Visitors to the State Fair of Virginia said goodbye yesterday to the place that has hosted the event since 1946.

Some promised to continue the tradition of visiting the fair as it moves from the Richmond Raceway Complex in Henrico County to Caroline County next year.

"The kids really love the rides, and they like to see the animals," said Henrico resident Marcos Castillo, who went to the fair with his wife and two children yesterday.

Getting to see animals up close will bring them back next year even if it means driving a few more miles, he said.

The State Fair is moving to The Meadow Event Park, near Kings Dominion on state Route 30.

"It's worth the drive," Castillo said as his 8-year-old daughter, Martha, attentively watched chicks break out of their shells. "We will probably spend a little more in gas, but it is no big deal."

The new location will be at a much more rural site and is expected to increase the number of visitors, particularly from Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. This year, about 250,000 visitors went to the fair, organizers said.

Janet Witherspoon, who lives in Hanover County and has been going the fair for years, said the new site will be more convenient for her and her family.

"People from down here might not like it, but it is going to be closer for us," she said as she enjoyed a funnel cake with her two teen sons who were taking a break from the rides.

"We come here every year to enjoy the food," she said, smiling.

The 11-day event ended on a cool evening with a performance by the Canadian folk-rock band Clumsy Lovers.

"We have had great weather today. We have had a great experience here," said Windy Campbell, the State Fair's spokeswoman. "We are even more excited about next year."
Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or llazo@timesdispatch.com.