For many people, a trip to the Western Idaho Fair comes with traditions the rides and, of course, the food they come back for year after year.
For Lynn Jones, that tradition is also a family affair.
Jones Burgers has become a familiar food stop at the fair, but behind the counter, Jones says generations of his family have grown up helping with the business.
“Basically, it’s just been such a family tradition,” Jones said.
for over 60 years from memories of coming down with his father that tradition now includes his brothers, children, nieces and nephews.
“My brothers and kids and nieces and nephews all have grown up here,” Jones said.
He says family members start helping as soon as they are old enough, beginning with simple jobs like writing orders on a ticket pad before taking on more responsibility.
But the family is only one part of what keeps Jones coming back. He also enjoys watching new people experience the fair while still holding onto what he describes as an old-time fair atmosphere.
And for the people who return every year, Jones says certain foods have become traditions of their own.
One of those is a simple fair favorite at Jones Burgers: a large serving of fries.
“We call it a pound of fries,” Jones said. “It’s just a great big bowl of fries.”
It’s the kind of food people come back looking for each year and for the Jones family, serving those familiar favorites is also another part of why they keep returning to the fair.
The 2026 Western Idaho Fair runs Aug. 21 through Aug. 30 at Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood Street in Boise. The fair is open noon to 11 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 11 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with the final Sunday, Aug. 30, running from 11 am to 10 pm.
Dining and Cooking