The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: August fifth, looking at livestock on parade. 

This month millions of Americans will flock to fair grounds to celebrate their state's agriculture and industry with a week or two of fun, friendly competition, and nearly non-stop excitement.

For example, the 149th Wisconsin State Fair opens its two-week run in Milwaukee this weekend. In addition to raucous crowds surging on the midway, farm exhibits, livestock contests, home-made food to judge and eat, folk music, dancing, arts, crafts, games of chance, parades, stump speeches, and fireworks, there will be a blast of big name entertainment. The Temptations, Wynona Ryder, Steve Miller, Wayne Newton, the Isley Brothers, Kenny Rogers, the Boxtops, Gary Lewis, and Herman's Hermits are all scheduled to perform.

Ohio's state fair, which also opens this week in Columbus, offers a similar schedule of entertainment, as do these other fairs scheduled this month. On the 12th, state fairs kick off in Indianapolis, Indiana; DeMoines, Iowa; Springfield, Illinois; and Sedalia, Missouri. On the 19th, fair festivities get rolling in Louisville, Kentucky; Sacramento, California; and Pueblo, Colorado. And the summer state fair season hits full stride the weekend of the 26th with fairs in St Paul, Minnesota; Syracuse, New York; Salem, Oregon; Palmer, Alaska; Timonium, Maryland; and Detroit, Michigan. All run through Labor Day.

A day at any of these great American experiences will be one to remember, even if you only come as a spectator.

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