This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

For four days in August, Davis County families can enjoy the Davis County Fair, a tradition with over 80 years of history. Running from August 17-20th, this community event features wholesome, fun events for the whole family, with many of the fair's hallmark activities free to the public. Taking place at the Legacy Events Center, the Fair has something for everyone: ponies, elephants and replies, princesses, pirates and clowns, plus live music, rodeos and demolition derbies.

The Davis County Fair began in 1929 and has been held in several different locations, including the Lagoon Amusement Park parking lot at one point in time. After a brief hiatus, the Fair started back up in the early 1990's and has been growing ever since, with each year drawing a larger crowd. But fear not: there is plenty of space for everyone and rest assured the staff at the Davis County Fair strives to provide wholesome entertainment and education experiences for the citizens of Davis County.

There are more than enough events, activities and performances over the course of the Fair to fill your itinerary for all four days. The full schedule is available here, but let us give you a few ideas of what is happening this year to make your trip to the Fair easier, whether you have one day or all four to spend. The best plan of action is to take note of when specific events, such the "Scales, Tails, and Teeth" Traveling Reptile Show, the popular Animal Planet TV show, is scheduled and make sure that is on your itinerary, then fill in space between schedules events with other activities that happen all day during the Fair.

Find a great spot to take in premier events, such the "Scales, Tails, and Teeth" Traveling Reptile Show, the popular Animal Planet TV show, which is scheduled 3x/day. Their road show will consist of an educational look into the anatomy and habitat of a variety of reptiles, and you will even get to see a live alligator up close! Make sure to stick around after the show to meet with, get autographs from, and take pictures with some of the cast members of "Gator Boys."

Many of the performances and acts available at the Fair could cost a significant amount of money for tickets on an individual basis. A core value of the fair is to bring premium performers to the citizens of Davis County free of charge. Another not-be-missed free event is the "Pirates of the High Sky," which is a thrilling pirate-themed outdoor acrobatic stunt show, consisting of a variety of exciting acts. They take to the sky two times a day, plus a third showing on Saturday. The performing group Magical Celebrations will be putting on numerous princess shows on the Main Stage and mingling with the crowds throughout the fair as well. Throughout the Fair you can expect a wide range of wholesome performances on the Main Stage.

Not be missed, is the American Legion Flag Retirement Ceremony and Military Tribute, which is scheduled on August 18th at 8 PM. The American Legion Post 27 Farmington in a solemn and spectacular ceremony, dispose of hundreds of flags no longer worthy to be flown. This breathtaking event will dazzle your eyes and fill your heart.

Once you have an itinerary of scheduled events you would like to attend, there is much to see and do in between performances. Experience exotic animal up close and personal in The Science Discovery Tent where you can meet snakes, spiders, scorpions, lizards, turtles and many more creatures face to face! And what fair would be complete without Pony Rides? The Mountain America Pony Rides happen throughout the festival, which is also free to the public. The same could be said for clowns, which you will find alongside puzzles and sandboxes, along with hands-on music, in the Creative Corner.

There are a few premium ticketed events which do have a small cost associated with them. Still a wonderful value, if its fits your budget, consider the Elephant Encounter, with elephant rides available for just $10. This unique opportunity to experience 9,000 pound Asian or African Elephants is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. These large elephants have unique and individual personalities, and their power is awe inspiring. The unique program provides audiences with an education on Asian and African elephants.

If you and your family are more into crashing, screeching and roping, the Fair kicks off with a Demolition Derby (Aug 17), and includes two nights of a sanctioned RMPRA rodeo (Aug 19 & 20). The demolition derby is an annual fair favorite and sells out every year, and the rodeo is a long-standing tradition that consists of a variety of fast-paced and lively rodeo events from bronc riding to barrel racing and roping. Pre-sale tickets are highly recommended for both the derby and rodeo, plus you'll save a few dollars off the door prices. Tickets are available here.

If all of these events make you hungry, not to worry: The Davis County Fair has options for all appetites and taste buds. You'll find many fair favorite eats, as well as cold drinks available as well. Just don't forget the sunblock - and a sense of adventure!