Our mission is to combine reading and family fun! The perfect combination of books, fun, and reward in October is nearly here! The AZ State Fair is offering a fantastic promotion to encourage literacy in our youth. Kids, read 3 age-appropriate books before you go, and turn in a form at the Fair to receive 3 free rides!

The Book

Choose 3: Read three age-appropriate books and earn 3 free rides at the AZ State Fair.

Age: Students age 5-14 years old

It’s true, there is such a thing as a free ride, a free carnival ride that is. In fact, there are three free rides awaiting young readers at the 2009 Arizona State Fair.

The ABC 15 program supported by 99.9 KEZ returns this year to encourage children to read by rewarding them with Fair ride passes. Each student who reads three books can earn up to three free carnival rides when they complete the official Read & Ride book report form. The program is open to all Arizona students ages 5 to14.

Riding a wave of success since its debut in the year 2000, the reading program has distributed more than 189,000 ride passes donated by Ray Cammack Shows to Arizona students. Last year alone, more than 6,900 children read over 20,000 books in order to earn ride passes during the 2008 Fair.

The Blast

The Arizona State Fair

Dates: October 16-November 8

Location: 1826 W. McDowell Road
Phoenix AZ 85007 (map & directions)

Cost: Adult $10
Child (ages 5-13) $5
Senior (ages 55+) $5
Children under 5 FREE

Hours:

Opening Times
Tue. – Fri. 12 noon
Sat. – Sun. 10am
Closed Mondays

Closing Times: Admission Gates
Sun. – Thurs. approximately 10pm
Fri. – Sat. approximately 12 midnight

Parking: Tuesday – Sunday parking is $10 in all Fairgrounds parking lots.

Non-Fair Parking: Parking in all Fairgrounds lots is $7.

It’s a blast! The AZ State Fair “has something for everyone.” The price of admission includes rodeos, racing, the petting zoo, science and 4-H exhibits, and lots of free entertainment. Don’t forget to check the Fair’s Concert Series for your favorite bands. Look here for a list of all the great rides! Check the Community Stage Calendar to see when all of the best local acts are performing. And of course, make a little room in your budget and your tummy for all of the delicious treats you can’t (and probably shouldn’t) eat any other time of year.

Extra Tips for a Good Time!

• The Fair has so many ways and days for discounts I couldn’t list them all. Look here to get a list of all the ways to save.
• Wednesdays are the days to go! Not only will you miss the weekend crowd, but the fair offers free admission with a specific donation and certain rides are only $1. Look here for details.
• The Fair is a very big and very busy place; bring strollers for little ones, keep a tight hold on your kids, and dress them in something noticeable and memorable. Make sure your kids know what to do if you get separated.
• There lots of Special Days at The Fair, including a 5K run/walk and a very special Family Day on Halloween with extra treats and family package prices.