How2Day: State Fair Theme Party Ideas

Cotton candy is a sweet carnival treat. Jen Siska/Lifesize/Getty Images
For almost 200 years, the agricultural community has been coming together at state fairs to showcase their livestock and harvests in competitions and events. Today, state fairs draw thousands from the general public to the exhibits, carnival rides, midway games and fair food. For a state-fair party theme for kids, hang some patriotic bunting, scatter around a few hay bales, hire a face painter, and set up some rides, games and food stands inspired by the big event.

Renting a full-size Ferris wheel might be an over-the-top budget buster; however, several companies rent or sell miniature versions of carnival rides that work well for backyard children's parties. As of 2010, bounce houses are a popular state fair activity that can be incorporated into an event at a private home without much trouble. Prevent long lines and overcrowded rides by setting up a couple of midway games that deliver on the promise of a prize every time. Bean bag tosses and duck pool pulls are simple to set up and can continue until the player wins. Purchase inexpensive novelty gifts in bulk to award the winners, or pass out tickets to be traded in at the end of the party for treat bags.

For some people, a trip to the state fair is all about the treats served at concession stands. Rather than serving a sit-down meal at a designated time, set up your own food booths and let guests munch at their leisure on snacks. Serve up fair favorites such as corn dogs and large soft pretzels, along with chicken skewers and corn cobs on a stick to provide a dinner menu with a broad appeal. For sweeter fare, buy or rent a cotton candy machine and let kids try their hands at rolling their own candy floss. Other sweet-tooth booths may offer homemade fudge, caramel apples or mini donuts made on the spot by an adult equipped with a deep fryer and tubes of pre-made biscuit dough. Finish off the party with a roller-coaster-shaped cake and ice cream.

State fairs came into existence first and foremost as exhibitions for farmers to show off their animals, crafts and cooking. Create the same experience at a private state fair party by sending a request for guests to bring their own handiwork to display at the event. For livestock, kids can bring their favorite stuffed animals or dress up the family pet in a farm-animal costume. Other entry ideas can be gleaned from competition categories at real state fairs, including sewing projects, artwork and baked goods. Set up the entries around the event space as guests arrive for an impromptu exhibit. Keep the element of competition from crushing the party by awarding every entry with a blue ribbon printed with the details of the special event as a keepsake.

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