You do not have to give up the state fair just because walking the grounds has become difficult. The mobility scooter has become standard equipment at fairs across the country, and renting one can turn a long, sore day into an easy roll past the livestock barns, the exhibit halls, and the food stands.
At the Indiana State Fair, scooters and wheelchairs are rented through Scootaround, the fair's official provider. Several other large fairs, including those in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, work with a company called HomeTown Mobility, where an electric scooter runs about $75 to $80 a day and a wheelchair costs considerably less.
Scooters are only part of the picture. Most major fairs now set aside accessible parking close to the gates, run free trams that loop the grounds and can carry riders along with their mobility devices, and even provide quiet sensory rooms for anyone who needs a break from the noise and the crowds.
One piece of advice makes the whole day go more smoothly: reserve ahead. Fairs keep only a limited number of scooters for walk-up visitors on a first-come basis, and most ask that you book at least 24 hours in advance. Bring a driver's license or state identification, which rentals typically require.
Because the details differ from one fair to the next, it pays to check your own fair's accessibility page before you go. It will list rental locations and prices, show the closest parking and the route the trams travel.
Allyson Good curates senior living, health, and family content. She is formerly the Managing Editor of Active Life, a print newspaper published in 2016-2017 for seniors, choosing practical articles on health, money, safety, and everyday living for older readers. She is also an avid gardener and offers up Garden Hints and Tips on a regular basis.