Fairgoers of all ages will find plenty to see and do at the 2014 Tulare County Fair, September 10-14, including many attractions free with gate admission.
Fairgoers will learn about Tulare County’s dairy industry while watching a sculptor turn 500 pounds of butter into a full-size cow sculpture. Walk on the Wild Side will display a variety of exotic animals, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations will be offered daily at the vintage camping display, and children can experience animals of all kinds at the petting zoo.
Fair week kicks off with Metalachi, offering heavy metal and comedy on the Budweiser Stage on opening day, Wednesday, September 10; followed by rhythm and blues/funk ensemble Morris Day and The Time on Thursday, September 11; classic rocker Eddie Money on Friday, September 12; up-and-coming country star JT Hodges on Saturday, September 13; and Tower of Power on Sunday, September 14. All concerts begin at 8pm, and are free with paid admission.
Throughout fair week, local entertainers will perform on community stages, including local favorites Branded Heart. Fairgoers can enjoy a hypnotist, drum performances, magic shows, puppet shows and children will be able to go onstage to perform in “The Cutest Show on Earth.” A tractor pull, on Thursday, September 11, and a Motorcycle Thrill Show, Friday, September 12, are also offered free with gate admission.
The Replacement Heifer Sale will take place on Friday, September 12, and the Junior Livestock Auction will be held on Saturday, September FFA and 4H students from throughout Tulare County show their animals, which are auctioned to the highest bidder to help defray the costs of raising the animal, and provide seed money for the next year’s animal. The auction generated gross sales of nearly $453,000 at the 2013 Fair – up from $404,000 in 2012.
The always-popular Destruction Derby will be held at 6pm on Saturday, September 13. For tickets and information, visit www.tcfair.org.
The fair’s carnival will be set up in three distinct areas this year: Cub Country, for very young fairgoers, Kiddie Land for older children, and the midway for teens and adults. The three areas, which will offer about 40 rides, will ensure carnival fun for people of all ages. Pre-sale wristbands are available for $20 prior to September 10, allowing unlimited one-day carnival rides. Wristbands will be available during the fair for $30 each.
Fair food has gone extreme this year, with new booths and fun new menu items. The 2014 fair now offers handmade garlic pretzels, deep-fried cheesecake, 30 flavors of soft-serve ice cream, deep-fried mac and cheese, red velvet and banana cream funnel cakes, ribeye steak sandwiches, bacon-wrapped turkey leg, and salmon burgers, to name a few.
Exhibit halls will feature judged displays of handiwork by Tulare County residents, including photography, fine art, quilts, bonsai, ceramics and clothing. Beer and winemakers can also compete for the prized blue ribbon.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 6-12. Seniors 62 and older are admitted for $5 on Senior Day, Friday, September 12, sponsored by Tulare Regional Medical Center. Hours are Wednesday, 11am to midnight; Thursday and Friday, school tours 9am to 3pm. Thursday open to the public 3pm to midnight; Friday, open to the public 11am to midnight; Saturday and Sunday, 11am to midnight. Carnival hours are Wednesday, 11am to 1pm; Thursday, 3-11pm.; Friday, noon to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to midnight.
For information, tickets or to enter one of the judged competitions, call the Tulare County Fair office at 686-4707 or visit www.tcfair.org.