State Fair of Virginia page

Pork Parfait and fried Oreos, a Wild West-theme chimpanzee show and a Civil War encampment.

Not many venues offer such culinary, recreational and educational diversity as the 2008 State Fair of Virginia, which opens today at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

Events continue through Oct. 5.

This is the last year for the fair in Henrico County. Next year it moves to its new permanent home in Caroline County, near Kings Dominion.

The 11-day event offers standard and new dishes, rides and shows to dazzle the senses of all ages, while showcasing animals and agriculture -- the heart of the fair.

And one visit may not be enough, event officials said.

"The cool thing about the fair is every couple of days it changes, based on what people bring in," said Jay Lugar, marketing director for the event.

"You may have the demolition derby for a couple days and the Clydesdales for a while.

"The fair is a real organic thing that sprouts up for 11 days. People bring different things to it and then it goes away. That's the real beauty of it."

Last year's fair attracted more than 239,000 people, the largest turnout since 1996. The increase may have been partly due to different ticket pricing.

"Last year was the first year we had a walk-around ticket and we expect to do better as more people find out about it," Lugar said.

This ticket allows the holder to see all the animal shows, thrill shows, competitions and free entertainment, but does not include rides.

Now, back to the Pork Parfait,which is among the new, unusual edibles this year.

It consists of layers of pork, gravy, potatoes and shredded cheese. Barbecue sauce is an option.

Other diet-defying foods include Italian sausages and giant turkey legs, crab cakes and elephant ears. More healthful items include soy donuts and fruit smoothies.

Many fair favorites are returning, including the ever-popular Racing Pigs, Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show, and Masters of the Chainsaw.

New thrill shows include the American Duck Race of New Mexico. Audience volunteers will help mallard ducks race to the finish lines.

During the new Big Aerial Show, spectators will watch aerialists, wire walkers and jugglers in performances high above.

The new Clydesdale Ridge Six Horse Hitch Show (Sept. 28-Oct. 5) features the massive and majestic "gentle giants."

The Big Red Barn houses newborn calves in the Cattle Birthing Center. Other animals include Dorper Sheep, which have hair instead of fleece, alpacas, piglets and baby chicks hatching daily.

Tonight at 7, Lynchburg native Phil Vassar performs with Kellie Pickler, country music artist and former "American Idol" contestant.

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert are the headliners on Oct. 3 and Drake Bell & Rooney perform Oct. 5. All concerts are $25, and are held at the Classic Amphitheatre.

More music can be heard daily at the MusicFest Stage featuring a variety of folk, pop, bluegrass, soul and more.

At Heritage Village Music Hall, folk music lovers can interact with performers. They can also enter music competitions, including the Fiddle Contest Saturday and Banjo Contest Sunday.