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3 uniquely Arizona things to see at the Arizona State Fair

State fairs certainly didn’t start in Arizona, although the fair and the fairgrounds predate statehood.

But if you visit the Arizona State Fair, you might see some things that are uniquely Arizona.

Contest entries

The fair features the winners of competitions of food, crafts and more, with entrants from across Arizona. Some of the entries reflect the Grand Canyon State.

Food

You may see these vendors at other state fairs, but Mexican food and Navajo dishes like fry bread speak to the history of the state.

History

The Veterans Memorial Coliseum once housed the Phoenix Suns, giving it the moniker “The Madhouse on McDowell.” The Phoenix Roadrunners ice hockey team also played there.

The Suns and the Phoenix Mercury temporarily practiced in the Coliseum in 2020 while Talking Stick Arena was undergoing renovations.

The Arizona Coyotes even considered making the Coliseum their home in 2015.

Grandstand events include the Native American Rodeo, featuring riders and ropers from around the state and country. Today's grandstand dates to the 1930s.

If you go

Open: Sept. 22 through Oct. 29 at 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix.

Admission: Starts at $15/person. Deals are available.

More info:  azstatefair.com.

Chelsey Heath is a digital editor at KJZZ.