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Can the State Fair Survive? The scene is familiar: carnival rides, corn dogs, butter sculptures and bake-offs. But attendance is down at state fairs across America, raising questions about whether the tradition can survive.

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Can the State Fair Survive?

Heard on Talk of the Nation

Can the State Fair Survive?

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The scene is familiar: carnival rides, corn dogs, butter sculptures and bake-offs. But, attendance is down at American state fairs, raising questions about the whether the tradition can survive.

Guests:

Abel Gonzales, a contestant in the Texas State Fair "Big Tex Choice Awards" food contest

Rich Knebal, a cow birther

Arthur Grace, photographer and author of the book State Fair

Sarah Pratt, special education teacher; does butter sculpture, recently showed at the Iowa State Fair

(Richmond), 1992: Juggler with balls in mouth mugs for audience during performance. From STATE FAIR by Arthur Grace, Copyright . Courtesy of the University of Texas Press. hide caption

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From STATE FAIR by Arthur Grace, Copyright . Courtesy of the University of Texas Press.

State Fair of Texas (Dallas), 2003: Competitor in State Fair Corny Dog Contest wolfs down another corny dog in allotted time. From STATE FAIR by Arthur Grace, Copyright . Courtesy of the University of Texas Press. hide caption

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From STATE FAIR by Arthur Grace, Copyright . Courtesy of the University of Texas Press.

State Fair of Texas (Dallas), 2004: Standing 52 feet tall and wearing a 75-gallon cowboy hat, "Big Tex" greets visitors to the fairgrounds From STATE FAIR by Arthur Grace, Copyright . Courtesy of the University of Texas Press. hide caption

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From STATE FAIR by Arthur Grace, Copyright . Courtesy of the University of Texas Press.