Carnival & Fair News

The Eastern Idaho State Fair wrapped up its 124th year Sept. 12 after nine days of fair food, carnival thrills and hundreds of animals displayed by area 4-H exhibitors, from Nubian goats to draft horses.

The 2026 fair drew 253,906 guests, marking the fifth consecutive year attendance topped 250,000. An economic impact study conducted for the fair estimated the event generated $74.3 million in economic activity for the region.

With those numbers in mind, and despite other fairs in the western portion of the state adjusting their schedules, Eastern Idaho State Fair General Manager Brandon Bird said the fair will stick to its traditional dates.

As the largest event in eastern Idaho, Bird described the fair as "part of the end-of-summer rhythm" and a tradition that brings families and friends together.

Fair gate admission this year was priced at $9 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-11 and $7 for seniors. Children age 5 and younger were admitted free.

Purchasing tickets in advance reduced admission prices by $1 across the board. Guests could also purchase the Ultimate Happy Pass for $50, which included admission for all nine days of the fair plus four days of horse racing. Active service members with a current military ID were admitted free every day.

Held in Blackfoot, Idaho, this year's fair mostly saw cool, comfortable temperatures over Labor Day weekend, helping welcome crowds to what Bird described as a blend of "hometown tradition with big-name entertainment, all set against the backdrop of community, pride, agriculture and good old-fashioned fun."

Like many other fairs this year, the Eastern Idaho State Fair joined in the celebration of America's 250th birthday. The fair embraced the festivities with the theme "Red, White and Blue Jeans." In a whimsical touch, decorated jeans and other patriotic displays could be found throughout the fairgrounds.

Even the fair food took on a patriotic theme, with classic dishes featuring red, white and blue touches. One sweet treat came from Camille's Crepes with its Sweet Freedom, a red velvet crepe filled with white chocolate and fresh blueberries. An All-American BBQ Hot Dog from Blackhawk BBQ Pit included a tiny American flag, while patriotically colored shave ice and funnel cakes provided additional sweet options.

Traditional fair foods such as corn dogs, lemonade and pizza also remained popular with fairgoers.

The musical and entertainment lineup included Grammy-nominated rapper Flo Rida, comedian Gabriel Iglesias and country singer Nate Smith. Tickets for the headline shows started at $55. Along with the three performers, the grandstand hosted the Bull Riding Championships, Western Truck and Tractor Pulls and three nights of the Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo. The September Slam Demolition Derby closed out the fair on Sept. 12.

The fair also held its annual parade Sept. 5 along the streets of Blackfoot. Many of this year's participants embraced the fair's patriotic theme.

The carnival, provided by Butler Amusements, was once again a strong draw for fairgoers. Carnival ride wristbands were sold for $32 in advance and $40 during the fair. Individual ride and game tickets were $1 each. On Pepsi Wristband Days, fairgoers could enjoy unlimited carnival rides plus fair admission for $32.

Butler Amusements also partnered with the fair to expand its college scholarship program this year, recognizing eight students, two more than the six traditionally awarded scholarships. The fair and Butler Amusements have awarded $126,000 in college scholarships since the program's inception.

The fair also featured Indian Relay Racing alongside pari-mutuel horse racing on the grandstand track. Indian Relay teams consist of three horses and four team members: one rider, one catcher, or "mugger," and two holders. The rider races bareback, completing a lap aboard each of the team's three horses and making high-speed horse exchanges between laps.

Admission to Indian Relay Racing was $5 for fairgoers, with admission free on Thursday, Sept. 10, when the event was combined with a Native American cultural celebration.

Other fair favorites included the Off Axis High Dive Show, performances from Stasia Acrobatics and the Dirt Road Dancing Swing Competition. Strolling entertainment included sleight-of-hand from Magic Ben, Mimealot, Megan the Bubbleologist and stilt walker Rebecca Fireplug. Adding to the roving fun was the costumed Fairly Bigfoot character.

Also drawing crowds were draft horse pulls and Cowtown, with its focus on all things bovine, including milking demonstrations.

Animals and agriculture remained at the heart of the fair. From floppy-eared rabbits to horses, sheep, swine and goats, 4-H and FFA exhibitors presented a wide variety of animals. Agricultural competitions and displays included watermelons, pumpkins and corn.

Other competitions ranged from baked goods and sewing to photography, wood crafts and floral displays. Younger fairgoers also took their turn in the spotlight through events such as Mutton Bustin' and the Kids' Ultimate Pie Eating Challenge.

As for the fair's future, Bird said that along with preserving its traditional dates, his focus remains on continuing the traditions and family memories that have sustained the event for generations.

"We've been entrusted with caring for that tradition, and our responsibility is to protect it, improve it, and ensure it continues," Bird said. "We'll say for another 124 years."