Community NewsLV Life

‘America’s Fair’ offers plethora of adventures

From fine arts to carnival rides, the Los Angeles County Fair features a variety of amusements for fairgoers. Senior Nicole Ramos eyes Michael Bernbaum’s print art display in the Millard Sheets Gallery at the Fair, which runs through the weekend. “America’s Fair” has drawn over 984,000 attendees to date. / photo by Rosie Sinapi
From fine arts to carnival rides, the Los Angeles County Fair features a variety of amusements for fairgoers. Senior Nicole Ramos eyes Michael Bernbaum’s print art display in the Millard Sheets Gallery at the Fair, which runs through the weekend. “America’s Fair” has drawn over 984,000 attendees to date. / photo by Rosie Sinapi

by Christie Reed
Editorial Director

Familiar and traditional sights, sounds and smells of the Los Angeles County Fair reach an end this Sunday, but there are still many upcoming events left at the 68th annual event.

This year’s theme, “America’s Fair,” is not just a title. The Fair’s annual attendance figures make it the largest county fair in the world. With attendance ranging between 1.3 million and 1.4 million fairgoers over the past two years, the grand total is expected to be even larger this year.

The Fair draws young and old, friends and families for various reasons, whether it is for the games, the carnival rides or the contests, the traditional attractions or the new ones.

The favorite Ferris wheel and carousel still remain in the carnival area, but there are more than 75 other rides, including some for daredevils. The Ray Cammack Shows Carnival is making its 11th appearance at the Fair. Rides include the Grand Wheel, Top Spin and the Zipper, but for a new twist there are three “space” rides making their debut—the Orbiter, Starship 2000 and a giant slide for kids.

Aside from the plethora of thrill rides, the carnival area challenges skills of fairgoers with the game area, taunting them with potential prizes. All it takes is a quick arm, excellent aim and great coordination to walk away with stuffed animals galore. One can choose a basketball shoot-off, tossing a dime on a dish or attempting to toss a ping pong ball in a colored dish, to name a few.

While touring the Fairgrounds, all eyes turn to the sky and a spherical device that is bouncing as if it is a rubber ball suspended by a string. It replicates the bungee concept but takes it to a higher level. Rather than flying freely while attached to a giant rubber band, the Ejection Seat is a reverse bungee because of its up-and-down motion. Its twin 125-foot-tall towers provide two anchor points for the riders (two maximum), with more security than traditional bungee jumping. Riders are strapped into the safe device and are pulled toward the ground. They are then released, to fly 160 feet in the air.

This is just one of the features at the Action Plaza. All attractions are intended for the brave and young at heart. A new debut this year is The Rock, a portable cliff with climbing ropes that guests can scale. Other attractions include Air Boingo for the less courageous who wish to fly through the air by jumping up and down on a trampoline, and water balloon wars.

For those who live for competition, it is still possible to either participate in or watch one of many contests. Winning entries are proudly displayed during the fair and marked by ribbons, but there are also a number of on-the-spot contests held throughout the Fair.

Many contests are scheduled on a regular basis. Still left this weekend are Christmas ornament painting, clay carving, sheep shearing, a barbecue cook-off, pie-eating, wood carving and spinning contests.

A bouquet of smells distinguish the hundreds of food booths and hundreds of animals on exhibit. Traditional animals such as pigs, goats and cows still inhabit the livestock area, but unique and intriguing animals have joined the entourage. Rabbits, cavies, poultry and exotic fowl can be found at the “Furry Friends and Fancy Feathers” exhibit, and this weekend doves and rare pigeons display their lovely plumage and cooing sounds in open competition.

Cattle, sheep, angora goats and swine will parade the center ring this weekend in open class competition.

For horse lovers, American quarterhorses will compete during in the Gold Quarter Horse Circuit competition.

While the 68th annual Los Angeles County Fair nears an end, there are still plenty of attractions and three days left to absorb the fun of the Fair atmosphere.

Christie Reed, Editor in Chief
Christie Reed
Other Stories
Rosie Sinapi, Editor in Chief
Rosie Sinapi
Other Stories
Previous article
Trekkers beamed into Monday Holy Hour
Next article
Rush draws prospective Greeks

Latest Stories

Related articles

LV Life

Train museum takes visitors back in time

The RailGiants Train Museum at the Fairplex in Pomona has a variety of trains and other equipment from railroad history. 
LV Life

Bubble run brings family fun

More than 10,000 participants gathered for the annual noncompetitive Bubble Run 5K Saturday morning at the Fairplex. 
Arts, Etc.

Commentary: Drag offers gateway to queer community

Seeing yourself represented in the media can be the difference between self-isolation and self-acceptance. 
Arts, Etc.

Fair features eclectic art

The Los Angeles County Fair is now open through May 31, and while most people may be excited for the usual fair food, games and rides; the artwork on display brings a different kind of connection that may spark people’s interest.