Virginia State Fair 2016: Dates, Tickets, Event Schedule, Parking

DOSWELL, VA — Begun in 1854 as a largely agricultural showcase, the venerable State Fair of Virginia that opens Friday for a 10-day run at Meadow Farm in Caroline County scarcely resembles its original version that highlighted things such as hefty hogs and grand gourds.

To be sure, those things are still around but they're surrounded by live music, a dizzying array of rides, a mad scientist, chainsaw sculptures, a demolition derby, a rodeo, a tribute to homegrown Triple Crown winner Secretariat and offerings of food ranging from deep-fried to exotic.

This is the fair's eighth year at Meadow Farm, or as the site is now called, The Meadow Event Park. Here's a rundown of what to do and what to see:

The full schedule of events gives you an idea of the wide-ranging scope of this year's fair.

Concerts and most entertainment (but not rides) is covered by the cost of admission, and although ticket pricing varies, the standard price at the gate is $15 for adults and $11 for kids 5-12.

CONCERTS

A sensation in the 70s, the Little River Band opens the stage shows with a performance Friday at 7 p.m.

Other groups: Prospect 7 (Sept. 24), Granger Smith, Earl Dibbles Jr. (Sept. 25), Arise Band (Sept. 26), Kevin MaC (Sept. 27), Teaze (Sept. 28), Commonwealth Bluegrass Band (Sept. 29), The Tams (Sept. 30), Jackson Ward (Oct. 1) and Carolina Gold (Oct. 2).

PARKING

Parking shouldn't be a problem, given the vastness of the site at 13191 Dawn Blvd, and it's also free.

HOURS

On Fridays and Saturdays, the fair runs from 10 a.m.-10 p.m; Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

EXHIBITS

You name it, they have it — everything from a dairy cow birthing center to a vegetable petting patch, not to mention giant pumpkins and watermelons.

SPECIAL EVENTS

1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat is celebrated throughout the fair with a series of displays to honor the legendary Virginia-born champion horse whose winning margins were nothing short of jaw-dropping. There's a “Selfie with Secretariat” at a new life-size poster, and Secretariat’s own paddock will host his descendants on both fair weekends.

Too, there are tours of Meadown Hall, which feature the Meadow Champions Galleries, Triple Crown Room and rare Meadow Stable memorabilia. Tours are Sept. 24-25 and Oct. 1-2 at 12, 3 and 6 p.m. Click here for ticket info.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

Alcohol, guns, knives of any kind, pets and selfie sticks, to name the main no-nos. Personal bags might be checked by security when entering the fair.

Photo: State Fair of Virginia