State fair

A state fair is a competitive and recreational gathering of a U.S. state's population. It is a larger version of a county fair, often including only exhibits or competitors that have won in their categories at the more-local county fairs.

Originally a state fair was just a competitive exhibition of livestock in various competitions, the display of farm products which were not necessarily for sale, and the competition among various fair goers and participants in such categories as handicrafts, baked goods, jams and jellies, etc., but has since been expanded to include carnival amusement rides and games, music, races, tests of strength and skill, etc. Large fairs can see more than a million visitors over the course of a week or two.

Events similar to state fairs are also held annually in each state capital in Australia, known as "Royal Shows". Australian Royal shows are organised by state agricultural and horticultural societies, and are described further in the agricultural show article.

List of state fairs

United States

Awards

State and county fairs are famous for a variety of competitions. Awards are generally given according to the following scale
* First place - blue ribbon
* Second place - red ribbon
* Third place - white ribbon
* Fourth place - yellow ribbon
* Fifth place - green ribbon
* Sixth place - orange ribbon
* Seventh place - purple ribbon
* Eighth place - brown ribbon

ee also

* World's fair
* Agricultural show