The Best State Fairs in America
The Best State Fairs in America
If you think all state fairs are alike, Jim Kopel has a few choice words for you: "Each one reflects the identity of its state—and some are much more memorable than others." He should know. After retiring from his teaching job in Moline, Illinois, Kopel spent the better part of a decade visiting every single state fair in America—evaluating them against more than 100 criteria and taking copious notes on just what sets each event apart. The project started in 1999 with Iowa ("Really the best overall," he declares) and wrapped up four years ago in Washington. "It became something of an obsession," admits Kopel. "These five top my short list, each for very different reasons."
Ferris wheels, 4-H, even fine wines—these five all-American state fairs rank above the rest.
