MJP –
County fairs have long been a staple of American culture, offering a blend of entertainment, agriculture, and community spirit. These events showcase the heart of rural life while drawing in visitors from all over to experience everything from carnival rides to livestock exhibitions.
The size and scope of county fairs can vary widely, but some stand out as particularly large and grand in their offerings.
Here are 10 of the largest county fairs in the United States, known for their vast size, variety of attractions, and impressive attendance numbers.
1. Los Angeles County Fair (Pomona, California)
As one of the largest county fairs in the country, the Los Angeles County Fair attracts over a million visitors annually. Held in Pomona, California, this fair spans 500 acres and offers a diverse mix of activities, including live entertainment, livestock shows, and a massive carnival.
2. Texas State Fair (Dallas, Texas)
While technically a state fair, the Texas State Fair operates similarly to a county fair, drawing in massive crowds and featuring agriculture, livestock, and rodeo competitions. Located in Dallas, the fair is one of the largest in the country, covering 277 acres. With more than 2.5 million visitors each year, it’s famous for its unique offerings, like the annual fried food competition, the Texas Longhorns, and thrilling rides.
3. Minnesota State Fair (St. Paul, Minnesota)
Another giant fair that spans over state boundaries but is organized with county fair-like features is the Minnesota State Fair. Held in St. Paul, it’s the largest state fair in the U.S. by daily attendance, with nearly 2 million visitors during its 12-day run.
4. The Big E (West Springfield, Massachusetts)
The Big E is New England’s largest fair and is held annually in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Covering 175 acres, the fair draws over a million visitors. It combines county fair traditions with a regional flair, offering livestock competitions, agriculture exhibits, and food stalls representing the six New England states.
5. Orange County Fair (Costa Mesa, California)
The Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa is another major fair that attracts over a million people every year. It spans 150 acres and is famous for its vibrant mix of agriculture, food, carnival attractions, and concerts. The fair’s 23-day run features everything from livestock judging to music performances, making it one of the most popular and diverse county fairs in California.
6. Kern County Fair (Bakersfield, California)
The Kern County Fair in Bakersfield is one of California’s largest and most well-attended county fairs. Spanning over 100 acres, the Kern County Fair draws close to 500,000 visitors each year. The fair showcases everything from livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits to food vendors and carnival rides.
7. Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, Indiana)
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The Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis is another large fair that features many elements typically seen at county fairs. It spans 250 acres and features a wide variety of agricultural displays, livestock shows, and performances. The fair, which draws over 800,000 visitors annually, also emphasizes Indiana’s farming culture and offers unique food options like fried chicken and corn dogs.
8. San Diego County Fair (Del Mar, California)
One of the largest county fairs in Southern California, the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar spans 370 acres and regularly attracts over 1.5 million people. Known for its innovative exhibits, competitive events, and live entertainment, the fair also showcases agriculture with everything from sheep shearing to flower arranging competitions.
9. Fresno County Fair (Fresno, California)
The Fresno County Fair in Central California is a staple of the local community and one of the largest county fairs in the state. The fair spans 165 acres and attracts over 300,000 visitors annually. It offers everything from live music and food vendors to livestock competitions and a large carnival.
10. State Fair of Louisiana (Shreveport, Louisiana)
The State Fair of Louisiana held in Shreveport is one of the largest fairs in the state, drawing more than 250,000 people annually. The fair spans 80 acres and offers a blend of agricultural exhibits, rides, concerts, and local food specialties.
