MAIN Travel USA Vermont Vermont State Fair

Heading into its 167th year in 2012, the Vermont State Fair is an immensely popular state fair that is held annually in Rutland. It is also one of the oldest state fairs in the United States in a beloved tradition dating back to 1846.

The fair started out as just a single day gathering that happened once a year somewhere in Rutland County. It wasn't long, however, before the fair became popular enough to warrant its own permanent home, and in 1859 the Rutland Fair moved to a new more stable home, which still serves as the fairground today.

The Rutland Fair gained popularity quickly, becoming a three day event before the turn of the century and a six day event in 1933. In 1926, the Rutland Fair was ranked as among the ten best state fairs in the entire nation.

The Rutland Fair, like many state fairs, closed in 1917 due to an epidemic of influenza, and was a much lower key event during the Second World War. Finally, in 1972 the Rutland Fair became officially known as the Vermont State Fair.

Today the Vermont State Fair is a 10-day end of summer event. Animals and livestock, of course, are still a big part of the Vermont State Fair, and can be found racing, winning ribbons, and performing for festival goers of all ages.. Also to be found at the Vermont State Fair are demolition derbies, monster trucks, and a huge assortment of amusement park rides

And what would a state fair be without food and entertainment? There are enough food vendors to satisfy every taste, and there is a huge amount of free entertainment at the fair including many big name acts in country music that can be enjoyed for a small admission fee.

In years past, major country stars such as as Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Wynonna Judd, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Pride and many others have entertained huge audiences at the Vermont State Fair. Last year, major headliners included Charlie Daniels and Vince Gill headlining grandstand performances.

This year, watch for the official 2012 concert lineup to be announced in July.

Have fun!

More about the Vermont State Fair around the Web:

Vermont State Fair - The official site with information on the concert lineup, admission and ticket prices, fair highlights and events fair history, directions, map and photos.

City of Rutland Tourism - Guide to downtown and nearby Green Mountain attractions including Killington, Pico and Shrewsbury.

Vermont State Fair - Rutland, VT - Yelp community reviews with favorite picks of events and venues plus maps and directions, and guide to nearby hotels and restaurants.

also see -> Christmas in Vermont | Vermont Lakes & Beaches

Vermont Wineries | Vermont Fall Foliage | Moving to Vermont

Skiing in Vermont