Eastern Idaho State Fair

History

From its early origins as a livestock show in 1902, the Eastern Idaho State Fair has become a favorite annual destination for families young and old, creating fond memories and unforgettable experiences.

For more than a century, the Fair has upheld its mission to provide wholesome, affordable, family-oriented entertainment and education in an agricultural environment within clean and safe surroundings.

Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Over the course of eight days, the Fair is home to more than 2,000 animals including dairy and beef cattle, light and draft horses, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, pigeons, and occasionally ostriches, llamas, and emus. The Fair receives more than 6,000 entries from Idahoans young and old entering their hobbies and livestock in 26 competition categories. This includes Livestock, Flowers, Baking, Canning, Needlecraft, Antiques, Fine Arts, Hobbies & Craft, Photography, Native American, FFA, and 4-H.

Nearly 70 food vendors feed hungry visitors with favorites such as corn dogs, giant turkey legs, funnel cakes and tiger ears. More than 200 vendors showcase their services throughout the grounds. For the last several years, attendance has reached an all-time record of roughly 220,000 visitors.

The Fair traces its history back to 1902, when a group of cattlemen wanted to hold a livestock show in Blackfoot. They got together to purchase some land, and the show was held. The Pocatello Tribune came to the show and reported on October 9, 1902: “This is a great day in the history of Blackfoot. There were Cattle to look at as well as floral and agricultural exhibits.”