The Virginia State Fair comes alive in Doswell with rides, competitions, music, farm animals, and of course, food, starting Saturday and running through October 1.
The gates open every day at 10 a.m. Prices at the gate are $16 for everyone 5 and older. Online tickets during the fair are $15. General parking is free, but premium parking can be purchased online for $22.50.
The fair features two midways with rides, one with 22 rides for big kids and the other with 23 rides for the little ones. The cost of the rides is not part of the fair’s admission, but you can buy unlimited ride wristbands. They are $32 on site and $30 online during the fair. The rides open at 11 a.m. and will operate at least an hour after ticket sales end at 9 p.m.
The Virginia State Fair has no shortage of animals. You will be able to see sheep, goats, ducks, chicks, pigs, roosters, and cows. See hand-milking demonstrations of the cows. And learn all about the homing abilities of pigeons. There will be 300 different breeds of pigeons and doves at the fair.
The buildings and exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be daily 4-H, Future Farmers of America, youth shows.
The food lineup is just what you’d expect — everything from funnel cakes to doughnuts dipped in chocolate to a bulk candy area.
As part of your admission, you will get to watch the Triple Crown Circus (three shows a day), the Ultimate Stunt Show with motorcycles and BMX jumpers (three shows a day), Rosaire’s Royal Racers (four pig race shows a day), and the comedy of Dan-Dan and his Scarecrow Sidekick (three shows a day). Fireguy performs his fire-eating show three times a day, while master carver Ben Risney creates sculptures with his chainsaw three times a day.
The rodeo comes to the fair at 6 p.m. on September 25 and 26.
The Main Stage entertainment ranges from the Bart Chucker Band playing country and rock on the opening night to a tribute to Motown by the Brencore Allstars on September 23. Pablo Cruise, Chase Payne, and George Birge also perform.
Free musical performances are set for September 22 through September 30, with music from The Crooked Road on Tour, which features Jim Lloyd, Martha Spencer and Archer Shepherd, The Yates Family Band, and Jackson Cunningham.
Among this year’s special events will be the Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest with 15 Virginia craft breweries and the Taste of Virginia with celebrity chefs. Both events cost extra.
The Meadow Event Park: 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell
Feature image courtesy Virginia State Fair
