One of the last bastions of summer is the State Fair. Just about every state in the US holds a State Fair of some kind, usually in the city where the state capitol is located. And just like real life, you can find a good old fashioned State Fair in SL, as well. The only thing missing from the experience is the crowds, the heat, and the smell of fair food — corn dogs, funnel cake, popcorn, cotton candy — Yumm!!

When I landed at the Virtual State Fair, I expected to hear calliope music, which is universally associated with fairs. Sadly, the only time I heard any sound was on the rides, or some of the exhibits had links you could click on for audio and/or visual information.

This fair is sponsored by Cooperative Extension, a research-based learning network who is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which officially created the national Cooperative Extension System. This celebration highlights Extension’s past and focuses on the contemporary application of Extension’s transformational educational programming into the future. And part of that transformational educational programming is their presence in Second Life.

This is another example of how education finds a home in Second Life. Take a look at Extension’s website, and visit the Virtual State Fair. There you can learn more about Cooperative Education in RL and SL, and also quite a lot about many things, from food borne illnesses, to the way a tornado works, to an entire exhibit about Andy Byrd, a quadraplegic organic farmer. Andy treated at the Shepherd Center, where an SL and RL friend of mine also treated for his spinal injury.

All in all, it was a lot of fun, with exhibits, rides, and just about everything else you would find at a fair (sans the rigged games). Go by and check it out; it’s a lot of fun and educational too.

Here are some pics from my visit:

I remain respectfully yours,
~ Suzanne Piers, ZoHa Islands Social Media Manager