We have two state fairs, small one and a big one. Small one was close to my house at the time, so we went there once and my daughter went with her friend's family a second year.
Big one, my daughter really wants to go, but it is a 2 hour drive away. I told her that we'd consider going this year, but then my brother came from out of state for a week and blew that idea out of the water. Maybe next year?
When I was a kid, used to go to the Indiana State Fair every summer. I had a love/hate relationship with it. I liked going there to see the animals, exhibits, vendors, the food. We pretty much never went to the midway, too expensive and I had no interest in riding questionable rides myself even as a kid. I really hated that it was in the worst heat and humidity of summer every year. It was always disgusting outside.
Anyway, the fair is not a must do summer activity. If we have the time, money, and will to go, sure, why not? But won't die if I don't go either.