Eastern Idaho State Fair Preparations

It’s one of the most anticipated events in eastern Idaho. The state fair in Blackfoot is about a week away, and vendors are already preparing for opening day. There are about 55-70 concessionaires set up. It’s perfect for this year’s theme: feeding frenzy.

Fair manager Brandon Bird said the best part about the fair is the concessionaires.

“There is no commercialism to them, so there is a unique local flavor and a lot of diversity that is from our concessionaires,” Bird said.

Diann Miller and her two boys are setting up her Coffee Espresso booth.

“This is actually something that happens almost all year long. You’re thinking about it and trying to determine what products to sell,” Miller said.

This is Miller’s seventh year at the fair, and although it takes a while to prepare, she said it’s worth it.

“My extended family runs all of the toy booths here, and so I kind of just expanded from there. It’s been in my blood for my whole life,” she said.

Bird said it’s busiest from a week before to a week after for his 350-person staff. But he said it’s all for a good cause.

“People have found the fair to be a place where they find and make good memories, and we hope to continue that for years to come,” he said.

The fair starts Aug. 31 and ends Sept. 7. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket officc at the front of the fair entrance. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for kids 6-11.