The year 2019 was a milestone for American state fairs, with many events reaching record-breaking attendance numbers and introducing innovative attractions that set new standards for the industry. State fairs are a unique blend of agricultural heritage, competitive exhibitions, high-energy entertainment, and creative culinary experiences. For many families, these annual gatherings are the highlight of the summer or fall, providing a space to celebrate local culture and community achievements. In this guide, we will look back at the top-rated state fairs of 2019, examining what made them stand out and why they remain benchmarks for fairgoers today.
How the Best Fairs Were Ranked
When evaluating the best state fairs of 2019, several factors come into play. Success is not just measured by the number of people who walk through the gates, but also by the quality of the experience provided to those visitors. To identify the top performers, we looked at categories such as attendance growth, the variety of food offerings, the caliber of live entertainment, and the strength of agricultural programs.
Attendance and Popularity
Attendance is often the most visible metric of a fair’s success. In 2019, several fairs saw millions of visitors, indicating a strong desire for traditional outdoor entertainment. High attendance numbers usually correlate with a fair’s ability to offer something for everyone, from young children to seniors.
Food Innovation
Food is a primary driver for fair attendance. The best fairs in 2019 were those that pushed the boundaries of traditional fair food, offering unique, often deep-fried, creations alongside classic staples like corn dogs and funnel cakes. These “fair foods” often become viral sensations, drawing in crowds specifically to try the latest invention.
The State Fair of Texas: A Record-Breaking Run
The State Fair of Texas consistently ranks as one of the largest and most influential fairs in the United States. Held in Dallas at Fair Park, the 2019 season was particularly notable for its massive scale and cultural impact. Spanning 24 days, it is one of the longest-running fairs in the country, giving visitors ample time to explore everything it has to offer.
In 2019, the State Fair of Texas welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors. One of the biggest draws was the iconic Big Tex, the 55-foot-tall talking cowboy who greets guests at the entrance. The fair’s 2019 theme, “Celebrating Texas Creativity,” was reflected in its many art installations and craft competitions. The Big Tex Choice Awards also highlighted some of the most creative foods of the year, including deep-fried arroz con leche and the “Texas Cream Corn Casserole Fritters,” which became instant favorites among attendees.
The Minnesota State Fair: The Great Get-Together
Known affectionately as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the Minnesota State Fair is famous for having the highest average daily attendance of any state fair in the nation. In 2019, the fair set an all-time overall attendance record, with more than 2.1 million people attending over its 12-day run. On its busiest day in 2019, the fair hosted over 270,000 people, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
The Minnesota State Fair is highly regarded for its commitment to agriculture and education. The 2019 fair featured thousands of livestock competitions and the famous “Miracle of Birth” center, where visitors could witness the birth of calves, lambs, and piglets. Additionally, the 2019 food scene in Minnesota was legendary, featuring over 30 new foods, including the popular “Blueberry Key Lime Pie” and “Deep-Fried Dilly Dog,” a pickle stuffed with a hot dog and dipped in corn batter.
The Iowa State Fair: Tradition and Politics
The Iowa State Fair is often cited as the quintessential American state fair. While it may not have the highest attendance numbers compared to Texas or Minnesota, its cultural significance is unmatched. In 2019, the fair drew over 1.1 million visitors, maintaining its status as a premier destination for those seeking a traditional fair experience.
2019 was a particularly busy year for the Iowa State Fair due to its role in the national political landscape. As a key stop for presidential candidates, the fair’s “Political Soapbox” saw record numbers of speakers and spectators. Beyond politics, the 2019 fair celebrated its agricultural roots with the famous 600-pound Butter Cow, a tradition that has stood for over a century. The fair also offered a wide range of grandstand performances, featuring major musical acts that appealed to a diverse audience.
The Great New York State Fair: Growth and Modernization
The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse has seen significant investment and growth in recent years, and 2019 was a standout year for the event. The fair set a new attendance record in 2019, with over 1.3 million people visiting over the course of 13 days. This growth was attributed to a modernized fairground and a focus on making the event more accessible and affordable for families.
One of the highlights of the 2019 New York State Fair was the Chevy Court concert series, which provided free high-quality entertainment to fairgoers. The fair also emphasized the diversity of New York’s agriculture, with a massive Dairy Products Building featuring the annual butter sculpture and fresh milk for just 25 cents. The 2019 sculpture, titled “Harvesting the Future,” celebrated the state’s dairy farmers and their contributions to the local economy.
Wisconsin State Fair: A Culinary Destination
The Wisconsin State Fair is another heavy hitter in the world of regional exhibitions. In 2019, it broke its own attendance records for the seventh consecutive year, welcoming over 1.1 million guests. The fair is widely known for its food, specifically its world-famous Cream Puffs, which have been a staple since 1924. In 2019 alone, hundreds of thousands of these pastries were sold to hungry visitors.
The Wisconsin State Fair also excelled in its entertainment offerings in 2019. The Main Stage featured a variety of acts ranging from country stars to classic rock bands, ensuring that the fair remained a top destination for music lovers. The fair’s commitment to youth agriculture was also on full display, with thousands of 4-H and FFA members showcasing their livestock and projects, continuing the tradition of fostering the next generation of farmers.
Key Trends Observed in 2019 State Fairs
Looking back at the top fairs of 2019, several trends emerged that defined the season. Understanding these trends helps explain why 2019 was such a successful year for the fair industry. First, there was a significant push toward “Instagrammable” moments. Fair organizers recognized that social media was a powerful marketing tool, and they designed photo-friendly spots, colorful food items, and visually stunning light displays to encourage visitors to share their experiences online.
Second, there was an increased focus on diversity and inclusion. Many fairs in 2019 introduced sensory-friendly days, providing a quieter environment with reduced noise and lights for individuals with sensory processing needs. This made the fairs more welcoming to a broader segment of the population. Finally, fairs continued to bridge the gap between urban and rural life, using interactive exhibits to teach city-dwellers where their food comes from in an engaging and accessible way.
Conclusion
The top state fairs of 2019 provided a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. Whether it was the massive scale of the State Fair of Texas, the record-breaking crowds in Minnesota, or the political energy in Iowa, these events demonstrated the enduring appeal of the American fair. They offered a place for people to come together, celebrate local achievements, and enjoy unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. If you are looking to visit a state fair in the future, studying the successes of 2019 can give you a great idea of what to expect and which fairs should be at the top of your travel list. For more tips on finding local events and making the most of your community resources, explore our other articles on travel and lifestyle planning.