[Penguin_ie]

I am new to the country, DH was born here and we have 18 months old twins. We have gone to two fairs recently and while both were pleasant, I was a bit disappointed and we left both within 30 minuets of getting there, so I am posting here to get some recommendations for good county fairs- or just for you to tell me that I have overblown expectations

We went to the McDonald County Fair across the state border a few weeks ago. It was tiny, but I liked the atmosphere and that there were lots of animals and prices for best carrots etc... it's what I expected from county fairs from the movies :P I was disappointed in the small size, that there were no carnival rides, and that there was very little stuff to buy- I expected to be able to buy some of the lovely cakes/ jams etc that got prizes, maybe I was wrong there? Or at least some crafts etc, there were very few booths that sold anything.

Yesterday we went to the Tontitown Grape Festival. I realise it's "big" days will be Friday night and Saturday, but there were no grapes at all! A couple of places to buy grape icecream (very nice!), lots of rides, but no barns (ie no-where to sit in the shade), one crafts booth, and very few people there. I expected more grape stuff, ie to be able to taste grapes, buy wine/ vinegar/ grape related items etc...

DH tells me the Benton County Fair is usually big and probably more what I am looking for, what do you think? When is it usually on?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Penguin_ie

I am new to the country, DH was born here and we have 18 months old twins. We have gone to two fairs recently and while both were pleasant, I was a bit disappointed and we left both within 30 minuets of getting there, so I am posting here to get some recommendations for good county fairs- or just for you to tell me that I have overblown expectations

We went to the McDonald County Fair across the state border a few weeks ago. It was tiny, but I liked the atmosphere and that there were lots of animals and prices for best carrots etc... it's what I expected from county fairs from the movies :P I was disappointed in the small size, that there were no carnival rides, and that there was very little stuff to buy- I expected to be able to buy some of the lovely cakes/ jams etc that got prizes, maybe I was wrong there? Or at least some crafts etc, there were very few booths that sold anything.

Yesterday we went to the Tontitown Grape Festival. I realise it's "big" days will be Friday night and Saturday, but there were no grapes at all! A couple of places to buy grape icecream (very nice!), lots of rides, but no barns (ie no-where to sit in the shade), one crafts booth, and very few people there. I expected more grape stuff, ie to be able to taste grapes, buy wine/ vinegar/ grape related items etc...

DH tells me the Benton County Fair is usually big and probably more what I am looking for, what do you think? When is it usually on?

I haven't been to one here but will enter a few canned goods in the Benton County Fair next month. Let's hope it is better than what you are seeing. I know the fairs in NM were not like the ones in California or Texas. I think it has to do with the size of the state, plus, I have heard, overall, fairs may be a thing of the past.

Nita

[linicx]

Keep an eye out for the events at War Eagle. If you have not been there yet, it is a treat anytime.
Siloam Springs may have something; very nice area. Gravette is in the NW corner of the state not far from the MO border. It is a small community, wonderful people, and it is a kids town. If they put on an event, the kids b b 7will probably be included. Do not count out Fayetteville or Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs City Hall
City of Siloam Springs, Arkansas
The City of Fayetteville, Arkansas*-*Welcome
City of Gravette, Arkansas

McDonald County is a farning area. Not much to see or do here at anytime.

[73-79 ford fan]

I believe the best county fairs are in counties with more agriculture than any in this area. I like to look at livestock and farm equipment and attend the truck and tractor pulls myself which I find the Benton county fair very disappointing in these areas. The ozark empire fair in nearby Springfield Mo might be worth checking out.

[gthog61]

County Fairs Arkansas 2009

I went to the one they have in Ozark a few years back when I happened to be visiting my sister at the right time. I found this site when I searched on it. I don't remember much about it, a livestock showing, a midway, etc.

[linicx]

FWIW, if you likd dogs, the AKC sanctioned All-Breed shows are quite nice. There is also a schutzhund Club and horse jumper club nearby. DM me for more information.

[OurGreatEscape]

Here's a schedule of events for the Washington County Fair held in Fayetteville, AR:

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/20...irschedule.txt