BLACKFOOT — Residents of Eastern Idaho and beyond will soon be able to bask under the neon glow of brightly colored carnival rides, indulge in kooky cuisine and share in raucous fun with their friends as the Eastern Idaho State Fair kicks off on Friday.

Last year’s fair saw attendance reach 250,000 visitors over the nine days, further cementing the annual affair as one of the premier events in Idaho.

The fair will open its gates at 8 a.m. on Aug. 30 and will close down each day at 11 p.m. The fair runs nine days total, running consecutively until its last day on Sept. 7.

Brandon Bird, general manager of the Eastern Idaho State Fair, is excited for the wide and engaging variety of acts and activities, promising “more fun” as this year’s theme.

“It’s a great event, one of the best events in all of Idaho, and for that matter, throughout the region,” Bird said. “It’s a shining star for the community and it’s a direct reflection of the community in many ways. I’m excited and always happy to be a part of it.”

Over 40 new fair foods will be offered by the multitude of fair concessionaires along with the usual gambit of tiger’s ears, delightfully sweet crepes, overloaded mac and cheese, greasy burgers and enticing deep fried delights. There will be plenty of fair favorites for everyone to enjoy.

For anyone looking for a bit of fun or engaging eye candy, patrons can take a stroll down the iconic blue-ribbon boulevard, which showcases Idaho’s best across categories like art, food and other creative endeavors across a gambit of age ranges.

Plenty of vendors will be selling their wares across the fairgrounds from industries that include agriculture, home decor, automotive, retail and everything in between.

“We always talk about our big grandstand events, whether it’s our two-time award-winning rodeo, the gemstone classic pro rodeo, or our incredible rock concert with Journey, our comedy night with Foxworthy, or our opening night with Craig Morgan,” Bird said. “There’s something for everyone. We have an outstanding midway with Butler Amusements that provide outstanding rides for all to enjoy.”

The popular and memorable HypnoFX will provide comedic hypnosis to the delight of audiences during the fair and for those looking for a more exotic exhibition, Sarah Twister will showcase exciting acts of contortion, balance and skill.

“This year we’ve got an incredible, thrilling mini circus that will be out in west events, sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union,” Bird said. “We also have a new petting zoo called Cow Town that will be its first time with us this year. Everybody loves a great petting zoo and we’re glad to have Cow Town coming this year.”

Bird continued, “Then on our free stages, we always provide some really high-quality entertainment that thrills. This year, we have Dan Sperry returning. This will be his third time with us. He’s got great fame with his magic that he did on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ He thrills, scares a little bit, but always provides good family entertainment that when he’s done, you’re just wowed, amazed, and want to come back for more.”

Whether you are chasing down crazy food concoctions, rocking out to the soulful twang of a guitar or simply enjoying the comforts of your closest family and friends, the Eastern Idaho State Fair has plenty to offer.

“This year is looking perfect,” Bird said. “We look forward to seeing everybody on opening weekend or any day during the nine-day fair this year, where it’s going to be ‘more fun.’”