Fast and frantic or slow and smooth, there is a fair ride for everyone this year

Fair fun will soon be cranked up at the State Fair of Virginia. The fair’s Midway Madness presented by the Virginia Lottery and the Virginia529 Kidway will open at 11 a.m. each morning during the fair’s 10-day run and remain open until at least an hour after the ticket windows close each evening. The fair’s longtime midway contractor, Degeller Attractions, will provide about 50 rides, with something for every taste and level of nerve.

The Super Nova, the Vertigo and the Super Shot will give riders big thrills and will again be featured at Midway Madness, along with the Giant Wheel, a Ferris wheel. Also in the lineup are rides designed to allow family members to ride together, as well as colorful-but-calm options for the youngest fairgoers.

The original Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. and was the largest attraction at the World’ Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The Giant Wheel is the tallest ride at the fair and fun for all ages.

The Carousel—a traditional, calmer ride—will be in the Kidway. Also known as merry-go-rounds, carousels date to the mid-19th century and are still enjoyed by kids of all ages.

As in 2013 the Kidway will be in the fair’s Harvest Landing area to allow more room for families with younger children. Harvest Landing is also home to Young MacDonald’s Farm and other attractions that are popular among families.

By the time the fair opens on Sept. 26, all rides will have undergone three separate safety inspections—by Degeller Attractions, by Caroline County and by an independent, state-certified inspector who will continue to inspect them daily.

General admission includes access to all concerts, performances, exhibits and demonstrations but does not include rides. Ride tickets and single-day Unlimited Ride Wristbands will be available for purchase at Ride Ticket Booths in the Midway and Kidway areas. Requirements for rides and some attractions include height, weight and whether a child must be accompanied by an adult. Those requirements will be displayed at each ride and attraction, as well as at the Midway Customer Service booth.

Ride tickets will be available for purchase inside the fair at $1 each or $20 for a sheet of 25 tickets. Rides typically require more than one ticket.

Unlimited Ride Wristbands will be available inside the fair for $15 Monday through Thursday and $21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The 2014 State Fair of Virginia will open Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 5. Information is available at StateFairVa.org.

The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.