July 27, 2006

Santa Clara County Youth Fair, a new theme for a new generation

Mark your calendar: August 4 – 6

By Laura Firchow
Times Intern

The Santa Clara County Fair is taking on a new look this year and turning their focus to the youth in the valley.

This year’s Santa Clara County Youth Fair, to be held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, August 4 through 6, is themed, “Kids, Critters and Ewe”. After years of having a decreasing number of adult entries for the County Fair, Santa Clara County has decided to refocus the Fair on county youth and is only accepting competition entries from those under the age of 19.

Crimes of Passion, one of the finalists from KFOX’s “Last Band Standing” competition will be performing at the Santa Clara County Youth Fair this year on the Pavilion Stage. Come watch these young, talented musicians perform the classic rock sound of the 80’s with a modern flair.

Some exhibits, known as “Junior/Senior projects”, will allow adults to enter competition as long as they are working with a "Junior" exhibitor. In this case, at least 60% of project must be done by Junior members. Exhibits Manager at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Delena Romero explains, “this is part of the encouraging for the passing on of the knowledge and skills from one generation to the next”.

Romero says, “I am optimistic that there is a real need and desire for an event geared towards children (Kids) and their families. We’ve still got things to attract the various age groups but our real focus is on families.”

The Fair hopes to attract families and still appeal to individuals of all ages by featuring some new exhibits and attractions. There will be such a variety of attractions, shows and displays that everyone will find something they enjoy at The Fair this year. According to Romero, “the accomplishments of our youth are always the main attraction”.

Some of the other shows and attractions include, “Doggies of the Wild West”, which is a show where small dogs perform “amazing” tricks.

“Dr. Bones” will be an interactive learning experience where everyone can enjoy an archeological exhibit and science show.

For the younger children, there is “Little Hands on the Farm”, which is an interactive exhibit where kids can learn about the commercial side of agriculture. Kids can become young farmers for the day and walk through a fictional farm where they plant a seed, pick apples, feed straw to a pretend cow, and turn in their produce and crops to “the market” where they can spend their farm money on prizes.

Extreme sports and entertainment are also making their way to the Fair this year with a BMX competition and an Arena Motocross show.

KFOX has been holding a competition called “Last Band Standing”, where classic rock bands compete to be the last band standing. Finalists from this competition will be performing on the Pavilion Stage at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day of the Fair.

No trip to the Fair is complete without a visit to the traditional Fair attractions including the petting zoo, the carnival, a magic show, a talent show, animal shows, a large animal round robin, and displays and performances by various local artists.

The Santa Clara County Youth Fair is an experience unlike any other in the state of California. Romero commented that Santa Clara County’s diverse population and the fact that this fair is the only Fair that focuses on youth are what will make it stand out from other fairs in the area.

Santa Clara County Youth Fair will be held Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6, 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds at 344 Tully Road.

Admission $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children, Free for children under 5, $3.00 for seniors (65 and up). More information is available at www.TheFair.org.