State Fair begins Thursday with beefed-up lineup

"More Than You Can Imagine" is the theme of this year's Utah State Fair, Thursday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 14.

"We just think we have a great lineup," said Donna Dahl, executive director of the Fairpark.

She's especially proud of the way the entire Fairpark staff works together to create beautiful grounds and an event that can appeal to everyone.

This is the 148th annual Utah State Fair and the 101st at the current site, 1000 W. North Temple.

Biggest change for this year's fair is that opening day — Sept. 4, 3 to 10 p.m. — will feature $1 admission for everyone, of any age. That's different from previous years when it was simply free admission during the first two hours of opening day.

Denise Stanger, marketing coordinator for the fair, said she's especially excited about having a traditional organ grinder — Tony Marconi — roaming the grounds this year.

There are also some other new events that may be popular attractions. Teenage boys (and others) will likely be drawn to the New XBox Odyssey — more than 50 game stations and free with gate admission.

Still another new feature will be a demolition derby, Sunday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m., and also free with gate admission.

Other new highlights include the MAXX Air Force Motorcycle Stunt team, with shows daily; Hunt Murder Mystery Theater, Sept. 6 and 13; Hershey's Milk product sampling, Sept. 12-14; All Creatures Barnyard Racers, with daily performances; and the Utah Olympic Oval Bungee.

Regular highlights include the PRCA Rodeo, Sept. 4-7, 7 p.m.; (free with gate admission); grandstand entertainment (requires separate ticket but includes fair admission); the usual Davis Carnival rides and games; the giant "Yellow Slide"; Utah Diary Council's Ice Cream Festival, Monday, Sept. 8, 3 p.m. and running as long as supplies last; and the Utah Beef Council's Beef Fest, Friday, Sept. 12, noon to 7 p.m.

There's also a load of family fun contests, including an ice cream sandwich eating contest; a Hula Hoop contest; Limbo contest; pie-eating contest; scavenger hunt; cow race, and look-a-like contests.

The Butter Cow Sculpture (made from 700 pounds of pure cream butter), free entertainment on five stages, clowns, "Ag-Venture Tent" for kids, endless commercial exhibits, booths and the usual agriculture exhibits of plants and animals, plus photography and various living arts combine to be more than anyone can see in less than a day.