WHAT BEGAN AS A MODEST GATHERING of working-class families in 1902 has stood the test of time to bring the East Idaho Community 120 years of community pride, competitions, thrilling rides,
entertainment, and tons of family fun.
The Fair has been successful since its inception, and in the last two decades, attendance numbers have doubled, according to Brandon Bird, Eastern Idaho State Fair General Manager. Another noteworthy item is that, on average, more than $350,000 is generated annually through activities at the fair by local charitable groups and schools at the Fair. This money goes directly to youth programs in East Idaho.
“This year marks the 120th fair that has taken place,” Bird said. “We have seen so many changes and are excited about what will happen here at the Fair in the next 120 years.”
The Eastern Idaho State Fair started in 1902 as a livestock competition for local ranchers, and still to this day, the fair invites a fantastic livestock competition. You can find draft horses performing each day as well as the fair-favorite rabbit competition, which is returning this year. With ranching and farming changing across the country, the fair has grown, modified, and evolved with the times. The Eastern Idaho State Fair will always go back to its roots, which started with livestock and agriculture to promote new ideas, products and, most of all, a promotion of family,
friends and healthy competition.
“Our livestock entries and agriculture are a huge attraction year after year,” Bird said. “Over $100,000 is awarded annually for those competitions.” The fair is very involved with 4-H and FFA to promote the knowledge of local youth. Throughout the week, participants can take advantage of 4-H competitions. On the second Friday of the fair is FFA Day, when youth from all of East Idaho’s 16 counties come to compete and see who’s the best of the best.
This year, the fair will feature several new attractions. The Canine Stunt Dogs will be in the West Events
area, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union. Fairgoers can watch them perform several times each day at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and again at 7 p.m. Each day, there will be strolling acts throughout the fair in the Basic American Foods Food
Court and in the West Events area. For many years, the fair has partnered with Butler Amusements, an accomplished traveling midway company based out of California. “We will again have more than 40 rides at the fair’s midway, and
we will have a few new rides for the fairgoers to enjoy,” Bird said. “The thrill and fun of rides and entertainment have a long history at our fair.”
Over the years, the Fair has had some famous visitors. Harry S. Truman once stopped by on a campaign tour and participated in a potato picking contest against Maine Governor Lewis Barrow. We won’t say who won, but we can say the winner was never the President of the United States.
The Eastern Idaho State Fair’s roots have always been and will always be deeply grounded in the community. The fair will stay steadfast in producing one of the best family-friendly, clean and enjoyable events in Idaho.