New food, rides, music expected to draw crowds
The 2012 Arizona State Fair runs now through November 4th. More than a million people are expected to pack the state fairgrounds at 19th Ave. and McDowell Rd. in central Phoenix.
"We are one of the highest attended state fairs on the smallest piece of land," says State Fair marketing manager Kristi Walsh. She says the fairgrounds total only 96 acres, compared to, for example, about 300 acres in Ohio.
New at the State Fair this year are a zip line ride, where riders will soar about 55 feet above the people who eating along the fair's main food avenue. Walsh says there are four parallel lines, each one about 700 feet long, so friends or family can ride simultaneously.
Among the food delicacies you'll find new items including a giant beef rib that's 17 inches long and weighs two pounds. "It's kind of like those giant turkey ribs that you see, but it's a rib," Walsh says.
Also new this year are deep fried red velvet cake, deep fried cinnamon rolls, and Cool Whip on a stick. "It's not deep fried," Walsh says, "but I think it's dipped in chocolate."
New features include Behemoth Bug Land, with several gigantic, animated bug models. The same exhibit features a "reptile adventure" where naturalists will show live reptiles and give information about them.
The music lineup includes artists like Billy Currington, Weezer, Adam Lambert, John Fogerty, Jane's Addiction, and Korn. General admission to the concerts is free with your fair admission, although reserved seats are available at additional cost.
Walsh also says there are more discounts than ever, from admission discounts to ride discounts. According to Walsh. "If you're paying full price for your fair visit, you're just not doing your homework." Details are at www.azstatefair.com/discounts.
For general information on the State Fair, visit www.azstatefair.com .
PHOTOS: Workers put the finishing touches on the fair's rides on Thursday:
The food and game booths are ready for customers:
New this year is "Behemoth Bug Land" with supersized scale model bugs:
