Thrill-seekers, animal lovers and tiny tots can expect a number of new attractions at the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta this year. The fair’s 10-day run starts Friday and is themed “Experience the Magic.”
This year will debut the Haul ‘n Brawl, where contestants will square off in a series of agriculture-related activities in friendly competition.
“It’s a way of further promoting the region’s agricultural industry,” fair board member Cherisse Alford said.
The March 10 team competition will feature hay bale loading and stacking, transferring gravel and the backing up of livestock trailers.
Also new this year is Doc’s Barn, an educational animal and crop showroom created in honor of the late veterinarian Dr. James Thompson, who died in a plane accident in October near Tucson, Ariz.
Within the brightly painted barn, visitors will find chickens, pigs, ducks, cavies, cows and goats in various stages of development. The presentation will also feature educational signboards that provide information about local crops and agriculture.
“It shows the journey from the field to the table,” said Holly Baker, special projects coordinator for the fair.
Small children who may not have the opportunity to enjoy most carnival rides will have a designated section of the midway devoted to them called the Cub Corner. For two tickets apiece, small children between the height of 32 to 38 inches will have their pick of five rides to enjoy.
“We’ve always had the rides but we put them together to highlight Cubs Corner,” said Corey Oakley, general manager of Helms and Sons Amusements.
Also debuting this year is the Hi Voltage ride, which takes its occupants upside down as it revolves vertically in a circular motion, Oakley said.
As it is the first stop of the season for the company, the Valley is also held “close to our heart,” Oakley said.
The Valley also has earned the distinction of being the location where advance ticket sales growth has outpaced the company’s other fair stops. Last year’s fair drew an estimated 120,000, organizers said.
The fair has not had a consecutive 10-day run in the past three years due to inclement weather. In the past, high winds had posed risks for some of the midway’s high-profile carnival rides and prompted officials to shutter the fair in consideration of the public’s safety.
“It’s not fair to open the gate when you don’t have the midway available,” said fair board President Darrel Bostic.
In keeping with this year’s theme, a kids’ magic camp will also be offered on a daily basis.
Opening day will offer free admission to military and seniors who present a coupon from the Press. Organizers also want to remind the public that today is the last day to get advance sale tickets and family value packs.
Tickets are available at Sonic Burger in El Centro; Goyal’s Shell, Brawley; the fair box office; and all Rabobank locations in the Valley. Family Value Packs are available only at the Imperial Valley Mall and the fair box office.
For more information go to www.californiamidwinterfair.com
Staff Writer, Copy Editor can be reached at 760-337-3415 or at jmorales@ivpressonline.com
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