Illustrated cover: Closing Night at the Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, Thursday Oct 29 2026, a lit Ferris wheel and SkyRide gondola over striped midway tents with balloons rising

Closing Night at the Arizona State Fair

We did opening night on October 1. Four weeks later the fair is down to its last four days, and the last Thursday of it lands on my birthday. Forty-five. Charlotte’s plan for that is the fair, and I’m not going to argue with her. Same gates, same wheel, and as much of the crew as can make it. If you’re reading this, you’re invited. The chat did the math this morning ($5 before 5, $20 after, “this is crazy”) and everybody picked the early lane, so the plan is the gate before 5 with eight of us, and Steven’s crew straight from work right behind, if they can sort out the car. Dinner at La Piñata is still on the table for anyone who can’t make the clock. Either way we end on the SkyRide, because that’s how it’s done now. ...

October 29, 2026 · 11 min · TJ Swanson