Have you felt that you have explored all that is offered around Pocatello? That probably hasn’t happened yet, but what if I told you that a huge fair is coming just 25 minutes away from campus? If you are a college student looking to escape Pocatello for the day, why not take a break from your studies and visit the Eastern Idaho State Fair (EISF) in Blackfoot, Idaho. Whether you are just wanting some delicious fair food, catching various live performances, taking a chance on the thrilling rides, exploring the free displays, or petting the adorable animals, there is truly something for everyone at the EISF.

Food

There are more than 70 different food concessions featured at the EISF which means there is something to eat for everyone. Hearing that there are 70 different food concessions may be overwhelming, but I can recommend a few that the general public likes and that I also personally like.

When you think of fair food, you probably think about deep fried foods. Well, you are in luck because the Tiger Ear booth is all that with honey butter and cinnamon. The tiger ear is a giant scone sometimes reaching a foot in diameter that when you bite into it, you are rewarded with a soft, airy interior and a crunchy exterior. The cinnamon and honey butter that coats it helps to make it a delicious treat. I believe you haven’t been to the EISF until you have had one of these scones.

If you are looking for something more substantial that will fill you up, then the Let’s Go Dutch booth is a great value for your money. This booth features a dutch oven cooked meal that includes tender BBQ chicken, cheesy potatoes, and green beans. If you want a little extra spice, then add the jalapenos for a little extra kick. You will be full, but you may need something to wash down your meal.

The Fresh Lime booth is the perfect spot to wash down a big meal where they make freshly squeezed lemon and lime drinks and fruit smoothies. It is refreshing to have an option that brings in fresh fruits and will sit lighter in your stomach.

Here are a few other popular food options at the EISF: Reed’s Dairy (ice cream), Mexican Crazy Corn (with amazing toppings), Bread Barn (homemade bread), Good Wok (teriyaki chicken bowls), and Blackhawk BBQ Pit (menu features the 2023 People’s Choice Award with the Warhawk Sandwich). Come to the fair to find your favorite food booth that may or may not be on this list!

Events

If you thought that the food was all that is offered here, you should be excited to hear that there are some exciting live performances taking place this year at the EISF. Big names include Craig Morgan, Jeff Foxworthy, and Journey. Craig Morgan is known for his country songs that are full of storytelling lyrics that are sure to make you want to slow dance with your date or partner. Jeff Foxworthy is a well-known comedian renowned for his signature redneck jokes. Some would say that he has a Mark Twain style. The last main live performance you can see is Journey. Yes, you did read that correctly. This is the Journey that sings “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Any Way You Want It”, and “Separate Way (Worlds Apart)” just to name a few.

Assuming those names don’t get you excited for the live events offered at the fair, then here are a few other events to be aware of throughout the week: bull riding championships, western truck and tractor pulls, pro rodeos, and the demo derby. All of these events are amazing to watch, and you get a taste of what Southeastern Idaho offers.

Carnival, Displays, and Animals

In addition to food consumption and live events, there are plenty of other things to do around the fair. This includes the carnival, displays, and animals. The carnival has everything you would expect in a state fair including mini rollercoasters, carousels, ferris wheels, slides, and plenty of carnival games. Try your hand at the dozens of carnival games and hope you get to walk away with a grand prize.

After eating all day long, attending events, and spending time at the carnival you may want an activity that does not require money! This is where you can enjoy the displays of quilts, photography, art, antiques, cakes, and many other collections of things that the locals of Southeastern Idaho worked hard to showcase. It is amazing to see the talents of our neighbors on display.

Lastly, it would not be an Idaho fair without the animals. There are many barns and buildings dedicated to animals that many local students or kids helped raise throughout the year in their 4-H program. If you like to be hands-on with animals, then there is a petting zoo that you can feed goats, cows, and chickens. Miniature horses and emus are also available for petting.

The Eastern Idaho State Fair is the perfect escape from college to relax and to not worry about upcoming assignments. From the delicious food to live performances to the animals, there’s something for everyone just 25 minutes away from campus! See you there!