I don't know why (perhaps he's been listening to Garrison Keillor too much ) - but my husband has expressed a desire to go to the Iowa State Fair next summer - even though he's never eaten a fried thing on a stick in his whole life. Took a look - and there are other state fairs in that area about that time of year too (Wisconsin - Illinois - Minnesota - may be others as well). Are there any midwest state fair fans out there? And - if so - which do you think is the best? FWIW - I don't mind if you root for your "home team" .

Pleasant somewhat rural location would be a big plus for me (e.g., Wisconsin State Fair seems to be in a suburb of Milwaukee - I've been to Milwaukee - it has its high points - but going to a fair there might be like going to the Duval County Fair here in downtown JAX - I much prefer the more rural Clay County Fair - good rodeo!). Robyn