Setup for the Eastern Idaho State Fair is underway

Fair time is getting closer and closer. The Eastern Idaho State Fair is just days away and workers are busy getting everything ready for us.

Planning for the fair starts right when last year’s fair ends, but there is still plenty of last-minute work to make sure everything from the rides to the food must be ready by opening day.

“Setup is going great. Weather is being nice to us, which makes it a lot nicer to be able to go through setup. But no matter how you shake it out, it’s a hard week of labor from a lot of people who make the fair great and pull it all together,” said fair general manager Brandon Bird.

Though the state of Idaho does not require carnival rides to be inspected, the fair hires a private inspector to make sure each and every ride is safe.

“We do a ‘best practice’ method where we have an independent ride inspector come. That ride inspector comes and goes through everything to make sure that we provide the most safest rides that we can,” Bird said.

Of course, the rides are not the only attraction. Mr. Rodney with Fazakerley‘s Gourmet Fudge and Candy has to also prepare for the fair.

“We’re excited for the fair food. Not only because it’s just great food, but it’s some of the best in the west,” Bird said.

In addition to the rides and food, there will be live musical guests and a variety of old and new attractions.

“This year’s theme is ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Happy.’ And there is plenty of happiness to be found here at the fair,” Bird said.

There are four more days until the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. will be Eyewitness News Day. You can get into the fair for only $3 if you bring in a school supply item.

Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. will be Local News 8 Day. You can get into the fair for only $3 if you bring in a can of food.

The news teams will be there those days, so be sure to stop by the booths and say ‘hi.’