Once a year, we get to see fair grounds at their finest: full of carnival rides, livestock and way too much fried food. It's a fall ritual. And starting this Friday in Phoenix, we'll gather together to celebrate the weirdest our state has to offer, from over-size legumes to best-looking livestock.
It all sounds nice and rosy ... but what about when things go wrong?
Just in time for this year's festivities, we've gathered this list of state fair horror stories - the funny-but-bad, the worse...and one thing that could actually kill you.
See also: - You Ready for the State Fair? A Guide to the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum Schedule - 13 Fall Festivals in Metro Phoenix
5. "Funny Crazy Drunk Blonde redneck riding bull FAIL at the state fair Swearing" California
Apparently California girls aren't always so great.
4. Stranded on the Sky Glider Wisconsin
We think about it every time we board a ride at the state fair. "Pop-up" works great for trendy restaurants and portable chairs, but carnival rides? We're still not convinced. And three-hour rescue efforts like these aren't making us any more confident.
3. Truck Takes Out a Pole, Two People, and Power at the State Fair Minnesota
In 2010 a semi-truck clipped a power pole in St. Paul, which caused falling power lines to injure two bystanders. Additionally, the felled lines caused extensive power outages at the nearby Minnesota state fair and over 300 surrounding businesses and homes. The out-of-power buildings at the fair included the livestock complex and Adventure Park rides (aka the best two parts of any state fair).
2. "Racism Night" at the Fair Iowa
State fairs are supposed to be family-friendly outings, but in Iowa things got ugly when teens decided to initiate "Beat Whitey Night" in 2010. Multiple instances of bullying and attacks ensued.
1. Livestock Causes E. coli Outbreak North Carolina
Last year North Carolina state agriculture and health officials traced an outbreak of E. coli back to a building that housed livestock competitions during the North Carolina state fair. The outbreak caused 27 people to fall ill, including one child who did not come in direct contact with any animals in the building. Lesson: Wash your hands.
