Why Do State Fairs Exist?

State fairs are great places to throw ping-pong balls at goldfish or see a rodeo or buy cheap peaches or maybe marvel at the latest corn harvesters. Depends on where you live. They started back in the 19th century as a way to celebrate the annual harvest. Back then, that was a big deal to everyone, because Safeway wasn't around the corner and produce from Chile stayed in Chile. How things have changed. In 1920 there were more than six million farms in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Now there are fewer than two million. Still, 17 state fairs take place this month.

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