August 17, 2006

Santa Clara County Youth Fair, Aug. 4–6

Talented and vibrant youth are both entertainers and entertained

By Laura Firchow
Times Intern

The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds was the place to be the first weekend in August as the county put on its 62nd County Fair. This year’s fair attracted several visitors from across the valley with a new theme but traditional fair vibes.

The focus for this year’s fair was all about the youth of Santa Clara County. Young people from 4H and FFA competed in this year’s fair and impressed fair-goers with their projects, crafts, talent and livestock. Ribbons of all colors were proudly worn by several of this year’s Youth Fair competitors.

Billy the Kid entertained fair-goers with their performance on the fairgrounds’ pavilion stage. Photos by Laura Firchow

The weekend was also filled with plenty of rides, vendors, carnival games and entertainers. All of these elements came together to create an atmosphere that was enjoyable for the family and exciting for children young and old.

According to Delena Romero, events coordinator for the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, one of the main focuses for the Youth Fair was to bring families together. “That is what we want ...a place for families.” This was achieved with entertainment and what Romero described as a “park-type atmosphere.”

Bands from KFOX’s “Last Band Standing” competition entertained the crowd throughout the weekend. Young performers from Billy the Kid stunned everyone with their performance of Goldfinger’s “99 Red Balloons.” This was a display of youth talent at its finest.

Young fair-goers and their parents kept busy with attractions including Doggies of the Wild West, Dr. Bones, Little Hands on the Farm and Magic Mike. All of these were a great way for children to have a hands-on experience at this year’s fair.

Carnival rides were a popular attraction for all ages at this year’s Youth Fair.

The Gonzalez family from Willow Glenn had a great experience at Little Hands on the Farm. Four-year-old Anna and 6-year-old Arturo claimed this attraction as their favorite part of the fair.

Other children were busy riding the rides and playing carnival games. For $25, guests could go on unlimited rides all day.

The Latchford and Quigley families of San Jose enjoyed both the delicious fair food and the carnival rides. Teresa Latchford said she’s been coming to the Santa Clara County Fair since she was a child. Now she brings her children to enjoy the new and traditional attractions.

Overall, the new theme, “Kids, Critters and Ewe,” was a great hit. This year’s fair was a great place to have fun, eat great food and a place for young people to enjoy their peers’ talent and display their own.