Carnival & Fair News

The Maricopa County Fair, held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, ran for two consecutive weekends from Thursday to Sunday, April 4-13. The second weekend was hot – temperatures climbed to 101, a record, when spring temps usually only reach the mid-80s in the region.

According to fair executive director Karen Searles, “Attendance was about even from last year. We lost some attendance the second weekend because of the heat. It was around 66 degrees the first weekend and 103 the second, a major shift.”

All the same, fairgoers found ways to keep cool despite the temperatures, from ice cold lemonade to the air-conditioned indoor pavilions, while others caught a breeze on the carnival rides.

The carnival rides were provided by Butler Amusements. The company brought over 30 rides in all. “The most popular would have to be their new ride, the King XXL. People were riding it all the time,” Searles attests. “The kiddie rides were big, too.” While located all on the same midway, she notes that the little kids' rides were separate from the thrill rides. The little ones were drawn to the separate pony rides, too. Other popular thrillers include the Zipper, 1001 Nachts, Vertigo, and the Zillerator Roller Coaster, as well as a Giant Wheel.



And speaking of major draws, Searles says that “Our attractions were a big draw. The Pirates Parrot Show was new this year, and people loved that; the sea lion show was in its second year with us because of its incredible popularity.” She notes that “What many don't realize is those animals are rescues, they don't live in the wild…[instead] they travel the world and play in their pools all day long, so even if you miss the show you get to see them play.” Fairgoers could also enjoy learning about the sea lions themselves as the show was designed to both entertain and educate fans, providing insight into sea lion behaviors, as well the importance of conservation.

Searles adds “We also had a new Safety Magic show that was well received. The show combined messages about safety with a magic show so it taught kids and was a lot of fun. Then of course, our Monster Trucks and the Globe of Death were two returning events that were very popular.” There was a Petting Zoo for kids to enjoy, too.

Along with the Monster Truck event, which took place on the fair's second weekend, there was MotoX on the first weekend.

Then there was the food. While the Indian fry bread from Maille & Sons remained a classic delicious attraction, new this year were “the strawberry chocolate cups, which were fresh whole strawberries covered with molten chocolate and very delicious. They made their Arizona debut here. The vendors came to us for the first time straight from the Houston Livestock Show,” Searles relates.

Also new: “A grilled cheese sandwich was fantastic. A funnel cake operator added a maple chicken and funnel cake creations that was kind of like chicken and waffles made in a funnel cake. That was also a big hit.”

Other food fan favorites at the fair included hot Cheetos, corn dogs, BBQ, giant turkey legs, the Mac Doggie Dog, and Build Your Own baked potatoes.

And perhaps best of all for budget-conscious fairgoers, Searles reports that there was a “$6 value item at all of the food booths this year.” Also appealing to the pocket book this year was the fact that all the fair's entertainment was free, even the Monster Truck event.

Live entertainment took places on three different stages, featuring a mix of local bands, dance performances, and cultural performances; arts and crafts focusing on local artists were also present, and educational interactive exhibits presented information about agricultural, sustainability, and other community programs. On the main stage, performances included The Maxwells, and a Taylor Swift tribute band, Dream Like Taylor. The latter performed as part of a special event on Saturday April 5th, the fair's Taylor Swift Tribute Day. Along with the band performance, there was friendship bracelet making, karaoke to Swift tunes, and a special photo booth.

On the country fair stage, there were country fair games, and country music favorites performed by artists George Johnson. The community stage offered the chance of up-and-coming entertainers of all kinds from rock bands to belly dancers.  Strolling artists included performances by Wildman Phil and Dangerously Fun Juggling.

Fairgoers could also enjoy the livestock and agricultural exhibitions, located in an air- conditioned exhibit hall, and showing a variety of animals from rabbits and goats to beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and swine. Along with the livestock shows, there was an exhibition on agricultural mechanics Also located inside the air conditioned cool of exhibition halls were a wide range of arts and crafts, quilts, horticulture, photography, and culinary items.

Fair admission was $10 at the gate and included a fair program and raffle ticket. Kids aged 7 and under were admitted free; parking was $13. Butler Amusements provided an unlimited ride wristband priced at $43.

For a real bargain, fairgoers who attended prior to 3 p.m. on Thursdays or Fridays were admitted free. Other bargains included rides for only $1 per person on April 10th and 11th, from opening until 3 p.m. Also on the 10th, a canned food drive allowed free fair admission with 5 cans of food brought to the admission gate. On Thursdays, kids in grades K-6 could participate in the fair's Read to Ride program, and ride four rides for free. And Friday the 11th was also seniors' day, when those 55 and over could visit the fair for free.