The Alameda County Fair opened last Friday, and people from around the county flocked to Pleasanton for the fun. Despite the hot weather, families and friends were out in full force checking out exhibits, playing with the animals and eating funnel cake.
“It’s a good place for the kids to come, see and learn,” said Ray Noyce of Rodeo. Noyce was at the Fair with his son, Alex, who is 2 years old, and his father, Dale.
“I come every year,” said Dale, who used to be in the cattle ranching business. In fact, he raised his son Ray on a ranch, but had to leave it as he got older and could not care for it anymore. “It’s too bad because my grandson doesn’t get a chance to learn about animals,” Dale said. That’s why Ray and Dale brought Alex to the animal stalls, so he could see real animals up close.
Many people enjoy the Fair because it brings them back to the farming and ranching traditions of this area. Going to the Fair has become an annual event for many people, whether they are in Pleasanton or elsewhere.
Patti and Bert Robarts have lived in Pleasanton for 35 years, and they said they go to the Fair at least three times when it’s in town.
“I love shopping here and I love the exhibitions,” Patti said. The couple plan on coming back to watch Pat Boone perform on July 5. “It’s great entertainment,” Patti added.
Spencer Miller, 14, and Sam Smith, 13, were interested in one thing and one thing only.
“Rides!” they shouted when asked what part of the Fair they’re looking forward to.
While many people come for the fun, Karla Comfort was there for a different reason. Comfort’s son Lance Corporal John Holmason died in the Iraq War when the Hummer he was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device, killing nine of the marines on board. As a tribute to her son, Comfort had a Hummer airbrushed with the faces of the 10 marines in the vehicle at the time, one of which was Pleasanton resident Ian Dollard who survived the attack. Dollard drove the Hummer in the Fair’s opening parade last Friday and Comfort walked along side it. After the parade, the Hummer was on display during the weekend before Comfort drove it back to her home in Portland.
“It’s more of a memorial to John,” Comfort said. “I didn’t do it to make an impression on anyone else.”
Comfort got the idea after she saw a Ford Mustang decorated to honor veterans of the Vietnam War. She asked her younger sons, Joshua, 17, and Jake, 15, what they thought of the idea to do the same thing for John. Thinking it was a nice idea, the family got to work and commissioned the living memorial.
Fourth of July will be particularly difficult for Comfort this year because that was the day her son shipped to Iraq. While the family doesn’t have any specific plans, they will be together.
Fairgoers who may have missed the Hummer can still express their support for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by signing several giant postcards that will be sent after the Fair closes.
The Fair will continue its run through July 9. For a complete list of acts and events, visit www.alamedacountyfair.com.
Where to go on July 4th
‘Let Freedom Ring!’ Pleasanton’s traditional July 4 free picnic and concert will happen again, like always, at Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St., from 1-2:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring!” Keeping with the theme, the Pleasanton Family Bells will perform as a bell choir with the Pleasanton Community Concert Band. The Pleasanton Lions Club will provide free hand-held American flags to the first 400 who arrive and will be selling hot dogs with water or soda for $1. Free patriotic tattoos for children will also be offered.Alameda County Fairgrounds
While the Fair has not put on fireworks displays for more than 10 years now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do there on July 4. From 1-6 p.m., the Fair is putting on the “Red, White and Blue Festival” featuring Cleveland Jones and the Temptation Review, as well as other Bay Area blues acts. The program is free with Fair admission. The Alameda County Fairgrounds is located at 4501 Pleasanton Ave. Call (510) 836-2227.Livermore Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Just down the street, Livermore is hosting its annual Fourth of July picnic and party. The event includes live music, family games, food and an aerial fireworks show from 4-10:30 p.m. at Robertson Park, 3200 Robertson Park Rd. Cost is $10 per car load, $2 per walk-in.San Ramon Star Spangled Spectacular
Spend July 4 at San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., where the city of San Ramon is hosting its “Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular!” The event starts at 5 p.m. with games and activities for children and a Red, White and Business Expo. There will also be food booths and entertainment. When the sun sets, there will be an aerial fireworks display.Danville Parade
The annual Danville July 4th Parade will take place along Hartz Ave. and San Ramon Valley Blvd. from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Honoring Teachers and Educators–Unsung Heroes.” The event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon and features patriotic floats, marching bands, dance troupes and horses. Commemorative pins designed by schoolchildren will be sold to raise money for the Kiwanis’ annual grants program benefiting East Bay charitable organizations.USS Hornet Party
The USS Hornet Museum is hosting its annual July 4th party from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. The party features live music on the flight deck, plus interactive games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. There will also be tours of the famous aircraft carrier throughout the day. In the evening, guests can watch fireworks displays across the Bay Area from the flight deck. Tours begin at 10 a.m., games and activities begin at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance for adults, $20 at the door. Admission for children 5-17 is $5. Children 4 and younger are free. Call (510) 521-8448 to purchase tickets. The USS Hornet is located at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda.Berkeley Marina Fireworks Display
As long as there is no fog, people can view the annual Berkeley Marina Fourth of July Fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are launched from the Berkeley Pier and are visible from the Marina and elsewhere.Jack London Square Fireworks Display
Jack London Square in Oakland offers July 4th festivities starting at 1 p.m. with live music, international foods, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. The fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m.San Francisco Fireworks
Pier 39 is hosting its annual Fourth of July party during the afternoon and evening, followed by a fireworks display. Double Funk Crunch and Tainted Love will perform. The festivities start at 1:30 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.
