Guide to the 2015 Virginia State Fair

Fall is here which means its time for the State Fair. The 2015 State Fair of Virginia will open on September 25, and run through Oct. 4th at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia.

“The 2015 fair will feature nearly 400 hours of performances, house about 2,500 animals, attract more than 10,000 competition entries, welcome field trip groups from 270 schools and serve about 13,000 corn dogs,” according to a news release. “More than 1,000 youth are expected to compete for up to $70,000 in scholarship money.”

Attractions and shows will include some favorites such as the Kachunga and the Alligator show, Cowboy Mounted Shooting, Demo Derby, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, the Draft Horse and Mule Show and more.

For adults, some of the returning thrill rides are Super Nova, the Vertigo and the Super Shot Droptower.

The fair will also be introducing some new food this year. From homemade pork rinds by Sparky’s Crunchie Pig, to deep-fried butter and bacon from Ristick Concessions and to Coco Bongos’ frozen drinks served in coconut shells, everyone will have something new to try.

“There is lots of walking on this beautiful 331-acre property,” Greg Hicks, Vice President of Communications for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation told Patch.com. “We expect crowds in excess of 200,000 for the 10-day event.”

Hicks also shared some tips for those planning to attend:

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• There are strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent for those who need them.
• There are trams to transport fair-goers from the parking lots to the main ticket plaza.
• The fair is open rain or shine, and rides and ground shows will continue during light rain.
• There are many attractions under roof, including cattle shows, a milking parlor, baby chicks being born, retail exhibits and arts and crafts competition winners like those who enter the preserves, baked goods, art work, quilting and other categories.

Important things you need to know:

Address:

13111 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047

Hours:

Fridays and Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sundays – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

These are the Ticket Plaza and building hours only; rides will continue to operate for a minimum of one hour after the Ticket Plaza closes, or longer at the discretion of fair management.

Additional information:

Wheelchair & stroller rental:

Guests can rent strollers, motorized scooters and wheelchairs outside the Ticket Plaza. These are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. Rental prices are as follows:

Manual Wheelchairs $15 for all day rental

$10 for all day stroller rental

$15 for all day double stroller rental

Cost:

Tickets can be purchased online at https://galileo.ewwl2.com/ECommerce/71656/?event=2015FAIR or at your local Walgreens.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

• Adults (one-day tickets) – $15
• Youth 5-12 (one-day tickets) – $10
• Seniors 60+ (one-day tickets) – $10
• Children 4 and younger admitted FREE with paid adult admission

Monday through Thursday

• Adults (one-day tickets) – $12
• Youth 5-12 (one-day tickets) – $8
• Seniors 60+ (one-day tickets) – $8
• Children 4 and younger admitted FREE with paid adult admission

Season Pass costs $30 at the gate. Season Pass is non-transferable. Be prepared to show photo ID.

Parking at The Meadow Event Park is free.

Rides:

• Unlimited Ride Wristband, Monday through Thursday —$18
• Unlimited Ride Wristband, Friday and Saturdays – $25
• Ride tickets, some rides are 3-6 tickets each – $1 each (every day)

Ride ticket sheet of 25 tickets – $20 (every day)

Image provided by Virginia State Fair.