Arkansas State Fair - Fairly Good

The 64th Annual Arkansas State Fair ran from October 10 through October 19, 2003 at the Fairgrounds in Little Rock, Arkansas. This year, weather was perfect and huge crowds were present, over 410,000, the largest attendance since 1993. Attendance was enhanced by perfect cool, fair weather, special promotions, free admission one evening sponsored by a local TV station (some TV stations also broadcast their 5, 6, and 10pm newscasts from the fair), and various radio stations’ promotions, like a free ladies' night.

While I don’t go to fairs every year, I did enjoy myself at this one, especially the good food that was available. I think the food this year was better than all the other years I’ve attended. No, I didn’t try the current rage – fried Oreos, fried Milky Ways, or fried Snickers! But people who ate these fat-, sugar-, and cholesterol-laden treats seemed to like them – YUCK.

The fair’s layout was the same as every fair I’ve attended in Arkansas, but I guess that’s why I come back every few years, and that’s why others keep coming year after year. I guess there’s not much you can change about a fair.

The Arkansas State Fair had a rodeo, four entertainment stages, livestock shows, 4H livestock auctions, a 10-acre midway, and every type of food you can think of. 4H and FFA students spend the whole year getting their animals ready for judging at this and local/county fairs. Many schools close for at least one fair day.

Admission was for adults and for children or seniors. Parking was per vehicle.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Located just five minutes from downtown Little Rock, the State Fairgrounds is easily accessible from I-40, I-30, and the Little Rock Regional Airport. The Fairgrounds is Exit 139A (Roosevelt Road Exit) from Interstate 30. The fair always occurs in the middle of October.

I go to fairs with mostly just one thing in mind - FOOD! And this year's Arkansas State Fair had some of the best food in years. Gone were the old wimpy red hot dogs - in their place were sit-down meals served in a restaurant, great barbecue, roasted turkey legs, and (YUCK) fried Oreos! Plus, I could get a good selection of soft drinks and real squeezed lemonade.

I was pleasantly surprised at this good food quality and plan to return next year. It's too bad that much of the food came right back out of your stomach after riding some of the rides!

The Hall of Industry hosts many events over the year, such as trade shows, gun shows, antique shows and such. During the Arkansas State Fair, it's used for displays by various groups, such as FFA, 4H, State of Arkansas travel brochures, and various crafts.

I was a little disappointed in the displays here this year, compared with past years. I think the quality of the displays and vendors went down a notch, with more non-homemade crafts being sold (i.e., those trinkets that one buys wholesale and then sells for a profit). Nevertheless, it was worth one walk-through.

The crafts building is one of the most interesting at the Arkansas State Fair. Inside, you'll find honest-to-goodness local, homemade crafts of all sorts, including qults, photos, canned goods, dolls, etc. All these items are judged with Best of Show, First, Second, Third, and several Honorary Mention awards given out.

About 15 years ago, I entered a night photo of a steam locomotive at the Fair and won a blue ribbon. I remember how nice it was to win something like that, and all the winners this year probably feel the same way. I know most put out a lot of effort in these crafts.

If you don't do anything else at the Fair, take a stroll through the Crafts building. You'll be glad you did.

One reason many go to the Arkansas State Fair is the many selections of animals that are brought here for judging and selling. Animals include cattle, swine, horses, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, milk cows, donkeys, etc.

There are four cattle barns, filled with cattle for judging, and separate barns for swine, horses, and birds. There is also a baby-animal barn where you can pet many small animals, which is a favorite with kids (and me!). I find nothing more soothing than holding a baby chick.

The character of any fair changes dramatically with the setting sun, and the Arkansas State Fair is no exception. The crowds got thicker and the aromas more alluring.

Nighttime is when the younger, dating crowd comes out and the older fairgoers leave for home. The pace and magic seem to increase, and you are entranced with the colorful lights and sounds which you couldn't see in the daylight. Nighttime is fun!