This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The 161st Utah State Fair — billed as the state's single largest annual event — kicks off this Thursday, with events for the entire family through Sept. 18, from an appearance by the stars of Discovery's "The Diesel Brothers" to a performance by Blues Traveler and traditional showcases of cows, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. Gates at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City will open at 10 a.m. Thursday, with a special price of $6 for everyone ages 6 and up; children 5 and under are free. For more schedule and ticket information, visit http://www.UtahStateFair.com.
Among the highlights:
• Meet the stars of the "Diesel Brothers," the Discovery series that follows the tricked-out, truck-building antics of Heavy D, Diesel Dave and crew, on Thursday at 4 p.m.
• Rising star Luis Coronel will kick off the Grandstand Entertainment with a concert Sunday; other grandstand concerts include Blues Traveler and The Official Blues Brothers Revue.
• The Big Top Circus Spectacular is back in its one-ring, big top tent. Performers include the The Sensational Zeman Duo, who recently appeared on "Americas Got Talent," and direct from Cirque du Soleil Zarkana in Las Vegas comes high-wire act Pedro Carillos and Partners.
• From the Smithsonian Institute comes "The Evolving Universe" exhibit, taking visitors from present-day Earth to the far reaches of space and the distant past.
• Fair traditions include the Dairy Council of Utah Ice Cream Festival, Utah Pork Producers Porkfest, Utah Beef Council Beef Feast and the Junior Livestock Auction.