Virginia State Fair 2017: Dates, Tickets, Event Schedule, Parking

DOSWELL, VA — Begun in 1854 as a largely agricultural showcase, the venerable State Fair of Virginia that opens Sept. 29 for a 10-day run at Meadow Farm in Caroline County scarcely resembles its original version that highlighted things such as hefty hogs and grand gourds.

To be sure, those things are still around but they're surrounded by live music, a dizzying array of rides, chainsaw sculptures, a demolition derby, a rodeo, the annual a tribute to homegrown Triple Crown winner Secretariat and offerings of food ranging from deep-fried to exotic.

Tickets already are for sale online, and there's a wide variety of prices, discounts and other various options. But the standard price at the gate is $15 for adults and $11 for kids 5-12. Concerts and most entertainment (but not rides) are covered by the cost of admission.

This is the fair's ninth year at Meadow Farm, or as the site is now called, The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Boulevard. Here's a rundown of what to do and what to see:

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CONCERTS

As always, there's a wide variety, beginning Sept. 29 with Love Canon. Other groups: The Crooked Road (Sept. 30), Nick Smith (Oct. 1), Dave Cynar Band (Oct. 2), Teaze (Oct. 3), Sarajane McDonald and SweetFire (Oct. 4), Justin Trawick and The Common Good (Oct. 5), Three Sheets to the Wind (Oct. 6), Firehouse (Oct. 7) and Phil Vassar (Oct. 8)

PARKING

It's free.

HOURS (and directions)

On Fridays and Saturdays, the fair runs from 10 a.m.-10 p.m; Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

EXHIBITS

You name it, they have it — everything from a dairy cow birthing center to a vegetable petting patch, not to mention giant pumpkins and watermelons.

RIDES

There's quite the variety, from the tame rides to the scream-inducing rides. New this year is "The Enterprise, manufactured by Huss of Germany, features 20-two passenger vehicles. As the ride begins to spin, the free swinging vehicles swing out, and the ride rises at a 85 degree angle twirling riders upside down!"

ANIMALS

Where to begin? Ducks, hatching chicks, roosters, a dairy cow birthing center and on and on. There also are multiple livestock competitions in which Virginia students can compete to earn college scholarships. The beef, goat, lamb and market hog judging takes place the second weekend of the fair.

SPECIAL EVENTS

2017 Black Tie & Boots (Mingle at The Meadow) is a VIP preview-night celebration of fair of Sept. 28. It'll feature live music, fair-style surprises, live and silent auction items, award-winning Virginia wines, an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets go on-sale August 4th online. Find additional information HERE.

PARADE

The State Fair Parade is 4 p.m. Oct. 1. It showcases marching bands, dance troupes, baton clubs, cheering groups, service organizations, mascots, car clubs and all others that want participate. Parade participants receive complimentary admission to the fair on Oct. 1.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

Alcohol, guns, knives of any kind, pets and selfie sticks, to name the main no-nos. Personal bags might be checked by security when entering the fair.

Photos: State Fair of Virginia