SALT LAKE CITY — Organizers of the Utah State Fair say they hope to bring all things Utah front and center this year.
“I think, for a time, we got a little bit away from truly trying our best to represent all the different parts of Utah,” said Deputy Executive Director Nicki Claeys. “So we have, you know, the artisans that we want to represent through all the arts exhibits.”
“As you go through, you’ll see all the different buildings that have different arts. ... Right next door is fine arts, further down is creative arts and they all have a different element to them,” she said. “We have fiber arts. We have culinary arts — so all the different kinds of arts — because Utah is full of amazing artisans. We really, truly are blessed with incredibly talented people.”
She said all the artisans are local Utahns, a requirement for the fair.
As part of the effort to focus on Utah, the north food court has been rebranded as “Utah Eats” and features only local food vendors.
The theme of the fair is “Nowhere but the Fair,” which Claeys says is meant to say “the state fair has all of it in one place.” It runs now through Sept. 14 at the Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 West, and includes all things ticket buyers love about the fair, such as crazy fair foods, lots of art exhibits and plenty of interaction with livestock.
Headlining events at this year’s fair include a concert by Third Eye Blind on Wednesday, Sept. 10. And comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will perform Thursday, Sept. 11. Of course, there will be demolition derby, monster truck and rodeo performances, as well as the Flying Fools High Dive, pig races and strolling entertainment by the Flying Umbrella Ship and the drumline, Boom, across the fairway.
The infamous crowd-favorite Butter Cow — a cow sculpted in butter — will also make its appearance.
Throughout the duration of the fair, attendees can take part in glassblowing workshops hosted by Ikonic Glass. Those interested must, however, reserve a spot and pay the associated fee. Free entertainment, including the Wild West Fun Park and a mobile diary classroom, can also be found on the grounds.
A giant Ferris wheel that overlooks the Wasatch Front and a new family-friendly rollercoaster are making their debut at the Utah State Fair this year, sure to please attendees, though all carnival rides and games come at an additional cost.
Lori Hutchins has volunteered at the Utah State Fair for 16 consecutive years. She says she loves the artwork and the work that goes into setting up the art exhibits.
“Paintings are taken in, and then they are hung without tags, so when the judges come, they don’t know whose is whose. They go through their process and then they put the ribbons on,” she said.
Hutchins’ favorite part of the job, she said, is “when someone puts a painting in for the first time, and they come and they find it and they got a ribbon ... they’re so excited, and just to see that glowing in their face just warms my heart.”
For more information on events and details on all the new attractions, visit the Utah State Fair website at utahstatefair.com.
