USA Today Poll Asks Public to Vote for Nation's Best State Fair, California in Running

USA Today has opened voting for its 2025 10Best Readers' Choice Award for the best state fair in America, with 20 states competing for the top spot, according to Sacramento Bee. California is among the contenders, putting its beloved fair up against rivals from Alaska to Wisconsin. Winners will be announced on August 5.
The poll lets readers decide which state fair deserves the national title. The top ten fairs will be ranked by public vote alone, making every ballot count, Fresno Bee reported.
California is pushing hard for the top spot. The state fair boasts over 3,000 exhibits and events, along with a wide range of food offerings that draw visitors from across the state, according to Modesto Bee. That combination of scale and variety makes it a serious contender in a competitive field.
State fairs live and die by their food and entertainment. California has built a reputation for delivering both in big numbers. Whether that is enough to beat out perennial fan favorites remains to be seen when August 5 arrives.
Any fair hoping to win this poll has to reckon with Minnesota. The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest in the country. It draws nearly two million visitors every single year, according to San Luis Obispo Tribune. That kind of crowd speaks to deep loyalty among its fans.
The fair also has a major economic footprint. It pumps significant money into the Twin Cities and surrounding areas each year. That local impact has helped build a passionate fan base — the kind of fans who show up for polls just like this one.
The competition is wide open. A total of 20 state fairs are in the running for the 2025 title, spanning the full map from Alaska in the north to states across the South and Midwest, Sacramento Bee reported. That range means every region of the country has a horse in this race.
USA Today's 10Best awards are decided entirely by readers. No panel of judges, no expert scores — just votes. That makes early turnout crucial. Fairs with the most engaged fans tend to do best in these kinds of open polls.
Voting is open now through the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards platform. The poll runs until winners are announced on August 5, 2025, according to Fresno Bee. Readers can cast their vote online for their favorite state fair.
Only the top ten fairs will be ranked in the final results. That means finishing in the top half of the 20-state field is the first hurdle. For California fans, the message is simple: vote early and vote often.
Publishers
4
Articles
3
Reach
4