BY AMY DANFORTH
The 2008 Arkansas State Fair will take place October 10-19 at the State Fair Grounds off of Roosevelt Road. This year's fair features not only the usual rides, competitions, and food, but also a host of other attractions, events, and promotions.
The fair starts at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, with a 50-cent Friday promotion, in which 50-cent Friday-only gate admission tickets are sold at Harvest Foods. The following Saturday night, the ''Night of Destruction''-- an all-new Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Exhibit-- will start at 7:30 at Barton Coliseum. The PRCA Rodeo (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) will also take place in Barton Coliseum, with four performances over October 16-18.
Some of the free daily shows include the Jungle Island High Dive Show, the Marcan Tigers of India, and the Caboodlestoppers Family Show. The list of free concerts includes Bo Bice on the 11th, the Radio Disney Rockin' Road Show on the 15th, and a number of other artists, as well as several talent shows.
Although rides and food can cost a pretty penny, there are several discounts that families can enjoy, such as The Point 94.1 Dollar Day on the 13th, where gate admission, parking, and all rides are a dollar all day. Other discounts include Coca-Cola Kiddie Days, Military Appreciation Day, the Arkansas Twister and Radio Disney After School Party, the School Day at the Fair, and the Power 92 Power Pack.
Of course, no fair is complete without hot dogs and cotton candy, Ferris Wheels and kiddie rides, goat, pig, rabbit, cow, and equestrian competitions. All these and more will be available at the 2008 Arkansas State Fair.
For details and schedules, check out the State Fair website at www.ArkansasStateFair.com .
