Opening day is just around the corner for folks to enjoy the fun and excitement of the ‘Best in the West’ Kern County Fair reaching its 85th anniversary.
Gates will open Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. and for those arriving between 3 and 5 p.m. of opening day will get the benefit of free admission as one of the new promotional incentives to get people to come on out and visit this year’s Kern County Fair.
Last year, the fair had a significant decline in attendance with an all-time low of as many as 25,000 less attendees than the prior year.
Promotional efforts started as early as the beginning of the year with the return of Reading Round-Up, offering a free ticket to the fair for all qualifying students. Children ages 5 and under and anyone active in the military with ID are admitted free every day.
Other promotions throughout the 12-day fair event are on Sept. 23 and Sept. 30 with Free Thursday for Kids to benefit children ages 12 and under with free admission between the hours of 3 and 10 p.m.; then Monday Madness on Sept. 27 admission is only $3 for those 6 years and over that arrive before 9 p.m.; and topping off the promotions with a 2-for-1 Wednesday on Sept. 29 for adult visitors who are accompanied by a friend will receive a 2-for-1 admission price of $8 at the gates until 9 p.m.
Advance ticket purchasing discounts are available online from Albertsons Stores and for those Facebook and Twitter fair fans there are other promotional offers.
The entertainment lineup is similar to last year’s fair, according to chief executive officer Bill Blair. The low attendance was due to the record-breaking heat last year, but those who did visit the fair seemed to have really enjoyed it, so the entertainment lineup hasn’t changed much.
The shows and concerts are all free with paid admission into the fair.
“I think we have a great entertainment lineup at the Budweiser Pavilion this year,” said Blair. Since all the entertainment is free, Blair added, “We offer the greatest entertainment value in Kern County. There are seven stages of entertainment.”
Some returning shows are Dr. Solar with his magician act, Nerveless Nocks performing their special “Globe of Death” act, and hypnotist Tina Marie. The Guess Who and Tower of Power will also be returning.
There will be plenty of entertainment for the kids too with the elephant and camel rides, the Russell Brothers Circus and the Circus Review, the All Alaskan Racing Pigs and an all-time favorite the Turkey Stampede, which Blair calls “hilarious-and a must see.”
The fair will also include the regular features with the livestock and other exhibits as well as all the vendors and concession stands.
This year’s Salute to Agriculture awards dinner will be honoring Martha Twisselman as Kern County Agriculturist of the Year on Sept. 23.
This year’s opening ceremonies will begin at 5:30 opening day and will kick off with a parade.