What do a pack of dogs and a flock of interactive dinosaurs have in common?
They're both new acts at the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair, which opens Thursday and runs through Sunday, Nov. 3.
The Dynamo Dogs, a trained dog act, will be performing several times daily.
"They chase Frisbees and they dance and they jump over high things that they're not supposed to, and there's a little comedy," said Cliff Barton, chairman of the GBRSF board. "It's just a family show, good for kids and everybody, but the kids get a big kick out of them."
The interactive Dinosaur Xperience is a realistic-looking strolling attraction, according to its website.
"We actually have a (14-foot) dinosaur strolling around the grounds and people can take photos with him, that type of stuff," Barton said.
Beyond that, there are plenty of "old regulars," as Barton calls them, returning to Airline Highway Park/Fairgrounds for the 58th edition of the fair. It's actually the GBRSF's 60th anniversary, as Hurricane Katrina and the pandemic forced cancellation of the event for two of those years.
Daily attractions making another visit to the state fair this year include:
- Swifty Swine Racing Pigs: The piggies run around a 150-foot oval track at 15 mph; the winner gets an Oreo cookie.
- Magician Tim Spinosa: Sleight of hand magic with everyday items.
- The Dallas and Nick Show": Dallas is "The Fire Guy," while son Nick is an escape artist.
- Washboard Willy: Children's entertainer who mixes music and comedy.
Noah’s Way Exotic Animals Petting Zoo: Assortment of animals, including goats, a camel, a kangaroo, wallabies, deer and more.
- Mitchell Brothers Amusements: Carnival midway and rides.
Special events include:
- LEGO Extravaganza: 2 p.m. Saturday. Children in two age groups, 7-10 and 11-13, are given a random pile of LEGOS and have 45 minutes to build something. They cannot swap anything. "It's amazing what these kids come up with. They're very creative," says Barton.
- Kiddie Pumpkin Painting Contest: 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Painting starts at 1:30 p.m.; judging starts at 3:45 p.m.; first-, second- and third-place winners announced at 4 p.m.
Student Awards: Sunday, honoring 49 local high school students nominated by their schools based on their volunteer activities. Former LSU Gymnastics coach and LSU Ambassador D-D Breaux will speak and present them with awards.
- Hot Dog Eating Contest: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Check-in, 1:30 p.m. Contest limited to first 10 participants. First-, second- and third-place trophies will be given.
- Maracas Decorating Party: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. For ages 5-12 in conjunction with Latin Day.
- Agriculture/Livestock Show: Poultry, rabbits, beef, lambs, goats and dairy.
Musical entertainers spanning several genres will include:
- Friday: Adam Pearce, acoustic rock
- Saturday: Cumberland County, Americana folk; David St. Romain, country
- Sunday: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Band featuring Eddie Smith, Greg Martinez, Chase Tyler and Lee Serio, swamp pop and variety
- Friday, Nov. 1: Ben Ragsdale Band, country
- Saturday, Nov. 2: Natalie & Southern Accent, swamp pop and variety
- Sunday, Nov. 3: La Luz D San Marcos e Baldemar y Raul, Latin; Anthony Ex La Makina, Latin
"We normally perform our music and then back up a lot of the other artists," explained Hall of Fame Band's Smith. "It's always great to get to play with all the other guys. Music is an art form that touches people’s souls. Our fans become our friends and our friends become our family."
And don't forget:
- Food: Thirty vendors with funnel cakes, turkey legs, blooming onions, bacon cheese fries, egg rolls, fried ribs, jambalaya, gumbo and more. Many of the food vendors will have $2 menu items on Tuesday.
- Admission: $15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for anyone 48 inches and taller; unlimited rides wristbands, $35. Specials include $5 off admission on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights with coupon from The Advocate (Lamar Advertising also sponsoring). In addition, on Monday, free admission and free rides, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; after that, admission $10, with coupon, $5; wristbands $30 with coupon. $2 Tuesday (admission and all rides), and wristbands, $25. Wednesday, $10, admission; $15, wristbands. On Thursday, $10, admission; buy one wristband for $30, get one free. Online tickets are available at gbrsf.com.
An all-volunteer staff plans and operates the fair. Proceeds are donated to the Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation, which donates them back into the community for grants, scholarships and sponsorships. More than $4.7 million has been donated since this program began.
For a complete list of events and other information, visit gbrsf.com.
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 3
Airline Highway Park/Fairgrounds, 10672 Airline Highway