State Fairs 2024
Tradition, Innovation, and Butter Cows
Minnesota State Fair
For two weeks a year, fairgrounds come alive with carnival rides, fried food on a stick, and a stacked lineup of live entertainment.
Wisconsin State Fair has a rich history dating back to 1851 when the first State Fair was held in Janesville along the banks of the Rock River
Check out the agendas of an upcoming state fair, and you’ll likely find plenty of tractor pulls, livestock competitions, and pie baking. You’ll also find beer tastings, interactive and immersive exhibits, and drone shows. The California State Fair boasts the Cannabis Awards. The Minnesota State Fair is known for introducing new foods—this year’s fair includes everything from Afro Bites (bite-size pastries infused with an African blend of spices deep-fried and coated with coconut flakes, sugar, or served plain. Topped with a choice of drizzle – mango chutney, caramel, or chocolate) to Chile Mango Whip and everything in between (as long as it’s served on a stick).
Competition to attract visitors to special events is fierce. Still, this year’s Iowa State Fair set attendance records, and more than two million people are expected to converge at the State Fair of Texas over 24 days. In addition to the typical need to ensure enough bathrooms and restaurants to feed hungry crowds, lessons from a state fair on staying relevant in a competitive market might just help any attraction.
State fairs offer novelty—where else will you see life-sized butter cows? Tom Owen, PGAV Vice President, says, “We often tell museums and other attractions that there’s no such thing as a permanent exhibit. A fair offers a sense of urgency and exhibits that will surprise and delight visitors.” Temporary exhibits and special events provide a similar influx of excitement and FOMO for all attractions.
State fair exhibits also explore more serious topics, such as innovative indoor growing facilities and STEM demonstrations. Yet they do so in a way that’s infused with a fun atmosphere and quirky, lighthearted vibe. Don’t miss the Quilt on a Stick exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair!
The livestock competitions at state fairs are intense, showcasing competitors' passion, skill, and dedication. These events are the agricultural equivalent of a state football or basketball championship. Yet, the arenas are often rundown or outdated, detracting from the experience for competitors and visitors. Owen says, “If these competitions are significant for so many people, then the venue should reflect their importance. The space where these events take place should embody the pinnacle of success, representing the pride of the state and honoring the achievements of the individuals involved. The branding of this experience is crucial: the environment must match the prestige of the event, elevating the occasion for everyone involved.”
Ready to check out how state fairs transform dormant fairgrounds into lively events once a year?
It’s not too late. There are plenty of fall state fairs:
Reinvention is more fun with friends. Got a topic you want to see on Destinology?
Email us at destinology@pgav.com or start a conversation on Facebook, Twitter on LinkedIn.
Tap the buttons below.