Arlington County Fair Opens Wednesday!

The Arlington County Fair opens this week at Thomas Jefferson Community Center! The outdoor fair opens Wednesday, and the full fair with the indoor exhibits and booths opens Thursday. The fair closes on Sunday.

Growing up in Boston I didn't get to many fairs, so I still get a kick out of rides and pig races and such. And I'm shocked at how many people have not yet discovered the culinary delight that is fried oreos.

But my favorite part of the fair is definitely the booths inside TJ. Row after row of government agencies and community groups with information about programs you didn't even know existed. If you're new to Arlington or just want to learn more about what's going on in your neighborhood, it's a must-see. The Green Miles will be working the Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment booth on Friday night, so if you're at the fair, stop by and say hello!

TJ is at 3501 S. Second St. with shuttles running from Ballston Metro. The fair is only about a 30 minute walk from Ballston area, but considering it's going to be in the high 80s/low 90s this week, the shuttle may be a better option. And an incentive to ride your bicycle -- there will also be valet bike parking:

Volunteer with Valet Bike Parking at the Arlington County Fair
BikeArlington and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association are looking for volunteers to help run our free valet bike parking service at the Arlington County Fair from August 16 - 19th. Valet bike parking will be an encouragement for Arlingtonians to bike to the Fair with prime attended parking spaces - that’s where you come in! We are looking for your help to promote cycling as a viable transportation solution by parking bikes of those who choose to bike to the Fair. If you are interested, please contact Henry Mesias at henry@waba.org.

Admission is free. Check it out!