The Alameda County Fair kicks off today for a 17-day run of fun and excitement for all ages, special tributes for the men and women in uniform, and fantastic entertainers in the biggest concert series ever.
Thousands are expected to attend opening day ceremonies and the fireworks tonight, followed by the largest fair parade ever starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow on Main Street.
Country singer Tracy Lawrence starts off the free concert series tonight with shows at 6 and 8 p.m. in the Fairgrounds’ 3000-seat Amphitheater. A popular country singer, he’s posted more No. 1 Billboard country singles than other greats such as Glen Campbell and Keith Whitley, and has won top vocalist and video artist awards from the Academy of Country Music and Country Weekly magazine.
Shortly after Lawrence’s last performance tonight, fairgoers will be treated to a dazzling fireworks display at the west center end of the racetrack. Best seats, according to fairgrounds specialists, are at the apron between the grandstands and the racetrack, but also at other open locations both within the fairgrounds and along Rose Avenue.
Then, at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, find a comfortable spot downtown along curbside on Main Street to watch the biggest Alameda County Fair parade ever. The parade theme, “Jump Start Your Summer,” mirrors the 2006 County Fair theme, which celebrates cars and racing.
This year’s Grand Marshal will be Doug McConnell, host of “Bay Area Backroads” on KRON-TV 4, who will be joined by honorary Grand Marshal Marc Meadors of Pleasanton-based Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. With more than 90 parade entries, over-sized balloons, floats and 10 bands, this year’s parade will be the most entertaining yet.
“On opening weekend, the Fair will also honor the extraordinary contributions of the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces,” said April Mitchell, marketing manager for the Fairgrounds. “We are expanding the salute to our nation’s heroes to three days with an array of special events, including the return of Operation Postcard.”
Giant postcard banners will be available to be signed by fairgoers and will be delivered to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan at the close of the fair. Last year, fairgoers signed more than 80 double-sided postcard banners that soon became the hit of soldiers in desert battle locations far from home. Many are still posted.
Also in the parade will be a special airbrushed Hummer driven by Lance Corporal Ian Dollard of Pleasanton. Dollard was one of the survivors when an improvised explosive device blew up the Hummer he was riding in at the time, killing nine of the Marines riding in it. Karla Comfort, 39, of Portland, and mother of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. John Holmason, who was one of the nine killed, had her Hummer airbrushed with the images of the 10 Marines aboard as a way to pay homage to those who fell on Iraq’s urban battlefield.
Comfort drove the Hummer to Pleasanton this week and has asked Dollard to drive it. As you look at the images, his will be the one on the driver’s door with the reddish blond hair. After the parade, the Hummer will be on display in the Fairgrounds.
The Fair also will salute troops during Military Appreciation Weekend. Starting today and through Sunday, all military servicemen and women with valid military IDs will enjoy free admission along with one guest.
The County Fair has added four more fantastic artists for its 2006 concert series. From the Grand Ole Opry and Bluegrass style of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, to the hip swing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, to the Pop R&B of KC & The Sunshine Band, these are shows not to be missed.
On Wednesday, July 5, young and old can enjoy the versatile singing of Pat Boone. With his trademark white buck shoes, perfectly combed hair and gleaming smile, Boone was the very essence of American values at a time when rock-and-role was viewed as a sign of the apocalypse. Then he embraced rock-and-roll. With 45 million recordings sold, he is recognized today by Billboard Magazine as the No. 10 rock recording artist in history.
Of course, it’s not all parades and entertainment. This year’s fair has hundreds of exhibits, contests and fair rides. There’s even a Pet Look-Alike Contest where fairgoers can email a photo of themselves with their pet, a barbecue rib cook-off, and cooking academy contests. In the Fairgrounds’ assortment of large, air-conditioned exhibition halls, fairgoers can find arts and crafts, knitting and crochet, scrapbooking, homemade jams, candy and cookies, and plenty of flower arrangements.
For many, the most exciting part of the fair is America’s oldest racetrack, which will feature live racing from next Wednesday, June 28, through closing day on Sunday, July 9. That will total 11 days of thundering hooves as jockeys battle for positions coming around the final turn.
Post time is 12:15 p.m. daily, although there will be no horse racing on Wednesday, July 5.
Box seats are sold out, but there’s a new feature this year: a trackside terrace that includes a full buffet, reserved seating and an excellent view of the racetrack with TV monitors near each table, and all for $30, including Fair admission. Call 426-7511 for reservations.
Adult Fair admission is $9 at the gate, $7 for seniors 62 and over, and $6 for children. A Family Pak that includes two adults, two children, a parking pass and 30 ride coupons is $39.
Special admission promotions include the military this weekend, Kids Free Fridays for 12 and under, Monday Madness on June 26, where everyone is free before 3 p.m., Seniors Free Wednesdays on June 28 and July 5, and Wacky Wednesday on July 5, with a $3 admission charge all day.
For more information on fair events, schedules and prices, visit the Fair’s Web site at www.AlamedaCountyFair.com or call 426-7600.
