Big Concerts, Bountiful Competitions, Bugs and Butterflies at 2012 Arizona State Fair

Phoenix, Arizona The 2012 Arizona State Fair promises to bring a plethora of exciting rides, unique attractions and fun food to Phoenix in its 18-day run this fall. A tradition in the state for 128 years, the Fair has always supplied a strong dose of family entertainment, homespun creations and attractions for all ages and interests. Fair-goers can enjoy a variety of new interactive activities, demonstrations and sampling opportunities including OUR BODY: The Universe Within (new specimens), Steel Drum Corps, Butterfly Adventure, Sue Wee Flying Pig Races, The Real McCoy Show, and Behemoth Bugland. Families can also enjoy the returning Native Spirit Dancers, Toddler Town, the Great American Petting Zoo, and some serious arm-twisting at the annual United States Armwrestling Championships. Fair traditions such as animal and competitive exhibits will also be on hand, as well as contests for everyone, including the Arizona State Fair 5K Fun Run/Walk, Toddler Town Diaper Derby, Cocos Pie Eating, Frozen T-shirt, Wendys Chicken Dance and Chickin Flickin, and A2Z Txt Frnzy Texting Contest. Arizonas youth will compete and parade their accomplishments in Youth Week activities from October 17 21 and culminate with the Sale of Champions, an auction benefiting Arizona youth and their animals, on October 21. Over 12,000 exhibits are expected this year, including more than 2,500 animals to be displayed in the barns. Even more entertainment options will be available including the Police K-9 Competition, Governor's Office of Highway Safety Public Safety Days, Monster Trucks and RV Demolition Derby, and the All Indian Rodeo. Musical stars from country, rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and pop genres will shine at the Arizona State Fair Concert Series. This years diverse line-up has something for everyone, including Billy Currington, Adam Lambert, John Fogerty, Weezer, The Mavericks, Janes Addiction, and Old School Jam. Fairgoers can enjoy the concerts for free with paid Fair admission. The annual Read & Ride Program returns by popular demand to promote literacy. Children ages 5-14 are encouraged to read in order to earn Fair ride passes. Riding a wave of success over the past ten years, the program motivated approximately 8,580 children to read 25,740 books in order to earn 17,973 ride passes during the 2011 Fair. As a result, over 247,464 ride passes donated by Ray Cammack Shows were distributed at the annual Fair to Arizona children since the programs debut in 2000. A tradition in the state for nearly 130 years, the Arizona State Fair consistently supplies a healthy dose of family entertainment, homespun creations, and attractions for all ages and interests. It continues to attract numerous Arizonans each year to its location at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road, including last years attendance of 1,077,891. DEALS & DISCOUNTS EVERY DAY Fair Fun for Less! This years Fair continues to make fun affordable by offering special discounts to Fairgoers, including: Online Deals at azstatefair.com/tickets ¢ 2012 Season Passes - $18 for adults, $9 for children or Seniors for 18 days (available until 10/21) ¢ Pre-Sale Daily Admission Passes - $6 for adults and $3 for Children/Seniors (available until midnight 10/11) ¢ Discounted Unlimited Ride Wristbands - $25 for Thursdays, $30 for Sundays (available until midnight 10/11; then prices are $30 for Thursdays and $35 for Sundays) ¢ RCS Bonus Fun Passes - Buy Early, Get MORE! 10% to 40% more value - earlier you buy, the more you get (available until midnight 10/11) Good on rides & games. Online Convenience at azstatefair.com/tickets ¢ Our Body: The Universe Within Admission Tickets - $5, good any day. Children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Separate Fair admission required. *Please note: exhibit contains actual human bodies with eyes and genitals intact. Not recommended for children under 12 years old.* ¢ General Fair Admission - $10 adults, $5 kids (5-13) and seniors (55+) Good any day. ¢ Regular Price Unlimited Ride Wristbands - Beginning Oct 12., sales cutoff midnight the night prior, Thursday wristbands - $30, Sunday wristbands - $35. ¢ RCS Fun Pass - Good on rides & games any day - Standard Pricing Oct. 12 - Nov. 4 - 40 ride e-tickets for $20, 100 ride e-tickets for $50, 200 ride e-tickets for $100 ¢ VIP Parking - $20 - One guaranteed, reserved, standard-sized parking space near Encanto Admission Gate. ¢ Regular Price Front-Of-Line Fast Pass - $25 - Get access to rides faster with limited-availability Fast Passes. Ride tickets/wristbands required and sold separately for use of the Fast Pass. On-Site Discounts & Promotions ¢ 3 Every Day 3 Dollar Discount - Bring a receipt showing your purchase of 3 dairy products - Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt, any brand, and receive 3 dollars off your regular-priced Fair Admission any day! ¢ Cricket Wireless Fast Pass Discount - Cricket Wireless is the exclusive retail location for the new Fast Pass discount offer. Get $5 off your front-of-line Fast Pass, and experience more rides any day of the Fair. Coupon available only at Cricket Wireless Company Stores. Check azstatefair.com for in-store dates. ¢ Dollar Day - $1 admission Oct. 12 from Noon - 5pm. ¢ We Care Wednesdays from 12 Noon 6pm - FREE admission with donation (TBD) on Wednesdays Oct. 17, 24, & 31. ¢ $2 Rides and Games on Wednesdays Oct. 17, 24, & 31. ¢ Thursdays - 1 Hour FREE Admission -- FREE admission from 12pm - 1pm Thursdays Oct. 18 & 25, and Nov. 1. ¢ Thursdays & Sundays - Unlimited Ride Wristbands Unlimited rides when you purchase a wristband. $30 on Thursdays Oct. 18 & 25, and Nov. 1 and $35 on Sundays Oct. 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4. ¢ 2 Before 2 Saturdays and Sundays- $2 admission before 2 pm on Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and Nov. 3, 4 ¢ FREE Park and Ride Shuttle -- Park at the State Capitol and Ride to the Fair FREE. (Check website for hours and dates available.) NEW ATTRACTIONS and FAVORITE TRADITIONS: ¢ OUR BODY: The Universe Within returns by popular demand with new specimens appearing for the first time ever in the continental U.S. This extraordinary exhibition is designed to educate, enlighten, and help visitors understand the complexities of the human body. Embark on this fascinating tour of human anatomy and its systems and view specimens such as bones, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and organs. Admission is just $5. Children 5 and under FREE when accompanied by a paid adult. Separate Fair admission required. Please note: the exhibit does contain actual human bodies, with eyes and genitals intact. There is also a section about the urinary and reproductive system, with specimens pertaining to those areas. The exhibit is recommended for children age 12 and older. Parental discretion is advised. ¢ AZ100Flag Tour Presented by Bonanza Educational Help us build the State of Arizonas flag out of LEGO® brand building bricks Friday, Oct. 12 - Sunday, Oct. 14! This special Arizona centennial celebration also features an American LEGO® flag; with a total of 240,000 LEGO® brand building bricks being used for both flags combined. The flags will then remain on display daily throughout the remainder of the Fairs run. ¢ Street Drum Corps A high energy, traveling drum and percussion trio that inspires serious toe tapping and dancing by audience members. 2012 DRUM! Magazine awarded the group "Percussive Ensemble of the Year" for their explosive sounds and captivating performances. ¢ Sue Wee Flying Pig Races Cheer on your favorite oinker as these cute and cuddly racing athletes run through obstacles, hurdle, swim and take a running jump into the water to the finish line! Pigs may not fly but they sure can swim! ¢ The Real McCoy Show Watching Brent McCoy perform his construction-themed stunt comedy show is like watching Cirque du Soleil at The Home Depot. His charming character, lightning fast wit, and breathtaking circus skills make him a hit with audiences around the world. This ain't just a funny guy in a hard hat, he's the Real McCoy! ¢ Behemoth Bugland World of Giant Bugs enlarges and brings to life the hidden world of insects, on a scale that will both excite and amaze, through animatronics and interactive exhibits. ¢ Butterfly Adventure Be surrounded by hundreds of colorful free-flying butterflies, creating a magical experience for children and adults of all ages. This exhibit will be open daily during the fair and the professional butterfly wrangler will be available to teach you about the butterflies. Daily. ¢ Hypnotist Pattie Freeman Watch as friends and family suddenly speak Martian, or act as if they are professional belly dancers! The mesmerizing Pattie Freeman uses her hypnotic powers to transform audience volunteers into fashion models or a favorite celebrity singer in front of everyone. Even the shyest can shine on stage during this hilarious demonstration of hypnosis. ¢ Arizona State Fair 5k Fun Run/Walk Sun., Oct. 21 at 8:00 a.m. 4th annual running of this breathtaking event. Participants will get a return Fair admission for them plus four guests, a t-shirt, free raffle tickets for a chance to win ride passes, concert tickets and more! Medals to age group winners. Runs starts at the great Fair Carousel on the midway. Discounted registration available now on active.com. Registration is $22 through Oct. 19 and $25 on-site 10/21. ¢ Beerfest Come and taste a selection of unique beers Saturday, Oct. 20 & Sunday, Oct. 21. For only $10, receive five samples. Presented by Hensley & Company. ¢ Caribbean Village Take a break from the Fair action in the Caribbean Village, featuring entertainment, food, cocktails and shopping that will chill you out and deliver good vibes. ¢ Copper Gloves Boxing Wed., Oct. 24 & Thurs., Oct. 25 ¢ Cocos Pie Eating Contest Who doesnt like pie? Eat your heart out at Cocos Pie Eating Contest, each Saturday at 1pm at the Fair! Cocos Pie Eating Contest features 10 contestants in 4 different age categories, as they compete to clean delicious cream pie off their plates in the time allotted. First, second and third place contestants will win Cocos certificates. Registration begins at 12:30pm. ¢ Wendys Chicken Dance and Chickin Flickin Kids, flap your wings and get down, chicken-style! Dance the chicken dance with Eddie the Rooster himself, then test your aim by flicking a flying, rubber chicken into a container every Saturday at 12 noon at the Fair. Each child participating will receive a Wendys kids meal. For children ages 3 to 8. ¢ Wine Competition & Tasting On Sat., Nov. 3 and Sun., Nov. 4, sample some of the finest wines produced right here in Arizona! Enjoy soothing entertainment, watch the blind taste competition happening at noon and 2pm both days, learn helpful wine tips and try your feet at a grape stomp taking place at 4pm. Sampling at additional cost. ¢ Frozen T-Shirt Test your skills at banging, cracking and peeling apart a frozen t-shirt right before you wear it, in a contest like no other! Each Sunday, for the Frozen T-Shirt contest, 10 daring contestants attempt to unfreeze this cold ball of clothing and the first one to put it on wins! All participants may keep the t-shirts and the winner gets a gift card. Registration begins ½ hour before the start of the competition. ¢ Toddler Town Diaper Derby Does your baby have what it takes to cross the finish line? Find out at the Toddler Town Diaper Derby, each Sunday at 1pm in Toddler Town. These little athletes will be placed at the starting line with one parent on each end of the race mat. Parents at the finish line will then call and motivate their crawling kids to reach the other end of the mat. The first one to arrive at the finish line wins a prize for their family. ¢ Toddler Town Tiny tots can enjoy such indoor games as large LEGOS, tunnels, tumbling mats, a straw maze, and sand boxes with John Deere tractors. ¢ Thrill The World - Thriller Dance Watch as zombies attempt a world record for the Largest Simultaneous Worldwide Dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on Sat., Oct. 27 at 12 noon, on the North Box Office Plaza. Brought to you by the Phoenix Valley Thrill The World group. ¢ Great American Petting Zoo Visit the Great American Petting Zoo in the Cattle Barn for the entire run of the fair. The petting zoo features favorites such as ducks, llamas, donkeys, deer, chickens, pigs and the Australian wallaby. ¢ Native Spirit Dancers - Formed as a way to share native culture and dance with the world, the dancers represent various nations from all across the United States and Canada. ¢ Senior Day On Fri., Oct. 19, celebrate Arizona's seniors and their special talents, contributions, and unique flare! Seniors pay only $2 admission and can ride La Grande Wheel and the Carousel for free. ¢ Armed Forces Day The Fair honors our troops by offering free admission to active duty, reservist, veteran and retired military personnel and their families on Fri., Oct. 19. Enter through the Encanto admission gate with valid military ID. ¢ Sale of Champions -- On Sun., Oct. 21 at 4:00 p.m., children ages 9 to 19 auction off their prize-winning animals and learn about the business of agriculture and livestock. ¢ The United States Armwrestling Championships Get ready for the 8th annual standing-room only event Sat., Oct. 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the Arizona Lottery Backyard. This national event is open to men and women, with national rankings given to division winners and is FREE with Fair admission. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. ¢ Governor's Office of Highway Safety Public Safety Days Sat., Oct. 27 & Sun., Oct. 28 More than 30 statewide safety organizations gather in the Arizona Lottery Backyard to share their tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe! Kids get a Buckles the Seat Belt Bear for participating. ¢ 3rd Annual State Fair Police K9 Competition - Sun., Oct. 30 - The Phoenix Police Department, in conjunction with the National Police Canine Association, will host the Arizona State Police K-9 Competition on Sun., Oct. 28 in the Grandstand arena. This event will test canine team's abilities in the areas of canine obedience, search techniques, obstacle maneuvering, and tactical responses. ¢ Grandstand Arena Events: ¢ Figure 8 Racing (Fri., Oct. 12 Sun., Oct. 14) ¢ Quarter Midget Racing (Wed, Oct. 17 ) ¢ BMX Freestyle Team (Thurs., Oct. 18 Fri. Oct. 19) ¢ GCS Promotions FMX Show (Sat., Oct. 20 Sun., Oct. 21) ¢ High School Rodeo (Thurs., Oct. 25) ¢ All-Indian Rodeo (Fri. Oct. 26- Sat., Oct. 27) ¢ Police K-9 Competition (Sun., Oct. 28) ¢ Quarter Midget Racing (Wed, Oct. 31 ) ¢ WGAS Motorsports presents: Monster Trucks, Tuff Trucks & Trophy Karts (Thurs., Nov. 1) Monster Games featuring Freestyle Monster Truck Action & Motor Home Demolition Derby (Fri., Nov. 2 Sun., Nov. 4) ¢ A2Z Txt Frnzy Texting Contest Sun., Oct. 28 at 4pm ¢ Martha Midway's Wardrobe - Register by Sept. 12. Participants design (5) themed wardrobe options for Martha. More info at azstatefair.com/entries. ¢ Fairfield My Favorite Bug (New) - Youth exhibitors sew their favorite bug and must use a Fairfield product in creating their entry. Register by Sept. 12. More info at azstatefair.com/entries. ¢ Wine Festival Art - Register by Sept. 12. Special category in which entries will be displayed at the Wine Festival. Art must compliment festival. More info at azstatefair.com/entries. ¢ Photography Contests (Register by Sept. 12, more info at azstatefair.com/entries): ¢ Arizona State Parks (New) - Special category in which entries must have been taken at one of Arizonas State Parks. ¢ Fair Fun Snapshots (New) - Digital contest. Participants submit their favorite fair photo via email. ¢ Student Art Contests (Register by Sept. 12, more info at azstatefair.com/entries): ¢ Classroom Art Project - Theme: A Bugs Life. ¢ Video contest - Exhibitors create a 5-10 minute video on their interpretation of the chosen theme, This is My Town. Youth Development Contests (Register by Sept. 12, more info at azstatefair.com/entries): Banner contest - Contest for youth groups to show off their spirit. Open to 4H, FFA, FCCLA, Camp Fire, Girl Scout & Boy Scout groups. ¢ Culinary Contests: ¢ King Arthur Flour Great Cake Contest Sun., Oct.14 at 2 pm ¢ C&H Sugar Cake Pops (New) Thurs., Oct.18 at 6 pm ¢ KARO Corn Syrup Perfect Pie Contest Wed., Oct. 24 at 6 pm ¢ Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship Sat., Oct. 27 at 2 pm ¢ The Great American SPAM® Championship Sat., Nov. 3 at 2 pm ¢ Dutch Oven Contest Sat., Nov. 3 ¢ 2012 Livestock and Smallstock Displays (Agriculture Center and Barn): ¢ Oct. 11- 14: Rabbits, Cavies ¢ Oct. 17-21: Youth Week: Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Meat Goats, Sheep, Swine ¢ Oct. 17-21: Open (Adult) Beef Cattle, Swine, Meat Goats, Sheep, Poultry ¢ Oct. 23-28: Angora Goats, Sheep, Llamas, Zebu, Pigeons ¢ Nov. 1-2: Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Small Stock Educational Display SOUNDS OF MUSIC: The 2012 Concert Series features an impressive line-up of top entertainers performing at the Coliseum throughout the Fair. Additional acts are still being booked to complete the Fair schedule. Confirmed acts are as follows: ¢ Billy Currington Sat., Oct. 13 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $20 ¢ Weezer Sun., Oct. 14 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $20 ¢ Adam Lambert Wed., Oct. 17 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $20 ¢ The Mavericks Thurs., Oct. 18 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $15 ¢ John Fogerty Fri., Oct. 19 at 7:00 pm. Reserved Seating $20 ¢ Nas Sat., Oct. 20 at 7:00 pm. Reserved Seating $15 ¢ Prince Royce Sun., October 21 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $15 ¢ Janes Addiction Wed., Oct. 24 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $20 ¢ Karmin Thurs. Oct. 25 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $15 ¢ Jerrod Niemann/Jana Kramer Fri., Oct. 26 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $15 ¢ Korn Sat., Oct. 27 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $20 ¢ Arizona Derby Dames Sun., Oct. 28 at 5:00 pm, All seats FREE with Fair admission ¢ Sublime with Rome Thurs., Nov. 1 at 7:00 pm, Reserved Seating $20 ¢ Old School Jam Fri., Nov. 2 at 8:00 pm, Reserved Seating $15 Featuring performances by Midnight Star, Ready for the World, Club Nouveau/Timex Social Club, Shannon, Connie, and Stacey Q. General admission seating at the concerts is free with Fair admission on a first- come, first-served basis the day of the show. Reserved seat tickets may be purchased beginning September 15, 2012 through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com and the Coliseum Box Office (walk-up only.) Ticketmaster and the Arizona State Fair Box Office are the official ticketing outlets for the 2012 Arizona State Fair Concert Series. Reserved seat tickets do require the purchase of a separate Fair admission. View the full lineup, artist bios and photos at www.azstatefair.com/concerts. The 128th annual Arizona State Fair runs October 12 to November 4 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) and hosts a variety of fun-filled attractions, activities and rides for all ages at its traditional location at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix. Check www.azstatefair.com for the latest information. The Fair is still booking attractions and entertainment so check back at azstatefair.com for updates. Mark your calendar for the Fairs 18-day run from October 12 through November 4 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays.) Fair Dates: October 12 November 4 CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS. On weekdays, gates open at 12 noon, and at 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission: $10 for Adults; $5 for Seniors (ages 55+) and Kids (ages 5-13); Children under 5 years are FREE 1826 West McDowell Road ¢ Phoenix, AZ 85007 ¢ phone 602-252-6771 fax 602-495-1302 ¢ www.azstatefair.com