final Destination 3” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days,” and the famous TV show “Smallville.”
Interesting Facts: The PNE employs more students than any other organization in British Columbia.
Quebec Association Of Agricultural County Fairs (AEAQ)
The AEAQ (Quebec Association of Agricultural County Fairs) promotes and supports the development of its members in Quebec by practicing leadership and influence. For example, counties around Quebec are developing fun and educational county fairs such as Bedford Fair, Shawville Fair, Coaticook Valley Fair, Richmond Agriculture Fair, which are enjoyed by families and serve as an opportunity to exchange and share information among farmers and producers. Since the 19th century, these county fairs have been dedicated to developing agriculture and food processing and draw in more than a million visitors each year.
One of the smaller county fairs is the Expo Brome Fair, running since 1856, located in Knowlton, Quebec. The Brome Fair runs in the first week of September. This magnificent county fair draws in people all around the county to learn about agriculture and farm animals. The activities include exhibitors and traders, music shows, truck pulls, horse racing, rodeos, carnival rides, race shows, petting zoo, animal contests, and local food tasting.
Insider Tip: The CLD de Brome-Missisquoi offers Farm Succession Support Scholarships! These scholarships aim to support and recognize the efforts of young entrepreneurs that newly own farmland or have started farming in Brome-Missisquoi (formerly known as Missisquoi).
Read More: 10 Of The Best Rides At Amusement Parks In Florida
The Paris Fall Fair, Paris, Ontario
Taking place from September 3 to 7, the Paris Fall Fair has hosted visitors from all over the world since it began 150 years ago. More than 300,000 people flock to Paris every year to celebrate the rich rural culture, including talent competitions, demolition derby races, and baby contests.
The Paris Fair also features locals with delicious homemade jams, crafts, photography, flowers, vegetables, and quilts. Located on 117 acres, the Fair comprises six-event buildings, livestock facilities, grandstands, a half-mile harness track, and Canada’s only Motorcycle Speedway Racing track. Visitors to this fantastic county fair will definitely find plenty to see and do, from horse shows to dairy shows to dog shows.
Brigden Fair, Ontario
Brigden Fair is Lambton County’s largest and oldest county fairs in Ontario. The Brigden Fair features amazing livestock shows, local vendors, helicopter rides, live entertainment, parades, great food, plus exciting attractions such as Monster Trucks, Pastry and ice cream making demonstrations, Lumberjack Show, Heaviest Pumpkin contest, and the Tractor Pull.
Founded in 1972, the Brigden Fair Ambassador program has continued to grow and change annually. Currently, it’s seen as an opportunity for youth to foster their development and learn from each other. The Brigden Fair Ambassador has to be between 17 and 24, eager to learn and become a community leader. The potential ambassador doesn’t need to live on a farm, have grown up in Brigden, or be an expert in agriculture.
Interesting Fact: Each year, the Brigden Fair gives the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Agricultural Service Award to an accomplished member of the society in recognition of their hard work and support of the organization.
Read More: 10 Of The Best Rides At Amusement Parks In Florida
Deerland Vegreville Country Fair, Alberta
The annual Deerland Vegreville County Fair attracts thousands of people every year to Vegreville. You will always be entertained with tons to see and do, including antique tractor pulls, magnificent Strong Person Competitions, Beer Gardens, marketplace trade shows, live entertainment, and unbelievable fireworks. So whether it’s your child’s first ride on the midway, the thumping of hooves at the chuckwagon races, kids mini tractor pulls, or a rousing night of entertainment in the Grandstand, you’re sure to have some fun at one of the best county fairs in Alberta!
Berlin Fair, Michigan
The Berlin Fair has been running since 1855, making it Michigan’s longest-running Fair. The Fair provides the local community with a financially sound fair that educates, entertains, and allows participation in a wholesome family atmosphere while emphasizing youth and agriculture. So get ready to take your family to one of the best county fairs Michigan has to offer! Enjoy the Banana Derby (best dog racing monkey jockey), Antique Tractor Pull, Pork Chop Revue (the most entertaining pig act in the county), Blueberry Hill’s Pony Rides, and the Spartan Stampede Rodeo.
Read More: The Best Places To Travel With A Baby
Kansas State Fair, Kansas
Kansas State Fair is held annually in Hutchinson, Kansas. In September, the Fair begins the Friday after Labor Day and lasts ten days. This popular Fair annually attracts more than 350,000 people and is the largest event in the state.
The Kansas State Fairgrounds is home to more than 600 events. In addition, the 280-acre grounds host livestock exhibitions, weddings, trade shows, and conferences. With its central location and spacious layout, the Kansas State Fairgrounds is home to various facilities & buildings, making it one of the leading venues for events and shows throughout Kansas.
Insider Tip: Kansas State Fair hosts 600 events every year, making it the perfect place to rent a location. The team members are always ready to make your rental experience easy and successful. In addition, they host a variety of events with local, regional, national, and international appeal.
Osceola County Fair, Florida
A Kissimmee-area tradition since 1944, the Osceola County Fair brings carnival rides, agriculture, and pageants to Osceola Heritage Park. This thrilling county fair brings delicious carnival food, pet shows, livestock events, truck & tractors pull, vendors, live entertainment, workshops, and contests.
Come out with friends and family to pet and feed exotic animals. Other incredible events include pie-eating contests and live entertainment from “world-famous Frisbee dogs.” The Fair also coincides with Monster Bulls and Silver Spurs Rodeo. So don’t wait to get your tickets as this is one of the best county fairs!
Read More: 10 Of The Best Timeshares For Your Family’s Enjoyment
Medina County Fair, Ohio
Medina County Fair has been a tradition since 1845 and is one of the best county fairs to take part in! The fair starts with Monday Demo Derby and ends with a Sunday BMX Thrill Show and spectacular fireworks at night. There are thrilling rides and exciting activities for all ages. You won’t want to miss the Battle of the Bands, and if you are hungry, be sure to try all the delicious fair food! Of course, the Medina Fair wouldn’t be complete without the farm animals. You can expect to see everything from cows to horses and even tiny baby rabbits. Make sure to bring the whole family to this exciting annual event.
Insider Tip: Medina County Fair also has bull riding on Thursday for the daring people in the crowd!
Skagit County Fair, Washington
The Skagit County Fair, held early in August, attracts more than 30,000 people each year. It features incredible exhibits such as The Museum of Curious Things, and the Butterfly Encounter, where 125 butterflies feed and mate. Of course, this fantastic Fair has all the classic fair rides, including “Kids Pedal Tractor Pull,” “Mutton Bustin,” adorable farm animals, live concerts, exhibits, parades, and spectacular car shows. It’s a reasonable admission price, and presale tickets can be purchased for even greater savings. The Skagit County Fair is one the entire family will enjoy with various entertainment, rides, and delicious food booths, so be sure to bring your camera.
Many long-lasting family memories are made at county fairs. Who doesn’t remember the local fair when reminiscing about their childhood? Today’s county fair has all the classic rides, animals, exhibits, and concerts that everyone loves and all the delicious fair foods to try! County fairs are like a giant celebration for the community and help to bring everyone together to socialize. So create your own memories and plan your visit to any of the fantastic county fairs in this guide; you won’t regret it!
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