Friday, May 14, 2010

Top 20 things to see and do at the Fair


Summer kicks off with the Contra Costa County Fair, June 3rd – 6th. Don’t miss these top 20 things to see and do at the Fair:

20. 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 2010 Contra Costa County Fair! Get your discounted carnival ride wristband (unlimited carnival rides any one day of the fair) for only $15 online at http://www.contracostafair.com/ now!

19. Concerts. Hip-hop legend MC Hammer will headline the Fair on Friday, June 4 at 7 pm. Skynnyn Lynnyrd Reloaded: A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd starts at 8:30 pm on June 4. Platinum artists Great White will perform at 8 pm on Saturday, June 5, and retro band Summer of Love will groove on Thursday, June 3 at 6 pm and again at 8 pm. The Great White, Summer of Love and Skynnyn Lynnyrd shows are free with fair admission. MC Hammer tickets can be purchased on the Fair’s website at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

18. Food. Everyone loves all of the great Fair favorites like corndogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples and cotton candy. Did you also know that we offer some healthier options such as salads and wraps.

17. 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.

16. Pig Races. A Fair classic, Cook's Racing Pig Racing’s free betting allows each spectator to have a stake in the race. Everyone is offered a free numbered color ticket and after each race the Cook's have a drawing from the winning tickets for a Cook's Pig Racing t-shirt.

15. Hammertime. MC Hammer, who soared to the top of the charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like "U Can't Touch This" and his album "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em," will take the stage on Friday, June 4. Hammertime begins at 7pm in the Grandstands. MC Hammer tickets are on sale NOW. The cost is $20 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission. MC Hammer and fair tickets can be purchased on the fair’s website at www.contracostafair.com.


14. 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 6 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 http://www.contracostafair.com/.

13. Exhibits. There is something for everyone’s tastes including special contests like recycled art and marshmallow creations as well as 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.

12. Kid Zone. A 10,000 square foot fun zone of FREE hands-on, kids’ activities all day. In and around Kid Zone, you will find 11. Fables of the West - the cowboy comedy team (often referred to as ‘the little cowboys on the little horses’), 10. the Balloon man and 9. the Clown of Many Faces.

8. Pie Eating Contest and more at the Kids Korral. Kids of all ages can join in the fun. Check the online schedule to find out when you can participate in the Pie Eating Contest and other great activities for kids like Potato Sack Races!

7. 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.

6. 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.

5. Wildlife of the World . This wildlife show will feature tropical birds, playful monkeys, massive reptiles, and several other multi legged creepy crawlers from around the world. You will be able to get up close and personal with the animals. After the show, the animal handler and one of the animal stars will be available for questions and answers. There will also be a Discovery Area loaded with hands-on animal artifacts. This show is filled with audience participation. Have your cameras ready and bring the entire family.

4. Community Stage. Watch local talent sing, dance and perform on the Community Stage. Performances take place throughout the duration of the Fair, so be sure to check the schedule for details.

3. Wild About Monkeys. Fun, educational and entertaining for the whole family, “Wild about Monkeys” is the only traveling animal exhibition that features trained baboons. The Mandrill baboon is the only one of his kind to be safely and humanely handled on stage today.

2. Hispanic Day Concerts. Sunday June 6 is Hispanic Day and you won’t want to miss popular Hispanic artists in from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on the Community Stage.

And the number 1 thing to do at the Contra Costa County Fair… have some “old fashion fun”! There is so much to see and do at the Fair happening June 3rd – 6th, you’ll need to check out the full schedule, admission prices and hours online at http://www.contracostafair.com/!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Be A Part Of The Fair



Corndogs, funnel cakes, livestock, preserves, carnival rides… the Contra Costa County Fair is right around the corner. There are so many ways to be a part of “Old Fashion Fun” this year!

Showcase your work! 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. For a Complete list, check the online exhibitor handbook at www.contracostafair.com. Entry forms are due no later than May 4, 2010. Mailed entries must be postmarked by May 4th. Be green and enter online.

Enjoy the music! Hip-hop legend MC Hammer will headline the 2010 Contra Costa County Fair—bringing his masterful dance moves and trademark sound to this summer’s county fair in Antioch on June 5 at 7 pm. Platinum artists Great White will give fairgoers a taste of their signature style of rock at 8pm on Saturday, June 5, and retro band Summer of Love will add some 60s groove to the line up on Thursday, June 3 at 6pm and again at 8pm. MC Hammer tickets go on sale April 5. The cost is $20 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission. The Great White, Summer of Love and Skynnyn Lynnyrd shows are free with fair admission. MC Hammer and fair tickets can be purchased on the fair’s website at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

Celebrate the tradition at the Junior Livestock Auction on June 6 at 10 am. Buyers are welcome to come and enjoy and free breakfast and stay after for an appreciation lunch. The animals sold at the auction have been raised and shown by the youth of Contra Costa County.

Summer kicks off in June 2010 with the Contra Costa County Fair, June 3rd – 6th.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Come And See Us


Over the next few weeks leading up to the Contra Costa County Fair on June 3 – 6, we will be at various festivals and events giving away prizes and offering you a chance to win Fair admission tickets and MC Hammer tickets. Visit the Contra Costa County Fair booth at the following events:

Stockton Asparagus Festival: April 24 - 25, 2010
343 East Main Street, Stockton, CA

4-H Charity Golf Tournament: May 15
Golf Club at Roddy Ranch, 1 Tour Way, Antioch, CA

Antioch Historical Society: May 15
1500 West 4th Street, Antioch, CA

Stockton Ports: May 21
404 W. Fremont St, Stockton, CA

Antioch Water Park Opening Weekend: May 29 and 30
4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA

For more information about the Contra Costa County Fair or to purchase tickets, please call (925) 757-4400 or visit http://www.contracostafair.com/.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Hip-hop Pioneer MC Hammer Headlines 2010 Contra Costa County Fair



Hip-hop legend MC Hammer will headline the 2010 Contra Costa County Fair—bringing his masterful dance moves and trademark sound to this summer’s county fair in Antioch.

“We are really excited to bring such a big star this year,” said the fair’s CEO, Lori Marshall.

MC Hammer, who soared to the top of the charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like "U Can't Touch This" and his album "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em," will take the stage on Friday, June 4. Hammertime begins at 7pm in the Grandstands. Cover band Skynnyn Lynnyrd will keep the party going with a free performance at the pavilion stage starting at 8:30pm.

"I'm doing shows all around the world, but there's no place like home—where Hammertime began,” Hammer said. “Let's get it started!”

MC Hammer tickets are on sale NOW. The cost is $20 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission. MC Hammer and fair tickets can be purchased on the fair’s website at http://www.contracostafair.com/.

For more information about the entertainment schedule or exhibiting, please call (925) 757-4400 or visit http://www.contracostafair.com/.

Monday, April 5, 2010

2010 Contra Costa Fair Queen Crowned


Meghan Wristen was crowned the 2010 Contra Costa County Fair Queen on April 2, 2010. Three young women of Contra Costa County competed in this time-honored tradition for the title of the official Fair Hostess. The decision was based on an interview process by a panel of two judges that included; Antioch Mayor Jim Davis and Brian Nunnally of Economic Development in Antioch. The 2009 Contra Costa County Fair Queen, Jennifer Chivers, was also present to crown the new queen.


Meghan is a senior at Deer Valley High School. In addition to keeping an above average GPA she is also involved in a number of school activities including swimming, water polo, high school leadership, and choir. She is also involved in a number of community service projects such as organizing food drives, making hats for cancer patients, and community clean ups. Meghan would like to attend Los Medanos College after she graduates from Deer Valley High School then transfer to San Diego Christian College to become a Kindergarten teacher.

The Contra Costa County Fair Queen serves as ambassador to the Fair, June 3-6 2010. Her duties will include helping out with kid’s contests, the livestock auction, opening ceremonies and interacting with customers during the fair. She will also make special appearances at community events as an overall spokesperson for the duration of her yearlong reign.

“I’m truly honored to represent Contra Costa County as the 2010 Fair Queen. It’s my passion to embrace every moment while fulfilling my duties with a smile and cheerful hello. I am looking forward to a year full of unforgettable memories and friends that will be made” stated Meghan when asked about her newly appointed position.

The Contra Costa County Fair is pleased to have Meghan Wristen as this year’s Queen and looks forward to her being an excellent example for youth in the county. Please make sure to come and visit Meghan and all of us at the Fair June 3-6 for some “Old Fashion Fun!” For more information check online at contracostafair.com

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Platinum artists Great White free with fair admission



Like the fearsome, deadly denizen of the deep that shares its name, Great White knows something about survival of the fittest. The Southern California blues Hard Rock band, Great White, first took a bite out of the rock scene in 1984 and since then has achieved worldwide success, encompassing sales of over six million records. They received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and earned a double platinum certification for the album “…Twice Shy”.

Since reuniting in January 2007 to perform a benefit concert, Great White has moved forward releasing their first album in 8 years, “Back To The Rhythm” in July 2007, and marking GREAT WHITE’s 25th Anniversary. “It’s just like old times,” stated lead singer, Jack Russell. “There’s a bond that forms between people that is very special. I’ve missed my friends.”






“Back To The Rhythm”, featuring original members Jack Russell (vocals), Mark Kendall (lead Guitar), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (Guitar/keyboards) and Sean McNabb (bass), was mixed, produced, and engineered by band member Michael Lardie. “The new songs sound fresh to me, very Great White, but with an approach of what we sound like in a live performance situation,” explained Michael Lardie. “Kendall and I are having fun channeling our Stones roots and playing off each other in the Richards/Woods tradition.”

Great White has been touring heavily since releasing “Back To The Rhythm,” enjoying huge fan support. And in May 2008, bassist Scott Snyder was welcomed as a new permanent member of Great White. The band is now working on new material and beginning studio work on their next upcoming release.
Get a taste of Platinum artists Great White signature style of rock -- free with fair admission -- at 8pm on Saturday, June 5.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Skynnyn Lynnyrd show free with fair admission



Skynnyn Lynnyrd began to take form at the very moment of the tragic crash that ended the lives of Ronnie VanZant, Steve and Cassie Gains, as well as Dean Kilpatrick. An American saga ended on that day in 1977, leaving a void that begs to be filled by millions of fans all over the world.

It's about the music... real, honest and often edgy. Skynnyn Lynnyrd has stripped the music of the legendary band down to its finest detail and re-assembled it... not as a cover but as it was intended. Every nuance and detail is pursued with passion and determination, to be performed as if by the original band.





Skynnyn Lynnyrd is the "Reloaded" Lynyrd Skynyrd. The parity is remarkable...so much so that one may be inclined to believe there is some divine intervention going on here; as if guided by the spirit of the original band members who departed so long ago. While there will never be another Lynyrd Skynyrd, Skynnyn Lynnyrd is Lynyrd Skynyrd - - - RELOADED. Check it out y'all at the Contra Costa County Fair on Friday, June 4 starting at 8:30pm. Free with Fair Admission!