MAIN Travel USA Virginia Virginia State Fair

The Virginia State Fair has historically been held somewhere around Richmond and Henrico county, but the ever increasing size of the fair meant that new, larger fair grounds were needed.

In 2009 the fair moved to Meadow Event Park and will remain there for the foreseeable future.

The very first Virginia State Fair was held in 1855. The fair was held to promote agriculture and farming but like most state fairs it transformed in to a more public friendly event along the way, and farming and agriculture became just one of many attractions that the fair hosts to entertain and fascinate the public.

That is not to say, however, that farming and agriculture have been forgotten. Animals make up a big part of the fair, and can be found competing in races and blue ribbon events, entertaining both children and adults at the petting zoo, and performing in rodeos. Another returning favorite at the fair is the huge collection of amusement park rides for kids of all ages.

This year, the Virginia State Fair runs from Thursday, September 27 to Sunday, October 7, 2012.

Virginia State Fair concert lineup & entertainment

Past performers to headline at the Virginia State Fair have included such stars as country stars Jake Owen, The Band Perry, soul singer Percy Sledge, along with favorite bluegrass bands, gospel groups, and assorted local performers. Watch for the complete Virginia State Fair concert lineup to be announced in May. As usual, all 2012 concerts are included with fair admission.

More popular attractions at the Virginia State Fair include the aerial show, which features wire walkers, jugglers, and all kinds of gymnastic performers, along with the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps, a world class chimpanzee ensemble and act. Then there are the racing pigs, the State Fair Animal Nursery, the famous duck slide and several days of demolition derbies, a rollover and a figure eight competition, and the ever-popular tractor pulls!

Some other popular attractions at the Virginia State Fair are the historical exhibits, which showcase the state's rich cultural heritage. And of course two mainstays of any state fair, food and music, are both in ample supply every year.

Have fun!

More about the Virginia State Fair around the Web:

State Fair of Virginia - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, concert lineup, agricultural and livestock show schedules, directions, map, photos.

Virginia State and County Fairs - About.com guide to the major state fair along with more on regional festivals throughout the summer months.

Virginia State Fair - Wikipedia overview with historical highlights, information on popular attractions with photos and related resources.

also see -> Christmas in Virginia | Virginia Beaches | Virginia Campgrounds

Virginia Wineries | Virginia Fall Foliage