Eastern Idaho State Fair
Source – funatthefair.com
The Eastern Idaho state Fair (EISF) brings literally hundreds of thousands of Idaho residents and beyond to Blackfoot, Idaho. It is one of two state fairs in Idaho. The other, known as the Western Idaho State Fair is held in a much larger area (Boise) but it a lesser known and smaller fair. Chances are if you live ANYWHERE near Southeast Idaho, you have at least heard of the EISF if not attended multiple times.
Everyone here at the Dakri Bernard Realty Group loves the fair. We love it so much we wanted to share this information with our readers to help you fall in love with Idaho!
History behind the Eastern Idaho Fair
In the year 1902, ranchers from Idaho wanted to have a livestock show. They purchased some land and for 16 years the ‘Southeastern Idaho Fair’ happened annually without skipping a beat. In 1918, much like a lot of places in America, SE Idaho fell on some financial hardship. The fair was decommissioned for 2 years.
In 1920, the fair was back underway operating every year around the same time. In 1925, with the help of state legislators, the ‘Fair District Bill’ was passed. Turning this essentially ‘livestock only’ fair, into a fair with food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. After the United States entered The Cold War in mid-1942, the fair was again put on pause. The buildings and structures were used as storage for our surplus war supplies.
What the Fair looks like today
Today, with the help of many different businesses and organizations, the fair is bigger than ever. The Native Americans of Fort Hall, Idaho have influenced the fair greatly, in a positive way. One of the local fair favorites is the Indian Relay Races. If you have never seen an Indian Relay Race, it will blow your mind. It’s one of those ‘How is this legal and how has no one participating died yet’ type of sports. That may sound like reasons not to go, but trust me, DON’T MISS IT!
There is now a very large amusement park portion of the fair. Some people go strictly for the rides. It is carnival style attractions from simple arcade games to a huge Ferris Wheel and everything in between. Personally, everyone we know goes for the food. Just like any fair, all the food you know and love, plus food you have never heard of or imagined existed can be found here. Some of our favorites:
Yum!
- Tiger Ears – one of those you may have never heard of and need to taste.
- Donut Hamburgers – Yes, donut hamburgers. Don’t enter this is your calorie tracker.
- Giant Turkey Legs – Seriously, where did they get Turkeys this big?
- Chicken Teriyaki Bowl – Nothing unique about this, they are just so dang good!
- Funnel Cakes – Because we can’t talk about the fair food without mentioning Funnel Cakes.
Brining big name entertainment to Idaho
The fair has given residents of Idaho a chance to see some musical talent that they would have never be able to see locally before. Some of the biggest names in music have played at the EISF. Charlie Daniels, Travis Tritt, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more. The tickets are very affordable, and the stage in Blackfoot is very open. Pretty much everyone has a great seat.
Also, events like the Demolition Derby, Freestyle Motocross, and Horse Racing, offer a wide array of events, if you are looking for more than musical talent. For 2017 the Fair offers all this plus – Bull Riding Championships, Tractor Pulls, and the Gem State Classic Rodeo. They will also have a hypnotist show, sea lion encounters, petting zoo, plus free tours to visit and pet all of the barnyard animals.
If you can’t find something fun at the Eastern Idaho State Fair, you might just be the only person alive with that problem. Simply sitting down with a Turkey Leg and people watching can sometimes be just as fun as anything! J
What’s on tap at the fair for 2017
This year’s fair includes all of the usual entertainment and food. It will be held September 1st – 9th, at 97 Park Street in Blackfoot. This years special performances include two popular country singers, Chris Janson & Lee Brice. You even have a chance to meet them! Check out the fair website for more information on this event and all the others. They have a pretty cool map that shows you the layout and the places you have to stop.
We plan on being at the fair every day if we can! Try to avoid the weekends, and evenings, it will be CRAZY full of Idahoans. If you are just going for the fair experience and not a particular event, going at off times will make the fair much more enjoyable.