The Santa Clara County Fair was imagined to open its eightieth anniversary on July 25 with a ceremony honoring war veterans.
The festivities proceed on Saturday, July 27 with a parade at 6 p.m. featuring floats, bands, dance groups, unique vehicles and horsemen.
The theme of this 12 months’s fair, which takes place from July 25 to twenty-eight and August 1 to 4, is “From the fields to the future: 80 years of innovation”.
There can be free entertainment on 4 stages throughout the fair, including music of varied genres, magic tricks, pig racing and, for the primary time, BMX stunt shows, monster truck rides, skilled wrestling and performances by Circus Alegria.
Thrill seekers will enjoy the various rides equivalent to Spider, Wipeout and Zipper, but there are also loads of gentler rides equivalent to the Carousel, Vista Wheel, Super Slide, Berry Go Round and the Tune Town Train for those with more sensitive stomachs.
The fair will feature robotics demonstrations for kids and interactive exhibits from The Tech Interactive, in addition to traditional displays of local natural world and domestic art exhibits. Children can meet the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Peppa the Pig and characters from CoComelon.
There's plenty to do for 4-H members and Future Farmers of America participants, with a full schedule of shows and competitions, including goat milking and skillathons for animals large and small. Visitors can stand up close and private with the animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, horses and miniature donkeys.
The fair's food offerings include over 40 booths offering traditional classics like kettle corn, funnel cakes, caramel apples, pepper steak, burgers and corn on the cob, but in addition treats like ice cream-filled churros, strawberry shortcake and Orange Julius. Other food vendors will serve international fare like pupusas, samosas, bulgogi, gyros, curries, teriyaki bowls and ceviche. There may also be a wine and beer garden and a tequila bar.
Seniors over 62 will receive free admission all day on Thursday, August 1, while first responders and people with special needs will receive free admission on Saturday, August 3.
With the exception of the fair, monster truck rides, petting zoo and pony rides, most activities on the fair are free.
The fair is held Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose. Tickets are $17.50 for adults and $11.10 for youngsters ages 6 to 12 and seniors over 62. Children under 5 and energetic military personnel and veterans are admitted free.
For more information visit thefair.org.
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