All across America at this time of year, states are celebrating the bounty of their agricultural harvests and more at their annual state fairs.

It's a great opportunity to return to the nostalgic nights of your youth with a date at the fair. Hold hands as you walk down the midway, indulge in a funnel cake, and share a kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel. With the twinkling lights, buzzing sounds and possibilities to sneak away from the crowds, the fair is a perfect setup for a little summertime magic.

" Half the fun of the fair is walking around and seeing what other people are doing," says Jeff Willson of California's Orange County Fair. "So revel in your fair's local flavor and unique blend of attractions."

Despite a strong local influence, some things remain the same among all fairs. "County fairs will have animals, shows, lots of food, name-brand entertainment and racing," says American Traveling Shows owner Rick Larson. "A couple can easily spend $100 for the night at a big event or $50 a night at a smaller one." These prices include parking, admission, dinner and rides. Entertainment is usually free, and the price can be much lower if you go midweek, when prices tend to be discounted.

On a weekday night, you can also avoid some of the crowds and get a chance to sit down and relax. One thing often overlooked at fairs is the wealth of food beyond the candy apples and corn dogs. Many fairs have sit-down restaurants where you can get a full-course meal, a drink and maybe even do some dancing.

Another hidden treasure is wine tasting. Sharon Autry of the Los Angeles County Fair recommends its Wine Pavilion, which has award-winning wines from around the world, as well as nightly tastings that shouldn't be missed.

If you're one to grow your own grub, agricultural shows will give you inspiration for your garden at home, or at least a glimpse at the biggest and best vegetables in the state.

"If you really want to get interactive, go to the hypnotist show and volunteer to go up on stage," says Willson. Whether you get starry-eyed and do things your date would never believe or you just make a good effort, you'll have a good laugh and a story to tell.

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