Friday, March 2, 2012

Mid-Winter Fair offers up 'tropica'' fun


Workers work on ride maintenance Thursday in preparation for the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, which opens today. (CHELCEY ADAMI PHOTO)

By CHELCEY ADAMI

from: ivpressonline.com

March 2, 2012

IMPERIAL — Workers raced about Thursday prepping rides, placing prizes, polishing mirrors, brushing down livestock and more for the opening today of the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta.
Following the theme “Tropical Nights and Carnival Lights,” a half million lights will take over the fairgrounds, and visitors will have opportunities to have tropical fun whether it’s interacting with exotic animals or competing in the tropical salsa contest, every day through March 11.
Eight new rides were added this year to make 44 in total while the kid land has been expanded and a new layout used.
Carnival General Manager Corey Oakley said it’s one of the most fun, safest, cleanest, most drug-free carnivals around. The fair is also using mostly LED lights this year in an effort to substantially reduce energy use.
The fair features some ongoing events such as the Imagination Circus or the Turkey Stampedes, while other performances will only occur once.
There will be two to four Imagination Circus shows a day where about 30 children can dress up and be part of the show which lasts between a half hour and an hour.

Another example of an ongoing exhibit is the one by the Imperial Valley Gem and Mineral Society where visitors can pan for gold, cut geodes, clean fossils and more.
A daily schedule of offerings is available at www.californiamidwinterfair.com
A variety of livestock will be shown and judged every day as FFA and 4-H clubs Valleywide turnout to compete.
The tribute band “Journey Unauthorized: Tribute to Journey” performs tonight while visitors can see a variety of other tribute bands, original artists, regional battle of the band winners and others perform on other dates.
High School Madness is Monday while the Jimmie Cannon Jazz Festival is Thursday.
Numerous community organizations will have informational exhibits throughout the fair, and the family-friendly event also offers different cuisines for the tasting as well as traditional fair food.
Tickets available at the fair gate are $8 for adults, children ages 6 to 12 for $5, seniors for $6, and children ages 5 and under free.
WOW carnival coupons are redeemable for carnival bracelets which allow a person to ride all fair rides for any one day. The WOW carnival coupons are $25 Monday through Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday.


No comments:

Post a Comment