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SALT LAKE CITY — For Joe and Charlotte Miller, the Utah State Fair is more than just farm animals, carnival rides and fried food. It's tradition.
The West Jordan residents have attended the fair for more than 50 years in a row and typically rent a hotel downtown to make it a weekend event.
"It's just nostalgic," Charlotte Miller said. "It's something you do every year because it's part of the history of this valley and it's fun." She said she and her family always finish off their day at the fair with a funnel cake.
The Utah State Fair kicked off its 167th year on Thursday and will run through Sept. 18. The fair provides entertainment, food and fun for an expected 300,000 guests over the 11-day event.
Utah State Fair executive director Larry Mullenax said there are 62 food vendors, almost 300 commercial exhibitors, over 60 performing groups and dozens of farm animals that farmers and 4-H youth use to compete in shows. The performing group iFlip and a mobile milk cow exhibit are among new additions this year.
Humble beginnings
The Utah State Fair started in 1856 to showcase agriculture, something it continues to do to this day, Mullenax said. He believes it is important for everyone to learn about where their food is coming from as more and more farmland is being surrendered to development property.
Mullenax said staff members often work seven days a week all summer long preparing for the event but "it's all worth it when you see people smiling and having fun."
His favorite part of the fair is seeing the young people having fun and feeling full of excitement when interacting with the animals.
Many of the food vendors at the fair have been attending for several years. West Coast Weenies has been serving their hot dogs for over 65 years, manager Isain Galindo said.
The state fair also displays hundreds of artworks and showcases local artists in art demos at the Bonneville Building.
Richard Miles is an artist who has been doing demos at the fair for around 15 years. He enjoys painting at the fair because it gives him an opportunity to speak to young people and show them that everyone has their own style.
On Monday, the fair will host one of its staple events, the annual Ice Cream Festival. This year customers can pay $3 to fill a large bowl with as much ice cream as you can fit from local dairies and creameries, such as Aggie and BYU Creamery ice cream.
