Free fair with any concert

If a humongous Vermont fair isn't enough of a reason to fill the tank a couple of times hauling up to Essex Junction, maybe a few concerts will convince you. In its 87th year, the Champlain Valley Exposition, has a line-up that will make your head spin, and with every ticket purchase comes free admission to the fair. The fair runs Aug. 23-Sept. 1 and the grandstand concert schedule is:
Aug. 23, 8 p.m. - A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, plus fireworks
Aug. 24, 7 p.m. - Daughtry
Aug. 25, 7 p.m. - Danity Kane
Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. - Ted Nugent
Aug. 30, 7 p.m. - Toby Keith
Aug. 31, 7 p.m. - Jonas Brothers, plus fireworks

Again, any purchase of advance concert tickets gets you free admission to the fair the day of the show. Tickets available at Flynn Regional Box Office, or by phone at 802-86-FLYNN.

Here are some pointers for making the trip hassle-free:
• Come early to avoid traffic delays.
• Will-call tickets will be held for pickup by the Red Gate for advance orders.
• Professional cameras, video cameras and laser pointers are not allowed.
• No umbrellas; come prepared for late-summer outdoor conditions.