City: Doswell, VA

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Address: 13111 Dawn Blvd.

Description: After its 2009 move up I-95 to Meadow Event Park, 20 miles north of Richmond near Kings Dominion, the state fair has hit its stride. You will need to, too, as you roam about the 360 acres loaded with what every state fair must have—fried food and the excuse to eat it. The grounds, attractive and rolling, spread out on both sides of VA 30 (connected by an underground tunnel, so crossing traffic isn’t a problem). Since 1854, some version of this extravaganza has been taking place in Virginia, and at its new home, the state fair has classy new digs to celebrate Virginia’s agricultural heritage.The fair is open 147 hours over 11 days, and there’s enough going on to keep every one of those hours occupied. Walk-around admission tickets include concerts at three stages; livestock exhibits; the produce, baked goods, quilts, and more vying for ribbons; and more than 5,000 farm animals. For an additional fee, the typical carnival rides for kids and adults zoom around on the midway, and of course there’s food and shopping. For music lovers, three stages feature music and dancing and shows, from big names to country cloggers. At Festival Stage, big-time artists such as Percy Sledge perform to crowds seated on the lawn. Some bring their own blankets or chairs, while others rent chairs for $5. Check the daily schedule before you arrive to make sure you don’t miss the lumberjacks, magicians, balloon stunts, racing pigs, rodeos, or whatever out-of-the-ordinary shows are on your must-see list. If you don’t have any livestock or blueberry buckle recipe worth sharing, consider competing in contests as varied as demolition derby, fiddle or banjo, and even karaoke. Life is just more fun at the fair. Tickets are available at the gate or online. Walk-around passes cost more on weekends, but there’s always a discount after 5 p.m. Passes for the entire 11-day run are a deal if you make multiple trips. Single-ride tickets or wristbands for rides are extra. Rides cost from two to six tickets, so look for the many deals that pop up in advance of the fair. Check out the Web site for tips and details. Parking costs $5 a vehicle and can be paid in cash only.