Indiana (Indianapolis, Aug. 7-18): Indiana claims the world’s largest pigs (some 1,400 pounds). Don’t miss the watermelon-seed-spitting or husband-calling contests. Try the milkshakes and pork-chop sandwiches.
Iowa (Des Moines, Aug. 8-18): The largest livestock show and 20 acres of new farm equipment. The 900 cooking competitions include a cinnamon-roll bake-off and a “cooking with pumpkin” challenge. Don’t miss the famous “butter cow” sculpture. Try any food on a stick.
Minnesota (St. Paul, Aug. 22-Sept. 2): Check out the extensive livestock competitions organized by Future Farmers of America and 4-H or the life-size busts carved in butter of 11 regional dairy princesses. Scarf down a few Walleye cakes and some deep-fried cheese curds.
New York (Syracuse, Aug. 22-Sept. 2): Watch cows being milked in Moo Country and state police officers demonstrate their shooting abilities. Kids can pet everything from giraffes to goats. Guest artists include Alicia Keys and Peter Frampton. Try the deep-fried Oreos.
Texas (Dallas, Sept. 27-Oct. 20): The nation’s biggest fair, of course. Hosts the Cotton Bowl and a huge auto show. Texas claims to have invented the Corny Dog. Also features the “tallest talking cowboy in the world,” a 52-foot steel-and-fiberglass creation.
