The Kern County Fair comes around every year, giving people the chance to show off their animals, food, art and much more. There is music, rides, food and candy, and a chance to spend time with family and friends.
“We want you to be able to come to the fair and enjoy yourself,” said Bill Blair, the CEO and general manager of the 15th District Agricultural Association. Blair and the rest of the association are responsible for making the fair possible by organizing and bringing the music, rides and all of the other attractions to the fairgrounds.
According to Blair, roughly 54,000 people attended the fair on the first Saturday. But what specifically draws people to the fair?
The annual fair in Paso Robles seems to rely on musical acts as a main attraction, but with acts such as Grand Funk Railroad and the Village People, does the Kern County Fair put much emphasis on musical attractions? Actually, musical acts for the Kern County Fair are booked from the same agency as other Southern California fairs, but organizers of the local fair don’t consider those acts to be the main attraction.
The musical acts, fair officials say, are built into the budget and provided for fairgoers as a public service. The acts are considered part of the overall fair experience. Entry to the concerts and shows are free with the regular purchase of fair entry.
Some people do attend the fair just to see the musical acts. “I missed the club square dance just to seem them,” said Debbie Gockel, 52, referring to the Village People, who performed Oct. 1. Gockel said she has been a fan of the group since the 1970s.
The Budweiser Pavilion was packed for the Village People, and when they performed the classic song, “YMCA,” nearly everyone in the crowd was participating by symbolizing the letters with their arms.
Gockel said she came to the fair that night just to see the group perform, but came on other days to enjoy the rest of the experience.
Kellie Stevenson, 14, was standing near the pavilion during the show but was waiting for them to finish so she could meet friends to watch Mark Yuzuik, a hypnotist performing every night after the concerts. Stevenson said she knew about the Village People but was not interested.