Alameda County Fair begins this week

Catch carnival rides, concerts, horse racing, and loads of fun for the whole family in Pleasanton, July 1-17.

Locate your derby hat, brush up on your ring-tossing skills, and sign up for the hot dog–eating contest if you dare—the Alameda County Fair is coming to town. The nearly century-long annual tradition will be opening in Pleasanton July 1, and will feature an array of fun activities and live entertainment. Complete with a July 3 fireworks show (it starts at 9:15 p.m.), the fair is the perfect family affair, with a little something for everyone.

Kids will go wild as they check out farm animals hands-on in the petting zoo and cheer for their favorite wiener dog to win in the Northern California Wiener Nationals. They can even demonstrate their own talents in the Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull contest, Picasso’s Art Center, or the Kiddy Karaoke booth. Families should check the fair schedule for special events such as the Storytime Theater, running from July 1 to July 12, and the livestock exhibit, which airs July 12. Or, just buy the kids an unlimited ride bracelet for endless fun house, Ferris wheel, and roller coaster enjoyment.

For the more mature crowd, the racetrack offers some exciting action as professional jockeys compete in a race to the finish line. Enter the hat competition on Opening Day to compete for $100, or just stop by any weekday afternoon to pick your favorite horse and play your odds. Not a gambler? Go for a sure thing—the fair’s BBQ Rib Cook-Off begins July 9, and winning ribs are sold to the public after the finals on July 12.

No county fair would be complete without great live entertainment, and this one is no exception; an impressive line up of performers is scheduled, including country band Charlie Daniels starting it off on July 1, the Bay Area Blues Society on July 4, Evolution- Tribute to Journey on July 14, '90s R&B hitmakers En Vogue on July 11, and Beyonce’s little sis Solange Knowles on July 17, to name a few. Live shows will be happening every day at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the amphitheater.

Of course, the fair will also offer the usual array of delights one would expect from such an event, like face painting, pony rides, a game tent, and more. Performers such as hypnotist Tina Marie and a live Roller Derby featuring local teams on skates will also be appearing. Gather up the gang and get ready for an old-fashioned good time.

The 2009 Alameda County fair will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds at 5401 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. The fair runs July 1 to July 17, and hours are Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and July 4 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission at the gate is $13/adults, $8/seniors, $6 for kids under 12, and kids under six are free. Call (925) 426-7600 or log on to alamedacountyfair.com for more details and event listings.

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