Have Fun and Stay Fit at the Arlington County Fair

County fairs are typically associated with funnel cakes, cotton candy and corn dogs – not exactly the healthiest annual community event. 

But this year county fair organizers are making an effort to incorporate programming that promotes health and wellness in Arlington.

“We’re trying to encourage a healthy lifestyle,” said Tiffany Kudravetz, chairwoman of the Arlington County Fair board of directors.

Health-oriented endeavors include sports programming for kids, an on-site water refill station, guided walking tours and a tent spotlighting local cycling initiative BikeArlington, where area residents can pick up bike maps and safety information.

“This is one of our signature events for the year,” said BikeArlington marketing manager Tim Kelley. “We can actually connect with everyday people who may not ride their bike, or ride it just for recreation.”

Attendees who ride their bikes to the fair will receive a free prize when they show a BikeArlington representative their helmet.

“I am psyched to see BikeArlington here,” said Matt Madigan, an Arlington resident and cycling enthusiast. “I think it raises awareness for the community.”

For Arlington residents who prefer traveling on foot, the fair is promoting a new walkabout in conjunction with WalkArlington, a county initiative that encourages Arlingtonians to stay active by walking.

The walkabout, which is called Pike Hike II, will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, and will begin and end at the Arlington Career Center.

County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman will lead the walking tour, which will include a visit to the Columbia Pike Farmers Market, where walkers can purchase healthy snacks.

After the walkabout, participants can travel to the fairground quickly and easily via the county fair shuttle, which picks up at the career center every 30 minutes.

Younger Arlington residents who want to stay active while visiting the county fair can participate in a variety of sports programs. The programs will take place every afternoon for the duration of the fair and will include several events hosted by the Arlington Soccer Association.

Who knew a day at the fair could potentially be as good for you as a day at the gym?