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The State Fair of Virginia gets under way at its new home in southern Caroline County this week. Eleven days of rides, food, exhibits and other attractions begin Thursday at 9 a.m. at Meadow Event Park off State Route 30.
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The birthplace of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat is about to give way to funnel cakes, Ferris wheels and good ol' family fun.
The 360-acre Meadow Event Park in Caroline County is the new home of the State Fair of Virginia, which opens this Thursday.
Bringing the fair to Caroline has been five years in the making. But fair officials say it will be better than ever and will have a different atmosphere than at its former site in Richmond.
"For people coming to the fair this year, it'll be like going to the fair in a park," said State Fair of Virginia President Curry Roberts. "It'll be a lot greener and it will speak to the historic nature of the property."
The fair gates will open at 10 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. daily.
Here's what fairgoers need to know:
BUYING TICKETS
Fairgoers have a few options when it comes to fair tickets and ride tickets.
A $19 ticket bought by 5 p.m. Wednesday will cover unlimited walk-around access to the 11-day fair. After Wednesday, an 11-day walk-around pass will cost $26.
One-day fair admission costs $8 on weekdays after 5 p.m.; $11 on weekdays before 5 p.m.; and $13 on Saturdays and Sundays. Children 2 and under are admitted free.
The walk-around price hasn't changed since 2007, Roberts said.
"It's a neat value for the different things you can experience," he said.
Music concerts are included in those prices, but rides on the midway are not. Ride tickets cost $1 per ticket or $20 for 25, and most rides require from two to six tickets.
Discounted ride tickets, 40 for $20, are available at participating
For unlimited rides, wristbands are available for $15 to $19, depending on age.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC
Be sure to bring cash.
Meadow Event Park has parking available for 14,000 cars, but a space will cost $5--cash only.
State troopers will be on hand to direct all traffic coming into the fair area from Interstate 95 and U.S. 301 in Caroline. The fair is on State Route 30 off the Doswell exit of I-95.
MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN
Visitors to the fair will see some of the traditional acts at the new site.
The popular attractions include pig racing, stunt dogs and petting the many animals at Young McDonald's Farm. There will also be areas for exhibits, shopping, agriculture, livestock and competitions.
Another favorite is the fair food--think funnel cakes, candied apples, giant turkey legs, elephant ears and fried Oreos.
New attractions this year include a magician, a balloon stunt artist, extreme bike riders and a lumberjack show, which will headline the fair's new thrill shows.
And there will be up to 60 rides and games at the fair this year, according to fair officials.
Among the concert performers this year will be soul singer Percy Sledge, rock band Plain White T's, country artists Jason Michael Carroll, Dean Brody and Luke Bryan, singing and dancing group V Factory and newcomer Joey Page.
For more information on concerts and other fair events, read Weekender in Thursday's Free Lance-Star.
staying safe
All of their rides are inspected on a daily basis by Deggeller Attractions, which also provides the midway for the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair. The company has received high safety ratings, state fair spokesman Jay Lugar said.
The Virginia State Police has been contracted to provide law enforcement for the 11-day event.
Fair security will be handled by RMC Events, which also provides security at state college football games and the Richmond Coliseum.
A private firm was hired to provide fire and rescue service, and there will also be a medical aid center staffed by numerous health care professionals from throughout central Virginia.
State fair officials have taken precautions to meet health and safety concerns.
To protect both visitors and animals, fair officials have placed signs and wash stations throughout the fair to encourage hand-washing.
"We recommend washing hands before and after touching the animals," Lugar said.
Portsia Smith: 540/374-5419
Email: psmith@fredericksburg.com
| WHAT: State Fair of Virginia WHEN: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, Thursday-Oct. 4 COST: Weekdays, $11 before 5 p.m., $8 after 5; weekends, $13. Eleven-day discounts available until 5 p.m. Wednesday. Ride tickets extra. |
