Arizona State Fair is a paid sponsor of Sonoran Living Live
10 Ways to Increase Quality Family Time at the FairArizona State Fair offers one-of-a-kind family attractions all for the price of admission
Looking for more quality family time and tired of driving all over town to do it?
Then, look no further than the 2009 Arizona State Fair where you can get everything from animals and interactive exhibits to video games, rides and music all in one place and all for the price of admission.
Appealing to kids of all ages, the Fair’s full slate of activities is sure to please every member of the family.
“The Arizona State Fair is one of the great venues for the entire family in the state,” said Don West, executive director of the Fair.
“It’s a place for parents to connect with their kids and friends in a safe, fun activity-rich environment. The learning and cultural opportunities you get in just one visit are amazing.”
The Top 10 Ways to Increase Quality Family Time are:
1. Meet Kiddie Characters: This year, the Fair is host to the children’s most popular TV characters, including Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer (Oct. 23-25;) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Oct. 30 – Nov. 1.)
Grounds location and times at www.azstatefair.com
2. Learn about Agriculture and Fair Traditions – Families can see over 6,000 animal and competitive exhibits entered by fellow Arizonans throughout the fairgrounds.
Kids can also spend time in the Kids Fun Zone, home to Uncle Kunkle’s Farm and Kid Zone Jungle Safari.
It’s an educational and interactive area where kids can experience the life of a farmer, compete in the Junior Rodeo, make jewelry, or explore chimpanzee challenge and marshmallow golfing.
3. Watch Animal Antics – Six Points Plaza located on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds has an assortment of animals to watch or pet, plus pony rides. They can take in pig racing at Ham Bone Express Racing Pigs or view the majestic World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
If they walk a few yards east to the Agriculture Center and Cattle Barns, they can see the Great American Petting Zoo, Farm Tours, Pratt’s Pets Hamstropolis and numerous animal exhibits.
4. Let history ring in your ears. Watch sparks fly as storyteller Christy Horne spins tales of lore and legends while her husband Master Blacksmith Michel Olson pounds red-hot iron into forged implements and pieces of art at The Village Blacksmith.
5. Journey through amazing discoveries with Mad Science’s Funky Farmworks. Set against the backdrop of old and new agricultural methods, the show features Professor Pruvitt and his wacky sidekick Crash as they journey through the amazing scientific discoveries that have revolutionized daily life on the farm.
6. Watch the dirt-churning action in the Grandstand Arena: Figure 8 Racing on Oct. 23-25; High School Rodeo on Oct. 29; All Indian Rodeo on Oct. 30 & 31 and Nov. 1; and Demolition Derby on Nov. 6 – 8.
7. Catch the Chainsaw Magic at the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show – The sawdust will fly in this high intensity show featuring two tough world-class Lumberjacks battling it out and working their chainsaw magic.
A cut above, the show blends humor, education and athleticism with its log rolling, ax-throwing, and chopping demonstrations.
8. Move your Groove --- You and the kids can dance to the sounds of the Coliseum – concerts are free with admission. Family friendly artists include Raven Symone on Oct. 28 and CREATION FESTIVAL: THE TOUR featuring JARS OF CLAY on Oct. 31.
If you want to get a little closer to the action, you can always catch the Thriller dancing on Oct. 24 in the Arizona Lottery Backyard where 100 creature costumed dancers will be a part of a global performance designed to set a new Guinness World Record.
9. Have a Picnic and Enjoy Live Entertainment – The Arizona Lottery Backyard offers a variety of food and entertainment options, including the all new PJ’s Funcrafters Play Area - Let your kids play while you take a break and enjoy the community performances on the nearby stages.
So pick up something deep fried and on-stick and sit back and relax.
10. Take a Ride on the Wild Side – Everyone loves rides and there are rides for everyone, plus deals galore.
Kids ages 5 through 14 can earn Fair ride passes through the ABC 15 Read & Ride, sponsored by 99.9 KEZ. Children who read 3 books will earn 3 free rides.
As host to a variety of fun-filled activities and attractions for 125 years, the Arizona State Fair continues to attract more than 1 million visitors each year to its location at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.
Check
www.azstatefair.com for the latest information.
