Calendar

In terms of offering the greatest flexibility for popping in for a visit, the Alameda County Fair reigns king. It runs for a full three weeks during the summer, along side father’s day and the graduations.

The fair features a host of carnival rides, daily concerts, and a variety of magicians and entertainers of the roving variety (including the ever popular Tadpole the Clown). And to help find tummy yummies, the fair’s website offers an interactive “food finder” which allows folks to use their smartphone to zero in on their favorite edibles.

Take some time to consider our region’s rich agricultural heritage while visiting the Alameda County Fair. County agricultural fairs have always had a strong educational component; in years past, they were strongly tied to agricultural programs being run within the university system, and provided a showcase for the many new farming discoveries that were rapidly coming online. While today’s agricultural fair retains a bit of the educational element, it is now more about exhibition, competition, and entertainment. Ribbons, plaques, and trophies are awarded in a wide range of categories, from livestock and poultry to jams and jellies, with handicrafts and baked goods thrown in for good measure. Attendees will find a strong showing made by such farming organizations as the Grange, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America.

Come on by to learn, remember, grow, and enjoy. Have fun at the county fair…

Cost:
Adult $12
Children 6-12 $8
Children under 6 free
In advance ride tickets are $25 for unlimited single-day use (via wristband)

Santa Clara County Fair, a place to enjoy the viewing large and small animals of all kinds, a variety of stage shows, and exhibit competitions for both adult and youth entries. Fun for the entire family. Families with little ones will appreciate the fact that This fair offers a wide variety of kiddie rides, and it does this within a much smaller physical area than that used by most other fairs. There’s something available for everyone.

Take some time to consider our region’s rich agricultural heritage while visiting the Santa Clara County Fair. County agricultural fairs have always had a strong educational component; in years past, they were strongly tied to agricultural programs being run within the university system, and provided a showcase for the many new farming discoveries that were rapidly coming online. While today’s agricultural fair retains a bit of the educational element, it is now more about exhibition, competition, and entertainment. Ribbons, plaques, and trophies are awarded in a wide range of categories, from livestock and poultry to jams and jellies, with handicrafts and baked goods thrown in for good measure. Attendees will find a strong showing made by such farming organizations as the Grange, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America.

Come on by to learn, remember, grow, and enjoy. Have fun at the county fair…

Hours:
Thursday 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Cost:
Adults $10
Children 5 to 11 $5
Children under 4 free

National Heirloom Expo. Exhibits, speakers, demonstrations, and fun.

The National Heirloom Expo is changing the way people see and grow fruits and vegetables. Shiny, uniform, smooth and common are out. Instead, old varieties that at one time would have been considered homely and unworthy of a spot in the supermarket produce section are venerated by thousands of growers, home gardeners and vendors.

• A wide range of farming vendors, over 350 organizations from across the country (and beyond). Each vendor showcases products pertaining to natural food, gardening, sustainability, and green living. Each epitomizes the pure food movement, both in terms of their diversity and in the sustainability of their approach. Vendors span the gambit, from backyard gardeners to seasoned commercial growers, from small time craftsmen to large not-for-profit organizations
• All kinds of grow products, from heirloom seed varieties, live plants, organic garden items, clothing, household products, and specialty craft items.
• Over 100 nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers speaking on a number of pertinent topics. Talks take place within three spacious speaker halls, with formats ranging from individual speakers, expert panels, and in-depth round-table discussions.
• Visitors are treated to a dazzling array of colors, aromas and flavors within the main hall. The hall features the worlds largest squash exhibit (a spectacular pyramid composed of squash of all shapes and sizes), a tantalizing rainbow of thousands of heirloom veggies (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squashes, garlic, tree-fruits and more), and some of the most innovative personalities within the pure food movement (showcasing fascinating items and stories).
• A variety of entertaining and educational specialty demos. Demonstration subjects range from permaculture and aquaponic food production to animal care and maintenance. Watch as Navajo Women create beautiful clothing and accessories using age-old techniques of spinning and weaving.
• Visitors are invited to bring in a special plant seed in and have it engraved by a seed carver extraordinaire.

Tickets available at the gate.
Gates are open from 9 AM to 9 PM.

The cost?
One Day Ticket: $15
Three Day Pass: $30
Children: Free

(Read our review of the expo here…).