The American State Fair

by Derek Nelson

A summertime entertainment staple of most states, these eagerly anticipated annual get-togethers present fair-goers with a dizzying juxtaposition of divergent sights, sounds, and aromas, not to mention entertainment options that range from high-flying midway thrills to more staid livestock shows and farm equipment displays. Step right up and take a closer look at this nostalgic photo history which begins with the advent of State Fairs as agricultural expositions in the 1800s and continues through the 1960s.

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Anthony McGill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find these nostalgia books irresistible and this one is no exception. Beautifully designed, crammed full of fascinating images of the past. Although we in Melbourne have an annual show which lasts for more than a week and country towns have their own community events every year throughout Australia, I have always looked upon the 'State Fair' as very much an American institution.

This book is a delightful mix of more than 200 photos and posters depicting every aspect of state fair activities - sideshows, animals, machinery, crazy rides, wacky feats - all these crazy fun filled antics accompanied by a lively written history, all come alive here.
Fun reading!