Fair Warning

10 things to know before heading down to 19th and McDowell

Comments (0) By Clay McNear Thursday, Oct 15 2009

1: Officially – and a mite pompously for people who deal with swine – it’s the Arizona Exposition & State Fair.

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2: The State F . . . er, Expo opens at noon Friday, October 16, and continues through November 8. It’s closed Mondays.

3: Admission on opening day is a measly buck ’til 7 p.m.

4: This year’s first $25 Unlimited Ride Wristband Day is October 20; each Wednesday is $1 Ride & Game Day (really cool rides excluded). New this year: 21 Days for $21 unlimited-admission Expo pass.

5: Hot rides that’ll cost ya: Speed, Mega Drop, Le Grande Wheel, Skyflyer, Tango, Remix, Wave. Bargain thrill: Spidermania at three tickets.

6: Hottest tickets at the melted horseshoe: Bob Dylan (Saturday), Stone Temple Pilots (Sunday), David Cook (November 3), Kelly Clarkson (November 7).

7: Cheesiest attractions: Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Ham Bone Express Racing Pigs, Thrill the World Zombie Thriller Dance (set to Michael Jackson’s hit).

8: Admission ranges from $5 to $10; it’s free for kids under 5. Tack on $10 more for Fairgrounds parking.

9: Yes, there are ATMs on-site, and you’ll need ’em.

10: More info: www.azstatefair.com.

Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Oct. 16. Continues through Nov. 8, 2009