OPENING DAY OF THE BIG FRESNO FAIR

The Big Fresno Fair kicks off this Wednesday, and it’s only one dollar to get in on opening day. Organizers said this year’s fair is going to be bigger and better than ever. On Sunday, vendors began setting up their booths and rides.

The Big Fresno Fair is the largest annual event in the Central Valley, attracting more than 600,000 people each October during its two-week run featuring exhibits, livestock show, live horse racing, musical entertainment, educational programs and more. The Fair provides a link between urban and rural California, serving as a tool in educating Valley residents on the region’s rich agricultural industry who might have otherwise not understood the importance or vastness of this commerce on the region. The mission of The Big Fresno Fair is to “Educate, Celebrate and Have Fun.”

“Chicken Charlie’s” is one of the 149 vendors that will be at the fair. Co-owner Tony Boghosian said they specialize in deep-fried food, a fair classic and favorite He said said the deep fryers will be loaded with everything from frog legs to bacon wrapped guacamole.

But Big Fresno Fair deputy manager Stacy Rianda said as much as the fair is about the food and rides, it’s also about the new exhibits and entertainment opportunities for guests.

Rianda said, “Every year, we try to find something new to bring to the people of Fresno County because the last thing we want is for people to come back and say, ‘Oh, it’s the same ol’ thing, I’ve already seen it all’.”

Rianda said this year’s fair features an extreme creature exhibit and a Lousiana bayou experience. Visitors can also check out the greenhouse to learn about new drought-tolerant plants.
There’s also an extensive lineup of concerts, from Jason Derulo, The Offspring, Big and Rich, Flo Rida, and Marie Osmond.