Santa Barbara Fair & Expo to offer a far out time April 23-27 at Earl Warren Showgrounds
Hey Groovy Cats! Put on your sandals, bell bottom jeans, and tie-dye tank tops for a swinging 60’s good time at Earl Warren Showgrounds on April 23-27, 2008 for the 19th annual Santa Barbara Fair & Expo. This year’s event, themed "Peace, Love & Unity," will provide plenty of action – from thrilling carnival rides to delicious tasty treats to sightings of far out livestock.
The Fair & Expo midway will light up each day with more than 30 rides and attractions, offering outa sight excitement for the entire family. Two stages will feature entertainment by local singers, dancers, musicians and performers. And no fair would be complete without a vast array of food vendors. Attendees can pig out on a huge selection of their favorites including BBQ tri tip, funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy and every type of carnival treat.
The “California Dreamin” Hall will feature an Expo showcase of Santa Barbara County’s best local foods, wine and beer, arts and crafts, horticulture and fine arts displays. Aspiring chefs should boogie over their specialties to Warren Hall for the annual Cooking Contest held during the Fair & Expo, where visitors are encouraged to taste free samples of the featured desserts, appetizers and main courses after judging is complete. Expo entries will be accepted through April 19th, 2008; rules and entry forms for the competition are located at www.sbfairandexpo.com/exhibitors.
There is plenty to see and do at the Fair & Expo for the kids. They can bug out to the Arena and paddocks beyond to view cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry as they compete for blue ribbons in daily competitions. A hands-on petting zoo and kid’s carnival area will offer thrills and laughs for toddlers and kids. Don’t forget to check out the famous “California Hippy Cows”. Afterwards, families can head over to the “Flower Power” Exhibit Hall under the golden dome to visit interactive displays, view authentic hot rods and make 60’s-themed crafts.
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo midway is operated by Butler Amusements, the largest carnival company on the West Coast. The carnival features state-of-the-art, computer-programmed equipment offering rides, games and entertainment for adults and children.
The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo hours of operation are: Wednesday, April 23rd – 4-9pm (Carnival closes at 10pm); Thursday, April 24th – 4-9pm (Carnival closes at 10pm);
Friday, April 25th – 4-10pm (Carnival closes at midnight); Saturday, April 26th – 11am-10pm (Carnival closes at midnight); Sunday, April 27th – 11am-9pm (Carnival closes at 10pm).
Ticket prices are: $6 for adults, $4 for seniors (60+) and $3 for kids (6-12). Children 5 and under are free. Pay-one-price carnival wristbands cost $20-25. Pre-sale tickets, available April 1-23, 2008 offer discounts on admission and wristband prices. Updated entertainment schedules and parking information can be found at www.sbfairandexpo.com.
