The coming of fall in the Central Valley can mean many things: change in weather, start of a new school year, and even a change in wardrobe. But to people of all ages from all over the Valley, it also means the fair is right around the corner. Every year, thousands come out to see what is new and enjoy old favorites. From the cinnamon rolls to the fair rides, people are out to have a good time.
On October 1, Fresno will welcome its two-week celebration known as The Big Fresno Fair. For over 120 years, the valley has celebrated local agriculture and arts.
Though the fair has been going on for years, many feel that it begins to lose its appeal as they get older. The fair committee is out to change that.
“The Big Fresno Fair is proud to have something for everyone!” said Danielle Debouef of the fair’s communications department. “There are so many activities that appeal to the demographic; it just depends on their individual interests.”
The Paul Paul Theatre attracts many every year for its nightly concerts. For a fee smaller than those found at Selland Arena or Savemart Center, fans can get great seats to an outdoor concert of their favorite band. This year, Chicago will kick off the festival on October 1. Other acts include Pepper, Smokey Robinson, Sean Kingston, and Camp Rock star Demi Lovato.
The Livestock Pavilion attracts people of all ages, particularly students. This year, the fair is changing the Birthing Center to the Crystal Ag Ventureland Exhibit. While still featuring baby animals, the exhibit aims to educate fair goers on the significance of our water resources.
The Mill Creek pond will feature live fish, turtles, and tadpoles. The exhibit will also feature a section called the Creature Cave, a walk-through area that will show off amphibians native to the area and aim at educating people on the importance they have in California.
The Fine Arts and Photography building has always been a major draw to the fair. Some Fresno City College Students will have some of their most prized photographs up on display.
Every year, amateur photographers enter their work to share with all who attend and to win cash prizes. Other art medians are judged such as sculptures and paintings.
This year, the fair will now show a street art exhibit featuring local spray-paint graffiti artists. This will add a new spin on judging art and what students will expect to see at the fair.
In the past, the fair has featured “Knock Out Nights” on the Pavilion. This year, the fair will feature a “Tap Out Mixed Martial Arts” competition on the first Sunday of the fair and Lucha Libre Wrestling on the last Sunday. Both of these new events are free to those with paid admission.
The fair is also known for its educational exhibits. This year the fair will introduce Dairyville USA. This exhibit aims to teach the citizens of Fresno everything there is about dairy. Check out the milk bottle fountain while you are there.
Coinciding with this exhibit will be the Land O’ Lakes Butter Laser Shooting Gallery. You read it right, folks: a LASER shooting gallery based on the popular brand of butter.
This is truly another feature that makes the Big Fresno Fair so unique.
Locally, we have seen efforts striving towards green living. The Fresno Fair is hoping to join in on the efforts. On October 13, the fair will hold its first annual “Clean & Green Day.”
The day will feature everything you would expect: entertaining exhibits aimed at educating all on green living. However, many will also be happy to learn that this day will also save you some “green.” The day will feature 2-for-1 discounts in celebration of conserving.
Along with all of the new exhibits, the fair hopes to give a history lesson. Donations are currently being accepted for a new Fair museum that will debut in coming years.
This year truly has something for everyone. Even with our busy school and work schedules, we can definitely make time to check out what this year’s fair has to offer. The new exhibits can be exciting and inspiring. Who knows, maybe you may be a part of it next year!
