The success of the Eastern Idaho State Fair depends on a number of components—and the free entertainment is always a home run. If you thought it couldn’t get any better than last year, think again!
Michael Swenson
Fairgoers can’t get enough of this guy—that’s why he’s coming back for another round of spellbinding entertainment! Swenson is a professional certified stage hypnotist, self-help hypnosis teacher and owner of the Swenson Company. His witty, no nonsense approach to hypnotism will mesmerize even the toughest skeptics in the crowd. Swenson never fails to draw a large crowd and the way he can transform random strangers into stars is like magic. Find your seats early and prepare to be amazed!
Doo-Wah Riders
Deemed a country band with a Cajun twist, the Doo-Wah Riders have been entertaining crowds for over 30 years. This high-energy band produces a unique sound you won’t hear anywhere else. They’ve appeared in concert with Garth Brooks, Alabama, Willie Nelson and Faith Hill, to name a few. Band member Ken Lee Benson says, “We are excited to be coming back to the Eastern Idaho State Fair,” and says the group has many great memories of it from years past. If you’ve never seen a Doo-Wah Riders performance, now is your chance to settle in and let the music carry you away.
Charley Jenkins
This Idaho native became wildly popular as one of twelve contestants on CMT’s Nashville Star in the summer of 2008. He hasn’t slowed down since. Jenkins has shared the stage with headliners LeAnn Rimes, Lonestar, Taylor Swift and many more. Wherever he tours, he’s committed to keeping his audience entertained and involved in his show. You’ll hear classic cover tunes and fresh songs influenced by his new record in progress. There’ll even be a fiddle player this year that will add a new dynamic to his popular country show.
Matt Baker
Looking for a laugh? Matt Baker can give you that. His interactive one-man stunt show has been wowing audiences across the globe for over six years. This stand-up comedian tells stories and jokes while integrating crazy, suspenseful tricks and hijinks into his act. He has appeared on America’s Got Talent, Last Comic Standing and CCTV in China. He was also featured at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and holds a Guinness World Record for the most complete changeover juggling three objects in one minute.
Jeanne Coady
She’s a Patsy Cline tribute artist who will transport you back to the 50s and 60s through her lineup of 17 songs chronicling Cline’s life and hits. Her songs are guaranteed to make you feel good and long for the days of old. Grab a fair treat and head to the stage to enjoy another era with Jeanne Coady.
T.C. Hatter & Marcianne
This isn’t the first time this comedy duo has hit the fair. These seasoned entertainers have returned for another round of giggles and laughs with their impromptu story telling—integrating juggling, magic, music and pantomime through the help of some lucky audience members. Fairgoers of all ages will be grinning from ear to ear and quite possibly clutching their sides from busting a gut by the time they’re through!
Lloyd Mabrey
The guitar, the voice, the entertainment…you’ll be hooked the moment Lloyd Mabrey takes the stage. A self-taught musician and songwriter, Mabrey has over 30 years of experience entertaining and performing for celebrities and Fortune 500 companies across the country. Mabrey has recently been hired by Disney Cruise Ships as mainstage entertainer for cruises in the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. Mabrey’s natural talent and knack for pleasing crowds of all ages make this one family show you can’t miss!
Fun for the Whole Family
Time flies when you’re having fun! These family-friendly exhibits located in the West Events Area will keep your little ones (and big ones) busy all day long.
McKee’s Petting Zoo
If you’re looking for a place where the kids can get up close and personal with cute farm animals, look no further. At McKee’s Petting Zoo, animal lovers can pet and feed goats, sheep, ponies and puppies to their little heart’s content. In addition to one-on-one time, kids can learn fun facts about the animals from the friendly staff members on hand.
Meet the Animals
This interactive exhibit goes beyond the petting zoo with interactive exhibits that educate and entertain. Kids can milk a cow, watch chickens hatch, visit an on-going egg laying display, and have their pictures taken on a 1,500 lb. Texas Longhorn. Yee-Haw!
Super Science Company
Hands-on is the way to go when it comes to kids and the Fair. This fun science exhibit delivers just that with its unique toys and objects guaranteed to push the limits of the mind. There are 30 different activities, including mind-bogglers, optical illusions, magnetic walls and a kids construction area. For more information visit www.supersciencecompany.com.
Rocket’s K-9 Comets Frisbee Dog Stars
These dogs have major talent and will impress all who come to see their amazing Frisbee show. This event features six hunting and herding dogs who love to catch Frisbees. Early birds can participate in the Dog Trivia contest and win cool prizes. Rocket Hoskins, the team’s expert dog trainer and human star of the show, will answer questions after the show and let the crowd meet and pet some of the K-9 stars. Three Shows Daily.
Agrium Seed Survivor
This place is a science lover’s paradise. Kids can plant a sunflower seed to take home and grow, play farmer by applying nutrients and water to three fields, examine an insect’s body parts, unscramble puzzles to learn the wheat to bread process and—hunt for hidden plants and animals in a watershed. For more information visit www.growingthenextgeneration.com.
Play N’ Trade
Hanging out at this tent is great for many reasons. Most importantly, you can play the newest video games for free and you can also cool off in a shaded area. While you’re there, ask about the daily competitions offered at the Fair.
Live Shark Encounter
If you see a 5,000 gallon aquarium filled with sharks at the Fair, you’re not dreaming. There really is a tank and even a diver who gets inside it to swim and interact with these sharks. Haai Inc. presents the only traveling shark show in the country, founded by former circus performers Philip and Marco Peters in 2004.
If this lineup seems like a motherlode of entertainment, consider this: it's just the free stuff. The Eastern Idaho State Fair is rightly considered the largest community event in the region. For a detailed day-by-day synopsis of all the attractions and activities, check out the official EISF Program. You can read the guide in its entirety at http://read.uberflip.com/i/78766.
