The Kern County Fair has returned and is being highly anticipated to exceed last year’s fair by providing new and exciting entertainment, more unique food items and more rides at the carnival in addition to the already existing features that fair-goers already know.
The coordinator of the fair, Michael Olcott, along with his staff, work year round to prepare for the annual event, which begins Sept. 19 and runs through Sept. 30.
Olcott said that he oversees the hiring of about 800 people to work at the fair mostly for security, parking regulation, cleaning and to help run the booths.
The theme this year is “Best in the West,” which has been a theme in the past.
“The theme will take the fair back to its roots in agriculture and livestock,” said Olcott. “We chose this theme again because we liked it last time, plus we are trying to get it out there that we are really the best in the West.”
Pricing for admittance into the fair will vary each day, but participation in various activities will provide free admittance into the fair.
Race a Weiner dog in The Weiner Dog Nationals on Sept. 22 and get in for free. To benefit The Houchin Blood Bank, if you give a pint of blood, you will get a ticket to get into the fair.
Also, the second Wednesday, Sept. 26, if you give three cans of food you will get into the fair for free. The cans of food will go to the Community Action Partnership food bank.
“We are hoping to get a lot of food to give them so it can last them through the winter,” said Olcott. Various forms of fun and entertainment and food are new additions to the fair as well. A deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate-covered bacon will be among the already popular funnel cake and deep-fried Snicker bars.
Knights of the Realm, which is a jousting show, will take place Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Bull riding will take place the first Friday and Saturday of the fair and a water ride and zip line has also been added.
“My favorite part about the new additions is the zip line, although I won’t be on it, I think it will be really fun,” said Olcott. “Although I do think I will be the first in line to try that deep-fried grilled cheese.”
For the kids on Sept. 26, kids can try to catch pigs and calves, so they can show it in next year’s fair, and a live-stock scholarship will be offered this year as well.
“I really hope people come out so they can support the kids, even if they buy an animal and donate it to the food bank,” said Olcott. “That way they would be supporting the kids showing animals and helping to feed people in need.”