ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico State Fair continues with a Friday to honor firefighters, first responders, Smokey Bear and a red ribbon relay.

Like law enforcement officers Thursday, firefighters and first responders will get in free Friday with a valid ID or uniform. Here are the events going on Friday:

Each Thursday, food vendors will also have one regular menu item for just $5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with “Graze Dayz.”

Food is a big part of the fair, but there is so much more.

“We have a bunch of new stuff out here. We have new spectacular entertainment. And we have a jetpack, water acrobatics show, sway poles. We have the pink poodle show. And then we also have got professional wrestling. Are you kidding me, man?” said Dan Mourning, the general manager of Expo New Mexico.

Not to mention the rodeo, animal shows and food competitions. The biggest competition is Monday – the annual Green Chile Cheeseburger Contest.

“It’s gotten so big that we’ve had to move it down to the Agricultural Courtyard and move it out to Main Street, so everybody could experience it,” said Mourning.

In addition to the burgers and turkey legs, you’ll find something new for the adults. 

“We have a speakeasy this year which is going to be awesome. And it’s kind of a steampunk vibe, you know, Mad Max, Beyond the Thunderdome,” Mourning said.

There’s craft cocktails, mocktails, and the official beer of the New Mexico State Fair. That beer on tap is Ex Novo’s Barrel Racer Blonde.

You might want to think about the $35 Mega Pass. It includes one-day admission to the fair and one unlimited ride wristband. You can redeem admission at any entrance and the wristband at any ticket booth.

You’ll have to act fast, though. The last day to purchase the Mega Pass is September 6 at 11:59 p.m.

“One of the things we got last year is we need more kiddy rides. And so Reithoffer Shows did not disappoint. They brought some really great new kiddy rides and of course, all those adrenaline junkies rides that you need,” said Mourning. 

In addition to the usual police presence, the fair is going high-tech this year to keep you safe with AI-powered cameras that are linked to the Real-Time Crime Center. There will also be metal detectors. 

“So more efficient and more effective for sure, and allows people to get in faster,” said Mourning.

So grab the kiddos, and forget your diets, and head on out to the New Mexico State Fair. For more information on upcoming events and tickets, click here.

Check out each day’s deals and discounts below:

• Teacher Appreciation Weekend (Sept. 6-8): All teachers get in free with a district-issued ID or a pay stub at the ticket booth (Free admission for the teacher only)
• State Employee Appreciation Day (Sept. 7): Free admission for firefighters and first responders with valid ID; State employees get in for $10 with a valid agency-issued ID or a current pay stub (discount good for only the employee)
• Military/Veteran’s Day (Sept. 10): Free admission for all active and retired military and veterans with valid ID. For everyone, you can get $5 admission (online only) and $30 ride wristbands
• Dollar Day (September 11): $1 admission all day, all rides are $1 per ride (minimum purchase of 10 rides required), wristbands not available for purchase
• Everyone is a Kid Day (Sept. 12): $5 admission (online only), $30 ride wristbands, Graze Dayz
• City & County Employee Appreciation Weekend (Sept. 13-15): Anyone employed by a New Mexico city or county government get in for $10 with city or county-issued employment ID, $40 ride wristbands