The Utah State Fair is underway with many sights to see and fried food to eat. This cherished annual event is going on through Sunday, Sept. 15, so get yourself over to Fairpark. Here are just a few of the best things to do there.
🔥 Hot tip: Download the Utah State Fair app to buy tickets in advance and, most importantly, scope out all the food options. A star means the vendor is a fair food champion.
Entertainment
In 2001, Destiny’s Child headlined the Utah State Fair and my mom wouldn’t let me go because I was eleven and it was a school night. I’m (obviously) still not over it. But hopefully all the emo kids out there will have better luck. The All-American Rejects are performing on Friday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m., with special guest Neon Trees.
The Butter Cow. (Ivana Martinez/City Cast Salt Lake)
Butter Cow
Every year, artists Debbie Brown and Matt McNaughtan use 600-800 pounds of butter to create a unique cow sculpture. It’s been a tradition at the fair since 1998. A large portion of the butter is recycled and reused for several years of sculptures.
A marvel to behold, the curly fry brick. (Ivana Martinez/City Cast Salt Lake)
Outrageous Food
I like to cover the three main food groups at the Utah State Fair — savory, sweet, and fried. You’ve got your classics: foot-long corn dog, fried oreos, and bbq turkey legs. But this year look out for: Al pastor served in a hollowed out pineapple, spam fries, maple chicken funnel cake, and an almond joy caramel apple. Through Saturday, Sept. 7, vote for your favorite sweet and savory vendor in the Fair Food Fight. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 8.
The massive slide. (Ivana Martinez/City Cast Salt Lake)
Giant Slide
One of the best parts of the fair is feeling like a kid again. While I can’t quite muster the carnival rides, especially on a full stomach, I love a giant slide. While it’s dizzying on the way up, it’s such a thrill going down.
The Blue Ribbon Competitions
The blue ribbon competitions range from textile arts to agriculture. There were so many incredible submissions. But what I really want to know is, how do I sign up to be a food judge?
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why the fair brings hundreds of thousands of guests each year. It provides hours and hours of wholesome family fun. So grab your loved ones, and go make some memories.
Do you have a favorite Utah State Fair memory?
