Lights, Rides & Fairground Fun: Meet Us on the Midway
What’s a fair without the midway?
For many fairgoers, the answer is simple: it wouldn’t be a fair at all. There’s something about the glow of carnival lights, the sounds of rides in motion and the excitement of deciding what to ride first that makes fair memories special.
This year, Fun Time Family Amusements from Wise, Virginia, will return and bring approximately 10–12 quality rides. From rides for younger fairgoers to attractions for those looking for a little more excitement, there will be plenty of opportunities to make the midway part of your fair adventure.
Whether you're coming with the kids, meeting up with friends or simply looking to recapture a little of that childhood fair magic, the midway is ready to spin, soar and make some memories.
When Can You Ride?
The midway opens Thursday afternoon and stays busy through Saturday night:
- Thursday, September 10: 4–10 PM
- Friday, September 11: 4–10 PM
- Saturday, September 12: Noon–11 PM
Saturday gives fairgoers the longest opportunity to enjoy the rides, with the midway opening at noon and staying open until 11 p.m.
That also means you can make a full day of it—enjoy the midway, grab some fair food, explore the exhibits and livestock barns, catch an activity or two, and come back to the rides when the carnival lights begin to shine.
How Much Does It Cost?
A $25 wristband will be available for fairgoers who want to enjoy the midway.
Individual ride tickets will also be available.
If you're planning on riding several attractions, the wristband may be the way to go. For those who have a particular ride—or two—in mind, individual tickets offer another option.
More Than Just Rides
The midway is one part of the larger fair experience.
On Thursday, you can check out the 4-H/FFA Market Animal Show, visit the Fair Farm and catch the Mechanical Bull Riding Competition.
Friday brings livestock showmanship, the 4-H/FFA Market Animal Sale and Open Mic Night.
And Saturday is packed with activities, including the Farmer’s Market, Farm Toy/Vendor Show, Pedal Pull, Redneck/Barnyard Olympics, Critter Scramble and live entertainment with Amulet.
So come for the rides, but don't be surprised if you end up spending the whole day exploring everything else the fair has to offer.
And Yes, There Will Be Fair Food
A trip to the midway practically requires a fair-food stop.
Whether you're craving a funnel cake, corn dog, lemonade or another favorite, food vendors make it easy to grab something before your next ride.
And don't forget the midway games. Take your shot, test your luck and see if you can walk away with a prize.
For children, the midway may be the part of the fair they talk about all year. For adults, it can bring back memories of fairs from years ago. And for families, it creates new memories of their own.
Plan Your Midway Visit
- Ride Vendor: Fun Time Family Amusements — Wise, VA
- Approximately: 10–12 quality rides
- Wristband: $25
- Individual ride tickets: Available
- Location: Midway at the Virginia Horse Center
- Thursday: 4–10 PM
- Friday: 4–10 PM
- Saturday: Noon–11 PM
Please note: Photos of midway rides featured in this blog are representative of the types of rides that may be available. Actual rides are subject to the vendor’s available inventory and may vary.
Under the Carnival Lights
The midway is where the fair's “Carnival Lights” really come alive.
It's the laughter from the ride beside you. The lights glowing against the evening sky. The excitement of hearing someone yell as they take the big drop. It's sharing a funnel cake, trying one more ride and saying, “Let's do that one again.”
Those are the little moments that turn a trip to the fair into a memory.
So bring the kids. Bring your friends. Bring your sense of adventure.
The rides are coming, the lights are going up, and the midway is waiting for you.
