The Tulare County Fair has begun and has seen a return to pre-pandemic numbers, although the best fair is yet to come.
“Our opening day today has already surpassed the 2019 numbers,” Fair CEO Dena Rizzardo said Wednesday, with about five hours of show operations remaining that night. “Our advance ticket sales have also surpassed 2019.”
In her second year at the helm of the fair, Rizzardo said she attributes the high turnout to the fair’s partners, highly supportive community and wide variety of attractions.
“The kids are at the carnival, and we now have 800 kids outside showing off the livestock — that’s how the valley was founded,” Rizzardo said. “But there’s something for everyone here. This year we had the “Remember the Fallen” exhibit, a 9/11 memorial exhibit that we couldn’t get before. It hits you hard. From music to entertainment, there’s always There’s something for all ages. And food! Who doesn’t love fair food?”
Rizzardo expects more than 100,000 visitors to pass through the gates this weekend.
In addition to farming, community arts and business information, midway carnival rides and delicious food to look forward to at the county fair, this year’s fair features a range of entertainment for all ages.
Multiple stages have rotating artists throughout the day.
Except The Band Fresh LA and Powerhouse! The Percussive Dance is performed multiple times a day, and the Michelob Ultra/Eagle Mountain casino stage will feature headline performances by Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, Idol X and Karla Perez – a tribute to ZZ Top, Billy Idol and Selena respectively. Beer Drinkers on Friday at 9pm, Idol X on Saturday at 9pm and Perez on Sunday at 8pm.
The community stage will see a variety of performances, including a fire in fire show, where a group of dancers heat up the stage by dancing with fire (you guessed it). The group will perform multiple times a night.
The Family Stage features multiple daily performances from the Kiddle Karoo Monster Playhouse and the Matt Baker Comedy Show. The former is a puppet comedy and musical show, perfect for ages 2-8. Matt Baker is a comedian and stuntman who holds five Guinness World Records and has been called a “total package” by “America’s Got Talent” host Piers Morgan.
Other areas of interest throughout the weekend include jumping! The ultimate dog show for those who love our furry friends and Brad’s reptile world, where visitors can meet snakes, turtles and even alligators.
For those who want more adrenaline, the Demolition Derby is on Saturday at 5pm. General admission for the twisted metal and motor-centric mayhem display is $12.
The fair is located at 620 K Street South, Tulare, Friday from 4pm to midnight, Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from 2pm to 10pm.
Admission ranges from $5 to $11 based on age, with discounts for service staff and free admission for children 2 and under. Daily parking is $6.
