By Aimée Dowl

Nothing says summer more than funnel cakes, pig races and car shows at America's state fairs. For more than a century these grand expositions have showcased the best of American rural life and agriculture, and in recent decades they have come to embrace more cosmopolitan entertainments, such as stock car racing and world-class musical acts. Organizers spend the whole year making sure that every state fair – and there are fairs in all 50 states – offer something for every member of the family. In fact, here are a few state fairs that can quench your kids', your parents' and your own summer thirst for fun.

Ferris wheel and fairground ride, Texas State Fair, Fair Park.
© Richard Cummins Lonely Planet Images.

The Great New York State Fair

Started in 1841, the Great New York State Fair is one of the country's most historic summer expos, and with more than 30,000 entries annually into its agriculture, arts and livestock competitions, one of its biggest. Car lovers make a beeline for this fair, which revs up four-wheeled demonstrations ranging from antique autos to stock car racing, and millions of visitors file past a butter sculpture that has been stored in a cooler for three decades. Citizens of the Excelsior state honor each other by featuring special days (with free admission) for women, Native Americans, law enforcement officers and senior citizens. Visit the fair in Syracuse, N.Y., from Aug. 21 to Sept. 1.

Champlain Valley Fair

Vermont's biggest agricultural fair and amusement park, the Champlain Valley Fair, hosts star-studded entertainment on the grandstand, air shows in the sky and everything from giant vegetable contests to hypnotists on the fairgrounds. This year the expo kicks off with Garrison Keiller and wraps up with Toby Keith, and in between are plenty of truck and tractor pulls and arts and crafts shows. It wouldn't be a fair without 4-H exhibits and pie contests, but in Champlain Valley, Vermonters raise the bar with a bonsai display, a 50-ton sand sculpture, and of course, a maple syrup contest. In 2008, the fair runs from Aug. 23 to Sept. 1 in Essex Junction, Vt.

Boots of 'Big Tex', Texas State Fair.
© Richard Cummins Lonely Planet Images.

Georgia State Fair

"Macon fun for local charities" is the motto of the Georgia State Fair, which has raised millions of dollars for education and other youth charities. The Miss Georgia State Fair Pageant, a motocross race and nightly fireworks display are served up alongside Georgia peach pies and plenty of classic Southern hospitality. Since 1851, the Creative Living shows have featured the best of Georgians' jams and jellies, knitting and crocheting, and arts and crafts. Macon's claim to fame is being the birthplace of the kazoo, and to honor this rich musical heritage, the expo aims to break the world record for largest kazoo ensemble. In 2007, 3,800 people made history by gathering together in the grand state to blow their hearts out. In 2008, catch the fair from Sept. 23–28 in Macon, Ga.

State Fair of Texas

Everything's big in Texas, including its State Fair. Situated in the largest cluster of art deco buildings on earth, this festival has the world's tallest ferris wheel and the world's tallest house of cards. The fairgrounds are sooooo big that the Texas Skyway, a fleet of cable-suspended gondolas, will ferry visitors over the attractions starting in 2008. The Big Tex mascot statue, standing 52-feet high, welcomes visitors to a major national auto show, more than half a dozen museums, and the Sixth Annual World Corny Dog Eating Championship. Between horse and livestock shows, fairgoers can meet NBA basketball players and watch the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corp. Fair dates are Sept. 28 to Oct. 21 in Dallas.

Bio: Aimée Dowl is a freelance writer and editor living in Quito, Ecuador. From her home at 9,200 feet above sea level, she has written for "Ms.," "Bust," The New York Times," Lonely Planet Publications and various anthologies.

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