This is what the Arizona State Fair used to look like, from the rides to the animals
The Arizona State Fair opens on Friday, Sept. 20, in Phoenix, with its thrilling rides and fried food signaling the end of summer.
In the 140 years since the first fair was held , many things have changed. Not only has metro Phoenix grown significantly, shifting away from the agricultural businesses that once defined the area, the fair is hosted in a different season and attractions have changed.
The Arizona Republic and its photographers have been there to capture the sights of the Arizona State Fair for more than 100 years. Step back in time to see what the fair used to look like while you plan your 2024 outing.
Here's what to know about the history of the Arizona State Fair and how the event has changed over the years.
Arizona's first state fair was held in late 1800s
The first state fairs were called expositions and celebrated the state's agricultural bounty. The first Territorial Exposition was held in 1884 along the Salt River bank at Central Avenue.
An 1891 flood forced the expositions to stop for nearly a decade. It didn't return until 1905 when several business owners purchased land at the current state fair location. They built a horse track and grandstands, holding a fair later that year.
Arizona State Fair 2024:
Arizona State Fair wasn't always in the fall
While the Arizona State Fair routinely starts in September and runs through October, things weren't always that way.
The state fair used to be in December, when weather was nice, schools were out and people were able to make the long trip to Phoenix from around the state.
Over time, some major world events — like the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak, the Great Depression, World War I and World War II — put the festivities on hold, officials said. The fair was also canceled in some years due to drought or crop failure.
Major musicians have played at Arizona's fair
Over the years, major musicians have performed at the Arizona State Fair. Some notable names include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, Coolio and Snoop Dog.
Grand Canyon State musicians shared their favorite Arizona State Fair concerts with Republic music writer Ed Masley. Here's what they said:
Pat Kirch of The Maine: When Pat Kirch was in third grade, he convinced his mom to take him to the Third Eye Blind show, his first concert and "the best night of my life at that point!"
Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World: Adkins reminisced on seeing Joe Satriani. "That was badass," Adkins says. "I was maybe in eighth grade. At the peak of my 'shredder' guitar-playing phase. Got to see the classic lineup of Stu Hamm and Jonathan Mover with him. Of course, Stu did the 'Peanuts' theme during the bass solo."
Mega Ran: Mega Ran remembered seeing his favorite rapper LL Cool J and singing along to every song. "The fair became the most affordable and accessible way to see a who's who of legendary musical talent, entertainment and more," he said. "I even saw a wrestling show there that rekindled my love for the sport."
Megadeth's David Ellefson: Ellefson said he saw Cheap Trick shortly after moving to Arizona. "I remember the emotion of it to this day," he says. He would go on to play the state fair multiple times with his own band.
Gin Blossoms' Scott Johnson: Johnson recalled getting Stevie Nicks to join the local band on stage to perform an old Tom Petty hit, "I Need to Know." "It was just incredible," he said. "I'll never forget it. It was such a thrill for me."
Sean Bonnette of AJJ: Bonnette says his favorite State Fair concert was John Fogerty playing mostly CCR songs.
Here's how much Arizona State Fair 2024 tickets, rides and parking cost
How state fair attractions have changed
The state fair used to host horse and auto racing until other venues catering to those events came to metro Phoenix in the 1950s.
During the '50s and '60s, the fair started to look more like what we see today, with carnival rides and touring musical groups joining the lineup.
Agriculture used to play a larger role in the fair, but that is in part due to declining interest in those programs at high schools.
Jack Bell, who served as assistant executive director of the fair before retiring in 2014, told The Republic in 2016 that many of the changes in attractions reflect our society.
"How many people do you know who make quilts?" Bell said. "How many make jam or can vegetables? Those staples (of the fair) are starting to dwindle or disappear. The American culture is evolving."
Arizona Republic reporter Ed Masley and former Republic reporter Weldon Johnson contributed to this .
