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Three Upcoming State Fairs with Pig Races, Goat Milking and Green Chile Cheeseburgers

In some ways state fair season is starting to wind down after a successful summer, but at the same time September isn’t too shabby when it comes to celebrating a little fried food with a side of agriculture. In fact, it might be a little more enjoyable to take in the amusement park atmosphere with a little bit of a chill in the air, so here’s our picks for three states doing the fair thing next month:

Kansas State Fair

Smack dab in the middle of the country, in a way the Kansas State Fair might just be one of the most centrally located option for those looking for some corn dogs and carnies. This year’s events run between September 7 and September 16 in Hutchinson, Kansas, and admission will set you back $6 if your order in advance. Of course there’s extra investment needed for some of the midway attractions and rides, as well as if you want to listen to bands like Boston, Oak Ride Boys, and 38 Special.

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Three Huge State Fairs Happening Over Labor Day Weekend

State Fair season is now upon us, and that means that fried everything is probably only a short ride away from where you call home. Some states have already done their thing while others are still busy planning events for later this year, but there are several states getting ready to go for Labor Day Weekend. If you’re looking to overindulge on rides, foods, and fun here’s a couple spots to do it during the holiday weekend:

· Minnesota State Fair:
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has been holding state fairs since 1859, so it’s pretty clear that Minnesota is good at doing the fair thing. This year’s events start today and run through September 5 in Saint Paul. Tickets to the festivities are usually $12 for adults and $10 for the little ones, but there are a few days where you might be able to save a few bucks on admission.

Interactive guides in the form of the Food Finder and Fun Finder are available to help you plan your visit, so if you’re looking for that special food vendor—there’s over 300—or something fun to do they’ve got you covered. Of course there’s even iPhone and Android apps as well, so you can take your map to go when you hit the fairgrounds. There’s plenty of free entertainment too, but if you want to upgrade to a Grandstand show we’re recommending Weezer on September 3—$35—or Train and Maroon 5 on September 5—$37.

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Score Your Next Slice of Fried Kool-Aid in Kentucky

The days of summer are starting to get a little limited, but there’s still plenty of time left to overindulge on the tastes of the season. Unfortunately, we’re not talking about foodie finds like heirloom tomatoes from the local farmer’s market—we’re talking about fried everything and anything.

State fair season is now upon us, and kicking things off is the 107th Kentucky State Fair which runs through August 28. Bring some Tums in your pocket, as this year’s festival is bringing back plenty of favorites including the Krispy Kreme burger.

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Fall Festivals Travel: Even More Fried Food on a Stick

The North Carolina State Fair kicked off on October 16 and runs all the way through October 26 with the world's largest (somewhat) portable roller coaster, Toxic Shock and fried everything-on-a-stick.

If the usual midway games, carnival rides and huge vegetables on steroids aren't enough, Jared the Subway Guy is also making an appearance as he hosts a wacky dance competition--Pants Dance Revolution. Hopefully he won't fall off the wagon and be tempted by the fried pecan pie.

Entertainment offerings on tap for this year include ubiquitous Food Network celebrity Bobby Flay along with more traditional music acts including Montgomery Gentry, Mario and Idol-fave Bucky Covington. If the fair's unorthodox timing doesn't jive with your calendar, you can still stay in touch with all its happenings. Follow along through its blog--Fried @ the NC State Fair--or through Twitter.

Related Stories:
· 2008 NC State Fair [Official Site]
· Fried Fair Fare: Mac & Cheese, Pecan Pie [N&O]
· Fall Festivals coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of Onion Rings of the Future: baltimike]

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Deep-Fried Madness: It's State Fair Season

Late summer means one thing to red-blooded American food fans: We're in prime state fair season! No other type of festival truly puts American food inventiveness on full display--and by inventiveness, we mean coming up with new ways to put stuff on a stick and deep fry it.

Without state fairs, we would never have tasted delicacies such as corn dogs, deep-fried Twinkies or deep-fried Oreos. The Indiana State Fair just ended this weekend and pleasantly introduced the world to this deliciousness: Deep-fried bananas foster cheesecake on a stick. Wow.

But surely that won't be the only culinary delight we get to taste this year. After the jump, a big, big list of state fairs currently underway and yet to come.

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