Monday, October 31, 2011

Calling All BBQ Lovers


Don't miss the Smokin' on the Delta", Kansas City BBQ Competition on November 12 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds! Let those BBQ smells lead the way and taste some spectacular food!



You won't want to miss this authentic BBQ experience!
* Kansas City BBQ contest - 28 contestants competing to see who is the Champion BBQ'er on Saturday
* Rib Cookoff on Sunday
* BBQ event in conjunction with Fall Faire, crafts and holiday shopping



BBQ'ers seen on TV show "BBQ Pitmasters" will be there competing with their special recipes and techniques, including:

Big Poppa Smokers, Mike Clark, Head Chef
Bad to the Bone, Brian Cotariu, Head Chef
Slap Yo Daddy BBQ, Harry Soo, Head Chef

Get your taste buds ready and come out to the event November 12 & 13. Learn more on the Fall Faire website.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

BBQ Pitmasters at the Fall Faire


We have 3 teams signed up for the KCBS BBQ competition on Sat. Nov. 12th at the Fall Faire that have been on the TV show “BBQ Pitmasters”.

Big Poppa Smokers, Mike Clark, Head Chef

Bad to the Bone, Brian Cotariu, Head Chef

Slap Yo Daddy BBQ, Harry Soo, Head Chef



In addition to the Saturday KCBS BBQ competition, we are having a Backyard BBQ on Sun, 11/13. This is a ribs only competition. $100 entry fee and all the money will be divided up between the winners. Learn more on the Fall Faire website.

What is your favorite thing to BBQ?

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Fall Faire 2011 Accepting Applications


Fall Faire 2011 is sure to have something for everyone! We're bringing back our ever popular tradition of holiday shopping with 2 buildings filled with quality crafters and local businesses. Come enjoy a great variety of jewelry, clothing, holiday items, woodworking, novelties, food, and so much more.



New this year...we're proud to present "Smokin' on the Delta", our first KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Competition. Professional BBQ teams will be at our event, putting their best grill forward! We're also hosting our 3rd annual amateur Backyard Cookout Contest with local teams from all over Contra Costa County, they'll be grilling up some fall fun during the festivities...you can even be a part of the fun by taking part in our public judging of the chili cook off!



As always, our Kids Zone will be FREE! Take a break from all the festivities and let the little ones have some fun of their own including visits with Santa on his sleigh! Fall Faire 2011...don't miss it!

· Event Hours: Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm
· Admission: Adults $5 Kids 12 & Under FREE
· FREE Parking

The vendor and BBQ Contest applications are available now. For more information please call 925-757-4400 or email info@ccfair.org.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

12 Things to do at the Fairgrounds



Did you know the Fairgrounds are open year-round? Here are 12 things you may have not known about the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds.

1. Play Paintball. Antioch Paintball Park has one 140’ x 140’ field and two 140’ x 70’. They host both X-Ball and Rec ball and are open weekends. Learn more at www.antiochpaintballpark.com or call 925-75-PAINT.

2. Race at Delta RC. Delta RC features a well-stocked shop, world-class banked paved oval & on-road track, year-round (indoors in the winter) off-road racing, and one of California's last dirt oval racing programs. www.DeltRaceaRC.com

3. Go Skating. For the best in family fun and recreation visit Paradise Skate. Open to all ages! Both traditional quad and inline Rental Skates are available. Paradise Skate is located at the fairgrounds on O Street off of West 10th street. www.Paradiseskate.com

4. Go to the races. Antioch Speedway runs under the All Pro Series, featuring Dirt Modifieds, Wingless Sprints, Super Stocks, Modified Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, Dwarf Cars, BCRA Midgets, BCRA Lites and the California Sprint Car Civil War Series. Races are every Saturday night, late-March through early October. For more information visit them at www.AntiochSpeedway.com.

5. Visit the museum. The Mangini Agricultural Museum is approximately a 10,000 square foot facility that has an array of early California agricultural and industrial equipment including antique wagons and a fire engine, a state of the art educational classroom and outdoor facilities to accommodate visitors.

6. Go to school here. We have two preschools. So Big Co-op Preschool and Kid’s Club (Contra Costa County Preschool Program). To learn more about So Big call, 925-757-6474 and to learn about Kid’s Club call 925-427-8529 or visit State Preschool Program. Also, Contra Costa County's original charter school started here. Now the Fairgrounds are the home of Antioch Charter Academy II. The school is operated by The Learner-Centered School, Inc., a non-profit, public benefit corporation. They combine positive discipline, understanding of multiple intelligences and brain compatibility, multi-age grouping, Montessori philosophies, natural and logical consequences, classroom meetings, lifelong guidelines and lifeskills, with parent volunteering, an excellent teaching staff, and terrific children, to make a school of which we are very proud. Learn more www.antiochcharteracademy.org.

7. Play ball. The Contra Costa County Fairgrounds are home to Antioch Little League. www.antiochlittleleague.com

8. Stay at the RV Park. The RV Park is open year-round and is perfect for travelers seeking some of the Bay Area’s best offerings. We have 20 beautiful sites for only $20 a night.

9. Rent our facilities. Rent any of our beautiful buildings or large park for your next birthday party, wedding, anniversary party, trade show, or club event. Learn more on our Rental Facilities page.

10. Buy a pre-owned vehicle at the Fairgrounds. Antioch Autoland has friendly sales people to serve you and all vehicles are safety and smog inspected. They have great prices and a wide selection, in house financing for select models, and no credit/bad credit is OK! http://autoland.esmartbuyer.com

11. Get your Transmission repaired. Deans Transmission Shop. Call 925-757-5240 to for more info.

12. Learn to drive a truck. The American Truck School operates on the Fairgrounds. To find out more, call 925-753-0220 or visit www.americantruckschool.com.

Find out more about all of the above and more at www.contracostafair.com.

(Originally posted on Nov. 3, 2010)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

75th annual Contra Costa County Fair


Despite the unusual weather, the 75th annual Contra Costa County Fair went off without a hitch. We rocked out to some great bands, awarded a host of blue ribbons to our talented county residents and ate some good (and interesting, if you swung by Jungle George's stand with his raccoon on a stick and kangaroo burgers) food.

And if you can believe it, we're already planning for next year's event. No rest for the weary!

Throughout the year we'll keep you posted on events happening at the fairgrounds, along with updates on the Fair itself as we get closer to next year's big event.

Thank you all for enjoying this longstanding tradition with us! Let us know what your favorite part was, if you won a ribbon, or if you tried George's raccoon on a stick. Leave a comment below or share your photos on facebook.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Fair Gets Mooovin'!




I can smell the corn dogs and hear the lowing of the cows as the 75th annual 2011 Contra Costa County Fair is underway. Except this year, the meaty treats inside those cozy corn cocoons include alligator and kangaroo. And some of the mooing coming from the barn is from six recently shaved and sunscreened (I'll explain later) dairy cows.

The attractions are quite varied this year. George Sandefur, known as Jungle George, will delight Contra Costa fairgoers for the first time ever with outlandish dishes including raccoon on a stick and, for the truly adventurous, kangaroo burgers, just to name a few. So make sure you bring your appetite! And local 4-H group Delta Diablo will be showing off six primped and preened dairy cows for the first time at the Contra Costa Count Fair in 20 years.

The six local girls in Delta Diablo decided to raise and show dairy cows this year simply because they'd never done it before and were looking for something new and challenging, said Brentwood resident Brenda Dominguez, whose granddaughters are both in the group. Also, the cows will retire to a dairy after they're shown, which appealed to the girls.

The group will show their heifers early Saturday morning and are pretty nervous, especially after they shaved the cows (part of the rules, Brenda says) and most of the animals got sunburned. But now that they're properly lathered with plenty of sunscreen, the girls are hoping everything goes off without a hitch.

Between the dairy cows, rocky mountain oysters, live music, midway games and everything else, the next few days will be a blast.

Come on down and see us today, Saturday and Sunday at the Fairgrounds in Antioch, to experience all the Fair has to offer!

Bonus: to see a list of ways to get free or discounted tickets, check out our website.

We'll see you at the Fair!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Top 20 things to see and do at the Fair


Summer kicks off with the Contra Costa County Fair, June 2 – 5. Don’t miss these top 20 things to see and do at the Fair:

20. Food. Everyone loves all of the great Fair favorites like corndogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples and cotton candy. Are you ready to try raccoon on a stick, kangaroo burgers, or smoked alligator ribs?


19. Exhibits. There is something for everyone’s tastes including traditional exhibits from preserved foods to homemade wine and from quilts to outdoor landscapes. Some of the kids’ exhibits include Lego creations, short stories, paintings, photographs, scrapbook pages, and jams and jellies.


18. Shopping. You’ll find so many unique and interesting items at the Fair from hand-crafted jewelry to t-shirts and personalized wood signs to designer handbags.


17. Special contests. Participate in one of our many special contests like Marshmallow creation, or You’ve Got Mail. Pre-entry is preferred but late entries may be accepted if space is
available. Details can be found in the Exhibitors Handbook online.


16. Community Building. You can visit with organizations from around the county and learn about the community we live in from exhibitors such as the Sheriff’s department, the Bee Keepers Association and the City of Antioch.

15. A World Of Music. Our totally ‘hands-on’ museum of music features several hundred instruments from around the world, drum circles throughout the day (accommodating up to seventy guest participants at a time), an ongoing Rhythm Workshop (for young and rhythmically challenged guests), a Blue Man Group Station, a Kids Band Area, and an Electronic Instrument section, featuring the amazing Beamz Laser Music Player (in which guests can conduct an entire orchestra with lasers). Our unique, unusual and historical instruments come from all corners of the globe for everyone to experience AND experiment with!


14. Dr. Solar's Good-Time Sunshine Traveling Medicine Show. In his Traveling Medicine Show, Dr. Solar has blended nostalgic arts of times past, added a bit of old-time Medicine show flair, a blend of vaudevillian showmanship, comedy, magic, a little flim-flam, and a whole lot of pizzazz. With the slapstick frolics of his “woodpile wonders”, and an assortment of animated objects, you have an inspiring show for all ages!

13. Kids Pedal Tractor Pull. It’s not everyday a kid gets a chance to become a star of a show, unless of course they’re at the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Competitions! Kids from ages 4 to 12 are welcome to participate in a fast paced, action packed pedal tractor pull. Fast Track Entertainment, Inc. has been performing at Fairs and Festivals since 1994 and the attraction is always “tops” for audience participation, education, and down home fun!

12. Kids Town. Kids Town America is a hands-on activity zone perfect for kids of all ages! All activities in Kids Town America are family oriented for both children and parents. Parents can relax while the kids have a blast building with blocks, driving mini cars, whirling around with hula hoops, getting their faces painted, drawing on marker boards, making crafts, and even having a treasure hunt! Kids Town America is a fun and FREE attraction!


11. Livestock. The livestock barns are the heart of the Fair. Celebrate the tradition with the many youth livestock shows and at the Junior Livestock Auction on June 5 at 10 am. The animals sold at the auction have been raised and shown by the youth of Contra Costa County. A complete schedule of livestock shows can be found online at www.contracostafair.com.
Mangini Agricultural Museum. The days when Contra Costa County was mostly farms and ranches are gone, but important elements of our agricultural past are being preserved at the Mangini Agricultural Museum. Learn about our agricultural heritage and historical farm equipment, as well as the top agricultural commodities of our county, environmental issues, and facts about farm animals.

10. Flo The Clown. The one and only Flo the Clown is back! Flo and her clowning antics have been delighting audiences for more than 20 years from the West Coast of the United States to Russia, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Singapore. She has even toured with the Yankee Doodle Circus in New York and beyond. Look for Flo riding her tricycle down the midway, carting fair guests around in her custom car, or running all the fun games and activities at the Kids Korral stage…she’s a delight to fairgoers of all ages!


9. Fables Of The West. Get ready to ride with the biggest little cowboys in the Old West! This strolling cowboy comedy team is always 100 % G-rated, family friendly, and fun. Performing at over 550 Fairs from California all the way to Alaska, these crazy cowboys have been entertaining crowds of all ages for over 10 years. Be sure to keep a look out for them and their trusty steeds during your visit to the Fair!

8. Play With Gravity. Spectators will be amazed by their motorcycle show in which riders overcome obstacles on the motorcycles using control, balance, and fitness. Showing their audiences what type of riding can be accomplished on trial motorcycles is a huge pleasure for the team. Now riding, performing, and competing all over the country, Play with Gravity is determined to fascinate audiences and push this sport to new limits.

7. Rides. When you think of the County Fair, one of the first things that come to mind is a Ferris wheel. Am I right? Well, don’t miss all of the exciting rides for all ages at the 2011 Contra Costa County Fair!


6. The Movie Stunt Adventure. An incredible and interactive attraction where you can be the STAR! Many have dreamed of being stuntmen or stuntwomen in an action movie, now for the first time ever you can be! Watch amazing jumps and high falls from real stunt professionals, then it’s your turn to take a leap! Receive a training course from a professional stunt coordinator which can qualify you to take your own high fall!

5. Wildlife Of The World. For more than 20 years, Pacific Animal Productions has been dedicated to conserving wildlife and endangered species while educating people about the wonders of wildlife. We incorporate "edu-tainment" into our presentations to engage the audience and give them a safe environment to see, touch and learn about a monkey, fox, parrot, kinkajou, alligator, snake, bugs and more! Come take a walk on the wild side!

4-2. Concerts. Kicking off the concert series is Whiskey Dawn, California's hottest country band, on Thursday June 2 at 5:30 and 7:30. The Lost Boys rock band will rock the stage on Friday June 3 at 5:30 & 7:30 followed by the ultimate 80’s experience: The Spazmatics at 9:00 pm. On June 4 you won’t want to miss the SATURDAY TRIPLE TRIBUTE with Swift Country Tribute To Taylor Swift at 5:30, Paradise City Tribute To Guns N' Roses Saturday at 7:30 and Pyromania Tribute To Def Leppard ending the night at 9:30. Finally to end the Fair, Hispanic Day Entertainment will be on the Fiesta Stage Sunday from 2:00 -8:00 featuring Bruno d Jesus- Culsillos, Komando de La Sierra, Los Kinos, Los Grandes de Tijuana and more!

And the number 1 thing to do at the Contra Costa County Fair… help us celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Contra Costa County Fair! There is so much to see and do at the Fair happening June 2 - 5, you’ll need to check out the full schedule, admission prices and hours online at http://www.contracostafair.com/!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Winner!


Congratulations to LouElla M. of Oakley for winning the family four pack to the Fair in our giveaway!

Don't worry if you didn't win this giveaway, check out our website for ways to attend the Fair for FREE and special discounts. You can still save up to $8 by getting your tickets at Walgreens, but June 1 is the last day to get your tickets at Walgreens, so hurry!

Go to www.contracostafair.com/fair to start planning your Contra Costa County Fair experience.
See you at the Fair!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Win tickets to the Fair!


We are thrilled to have a family four pack (four one day admission tickets to the Fair) to giveaway! One winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday 5/31 at 4:00 pm PST.

Enter to win:
1. Comment on the blog or facebook: What is your favorite memory at the Fair? What are looking forward to most at the 2011 Contra Costa County Fair
2. Become a Fan of the Contra Costa County Fair on Facebook
3. Subscribe to the Contra Costa County Fair Email Newsletter
4. Follow the Contra Costa County Fair on Twitter

Leave a separate comment for each entry below letting us know which entry method you’ve done. Without a comment, we can’t pick your name and you’re not entered into this giveaway. You get a separate entry into the contest for each action you take so you can do one or all of the things above.

The Annual County Fair will run June 2 - 5, 2011 as "The Tradition Continues - 75 years" at the fairgrounds in Antioch. The Fair has 4 days packed with live entertainment, carnival rides, food, free kids activities, contests, livestock exhibits and special food contests including the ever popular Backyard BBQ contest. Best family value entertainment available. Check out the website for ways to attend the Fair for FREE and special discounts.

UPDATE: due to technical difficulties with the comments on this blog any post on our Facebook page or mention on twitter will count forthe contest even if you aren't able to let us know here on the blog.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Just added to the concert series: Spazmatics Friday 6/3 at 9pm after the Lost Boys.


We have a concert series you won't want to miss and we just made it better with another band in the line-up.

If you want to be sent back to the 80’s, The Spazmatics are the ultimate experience. The band lends it’s geeky charm to performing 80’s hits complete with “nerdography” and “spaztic” movements. They add a unique dimension to their performance, demonstrating the common ties between 80’s new wave and today’s popular music. In addition to a recently filmed national commercial for Comcast, The Spazmatics have been regularly featured at top nightclubs and perform for many of the highest level private events in the United States, including a performance at The White House for President George W. Bush, as well as for celebrity Jessica Simpson's birthday bash.

Check out our full line up at www.contracostafair.com/fair.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Your Ticket to Fun


Are you already looking forward to the fun you’ll have at the Contra Costa County Fair this summer? Be sure to check out these fun acts included with your Fair admission!


The Movie Stunt Adventure. An incredible and interactive attraction where you can be the STAR!



Kids Pedal Tractor Pull. It's not everyday a kid gets a chance to become a star of a show, unless of course they're at the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Competitions!





Play With Gravity. Spectators will be amazed by their motorcycle show in which riders overcome obstacles on the motorcycles using control, balance, and fitness.




A World Of Music. A totally ‘hands-on’ museum of music. These unique, unusual and historical instruments come from all corners of the globe for everyone to experience AND experiment with!




Fables of the West . This strolling cowboy comedy team is always 100 % G-rated, family friendly, and fun.




Dr. Solar’s Good-Time, Sunshine Traveling Medicine Show. In his Traveling Medicine Show, Dr. Solar has blended nostalgic arts of times past, added a bit of old-time Medicine show flair, a blend of vaudevillian showmanship, comedy, magic, a little flim-flam, and a whole lot of pizzazz.




There is so much to see and do at the Fair happening June 2 -5, you’ll need to check out the full schedule, admission prices and hours online at http://www.contracostafair.com/!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Ways To Attend The Fair For Free


There so much to do at the Fair that you don’t want to miss. See the World of Music ‘hands-on’ museum, concerts, Kids Town America, livestock shows, Fables of the West, Flo the clown and so much more all for the price of Fair admission.

Salute to our Armed Forces day
Thursday, June 2
All active military with I.D. receive FREE admission all day

We Love Seniors Day
Thursday, June 2
All seniors who are 62 & better receive FREE admission all day

Kids Day
Friday, June 3
Kids 12 & under FREE admission all day

Support Our Youth In Agriculture
Sunday, June 5
Be a buyer at the Junior Livestock Auction to receive FREE admission

Show Off Your Cooking Skills
Compete in one of the special food contests and receive FREE admission

Kids 5 And Under Enjoy FREE Admission Everyday
Bring the little ones to enjoy our always FREE Kids Zone and so much more!

Find out all of the great Fair savings programs and a schedule of events at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Savings During The Fair



There so much to do at the Fair that you don’t want to miss. See the World of Music ‘hands-on’ museum, concerts, Kids Town America, livestock shows, Fables of the West, Flo the clown and so much more all for the price of Fair admission.

Transportation To The Fair
Save $3 on your admission when you ride the bus to a fun filled day at the Fair.

Free 'Til Three Thursdays
Admission and ride wristband specials on Thursday, June 2nd include:
• FREE Admission from 12pm - 3pm
• Buy one wristband and get one FREE from 12pm - 3pm

* Wristbands are put on at time of purchase by the ticket agent. All riders must be present at purchase to receive discount.

Refillable Fair Souvenir Cup
Purchase a souvenir drink cup from one of the food concessionaires and save on refills. 32 oz. Souvenir Cup $5, Refills $2.50

Ride With A Buddy Wristband Specials
Buy one wristband and get one FREE:
Thursday, June 2 - 12pm to 3pm
Friday, June 3 - 12pm to 3pm

* Wristbands are put on at time of purchase by the ticket agent. All riders must be present at purchase to receive discount.

Find out all of the great Fair savings programs and a schedule of events at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Be A Part Of The Fair!


Be a part of the tradition this year and showcase your work at the Contra Costa County Fair! Bake your best cookies, take your best picture, create the best scrapbook page ever, and nurture your prized plant - then enter it into one of the Fair's contests and competitions.

Paper forms are due by May 3rd - less than two weeks away. Special office hours on May 3rd, 8am-8pm. Online entry is available through May 8th. Go to www.contracostafair.com/fair to download entry forms and an Exhibitor Handbook.

Make sure to save the date as summer kicks off in June 2011 with the Contra Costa County Fair, June 2nd - 5th.

Also check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for more up to date information!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Earn a free ticket to the Fair!


All volunteers who work four or more hours at the Contra Costa County Fair receive free admission to the Fair.

We need volunteers – lots of them – on the following days:

May 18th – Exhibit judging day
Need lots of volunteers for clerking.
Put stickers on tags, bring items to judges, misc. paperwork.

May 19th – Decorating Home Arts Building
Help display items in building.

May 20th – Education receiving day
Help teachers with their entries, put tags on items.

May 25th – Education judging day
Need lots of volunteers for clerking.
Put stickers on tags, bring items to judges, misc. paperwork.

May 26th – Education building decorating day
Help display items in building.

These are the big days, but there are lots of other days available to volunteer. Another bonus to volunteering is you get a sneak peak at all of the exhibits. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Karen Howe, Exhibit Superintendent at (925)757-4400 or download an application. Contact us today to volunteer!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

2011 Concerts at the Contra Costa County Fair









The 2011 Concert Line-up has been announced! Get ready for four days of Concert Entertainment! Who's on the top of your list to see?


Whiskey Dawn Thursday 5:30 and 7:30

Whiskey Dawn is California’s hottest country band.


The Lost Boys Friday Times TBD

The Lost Boys rock band is made up of 5 teenage young men, hailing from Lake County, CA.


SATURDAY TRIPLE TRIBUTE

Swift Country Tribute To Taylor Swift Saturday 5:30

Swift Country, is excited to bring this energetic brand of fun to our Fair!


Paradise City Tribute To Guns N' Roses Saturday 7:30

Paradise City delivers what all the old school Guns n Roses fans want.


Pyromania Tribute To Def Leppard Saturday 9:30

Pyromania’ll make yiou believe you are really watching a Def Leppard show, from the first note to the very last!


Hispanic Day Entertainment on the Fiesta Stage Sunday Times: TBA

Hispanic Day performers and times to be announced shortly.


Come join the fun as The Tradition Continues - celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Contra Costa County Fair! Check out all the fun and happenings with our upcoming daily schedule including live music on our Main Stage, entertaining shows, fantastic fair food, traditional exhibits, youth livestock, our always FREE Kids Zone, and much, much more! Check back regularly for updates to the Fair schedule as well as Fair savings!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Discount Advance Ticket Sales

There so much to do at the Fair that you don’t want to miss. See the World of Music ‘hands-on’ museum, concerts, Kids Town America, livestock shows, Fables of the West, Flo the clown and so much more all for the price of Fair admission. Buy Your Tickets Early The Contra Costa Fair is a great value for family entertainment. By taking advantage of some of our special discounts, it can be even better! Advance Ticket Sales Save even more money on our already low admission and ride wristband prices: Adults (13 & over) - $7 Seniors (62 & better) - $5 Kids (ages 6-12) - $5 Ride Wristbands - $15 "What A Deal" Wednesday! Every Wednesday starting April 13th, come to the Fair office and purchase a Family Fun Pass for only $20 Family Fun pass includes (4) 1 day Fair admission tickets available for purchase on the following dates: • Wednesday, April 13th • Wednesday, April 20th • Wednesday, April 27th • Wednesday, May 4th • Wednesday, May 11th • Wednesday, May 18th • Wednesday, May 25th Available only at the Fair Office! Stop by the Fair office at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch between 8 am – 5 pm for your ticket to fun! Find out all of the great Fair savings programs and a schedule of events at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Meet your 2011 Fair Queen


Just as you’d expect the Fair Queen to be, Brittney Ray is poised, outgoing, and charismatic. But would you guess that she has been riding horse since before she could walk? Meet your 2011 Fair Queen Brittney Ray!

Brittney is no stranger to the Fair. She sang with her pageant friends when she was just five or six years old. She also showed livestock at the Fair for the past seven years. Her favorite Fair memory is camping out on the fairgounds with her 4-H club. What Brittney looks forward to most during her reign as Fair Queen is the week of fair itself.”I love the atmosphere and this year is going to the most special to me because I get to live every little girls dream and be the queen,” said Brittney. “I can't wait to see all the kids faces when they get to meet a ‘real queen’!”


You can meet Brittney at the Contra Costa County Fair, June 2 – 5. You can find her helping out with kid’s contests, the livestock auction, opening ceremonies and interacting with guests during the entire Fair. She will also make special appearances at community events as a spokesperson for the Fair during her yearlong reign.


We are so pleased to have Brittney as this year’s Fair Queen and look forward to her being an excellent example for youth in the county. Please make sure to come and visit her and all of us at the Contra Costa County Fair June 2 - 5 and celebrate with us as “The Tradition Continues”. For more information visit the Annual Fair section of our website at www.contracostafair.com/fair.


Monday, April 4, 2011

Be A Part Of The Fair


Be a part of the tradition this year and showcase your work at the Contra Costa County Fair! Bake your best cookies, take your best picture, create the best scrapbook page ever, and nurture your prized plant - then enter it into one of the Fair’s contests and competitions.

There is something for everyone! Special contests include You’ve Got Mail contest – decorate a mail box with a barn theme, Recycled art -- create a masterpiece using recycled items found around your home (ex. cans, nails, wire etc.), and Marshmallow creation -- create an imaginative farm animal, a cow or maybe a rooster, using marshmallows as the main structure. There are too many to mention. Check the special contests section of the online exhibitor handbook at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

There are traditional exhibits as well from preserved foods to homemade wine and from quilts to outdoor landscapes. Kids will enjoy showing off their Lego creations, short stories, paintings, photographs, scrapbook pages, jams and jellies, needlework, and so much more.

Entry Forms and fees must be received by the Administration Office
before 8:00 pm on May 3, 2011. Be green and enter online!

Make sure to save the date as summer kicks off in June 2011 with the Contra Costa
County Fair, June 2nd – 5th.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Antioch Little League wins a makeover


Antioch Little League is the winner of contest where local youth sports fields are selected to be renovated with a full makeover.


O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. created TLC for Kids Sports (http://www.tlcforkidssports.org/), a non-profit community outreach effort aimed at improving kids’ sports fields. Through an ongoing partnership with KNBR 680/1050 AM Radio and Brent Jones (former SF 49er), they created the contest.


The league has been serving the area for over 50 years, and includes boys divisions from T-ball through Majors, girls softball divisions, and The Challenger Division. The Challenger Division is a very special free program designed for physically and mentally disabled boys and girls, ages 5–22 years old, to enjoy tee ball or coach pitched baseball. Play is adaptive and the rules are very flexible with the focus of providing kids with a positive and rewarding recreational experience.


The league has a rich history in Antioch, providing positive experiences for youth for many decades. O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc., founded in 1924, is also an organization with a long history and values similar to the Little League.


Work is already underway to transform the rundown fields into a place of great pride, and where the Challenger program can flourish. Imagine a new field where local youth can meet together to experience the benefits of belonging to a little league – sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence, fitness – to name a few.


We would be honored if you would be our guest in the Opening Day/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Antioch Little League Field at the Fairgrounds in Antioch. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 2nd, 2011 at 10:00 am. The dedicatory Challenger game will take place at 11am. The Challenger Invitational will be held that day, with games immediately following the opening ceremonies. Teams from all over the area will be participating.