Attending the state fair is a favorite annual tradition for millions of Americans every late summer or early fall.
The first state fairs in America began in the mid-19th century as exhibitions where farmers could promote their livestock and produce. Even today, agriculture ranks as a top U.S. export and creates 21 million U.S. jobs.
Over time, state fairs began to include amusement rides, carnival games, concerts and an assortment of food — everything from fried pickles to butter sculptures made to look like cows. See for yourself in these photos from previous years:
