State Fair of Virginia begins, open rain or shine

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- It's the opening day of a time-honored state tradition, as Friday marks the opening day of the State Fair of Virginia.

On Friday, Sept. 26, the State Fair of Virginia opened its gates for the upcoming season. For the next 10 days, there will be plenty to enjoy, including entertainment, animals, food and some new rides.

The fair opens daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Severe weather like thunderstorms or lightning could shut down rides temporarily, but with over 300,000 square feet of covered space, there's plenty to do indoors.

This year, the fair is offering a new fast lane option for bypassing regular lines for rides. Purchasing a $15 Fast Lane lanyard allows riders to move to the front.

There are two sections of fair rides: Kidway for the little ones and Midway Madness with bigger thrill rides for older children and adults.

Admission to the fair is $12.50 for kids and $13.50 for adults. Additional packages are needed to ride attractions and play games, including a $31 unlimited ride wristband.

"It's a great value to come here with your family and enjoy everything," said James Ingram, Midway Coordinator with Deggeller Attractions, which provides the rides to the fair.

"With all the free acts and the rides and the food, the games, just everything that's offered here," Ingram said. "It's a great value for a family to come spend the day with us."

Free entertainment includes racing pigs, horse hitch demonstrations, frisbee-catching dogs, stilt walkers and the Triple Crown Circus under the big top. The Revenge Roughstock Rodeo will be in town at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 30.

A fair favorite is the livestock, with exhibits of rabbits, alpacas, sheep, turkeys and more. Attendees can watch the daily cow milking demonstrations from dairy farmers.

To learn more about the fair and purchase tickets, visit its website.