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San Mateo County Fair: Nine days of fun
Aug 25, 2010
The fair is coming to San Mateo … can you hear the carnival music? In this case, carnival music is not of the bouncy, circus variety you might expect from a kids’ venue. This year’s fair will feature world-class entertainment from the likes of En Vogue, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Tower of Power, and the Shane Dwight Band.
Expect local celebs to rock out the fairgrounds, too. The School of Rock will present a finalist battle between 17 Bay Area rock bands competing over two days. And while a Michael Jackson tribute and special guest appearances also join the musical line-up, entertainment goes on and on to include live stand-up comedy, contests, exhibits, games, food and a world of distractions for the kids.
The San Mateo County Fair is an annual event drawing a crowd of 150,000 to what has been dubbed “the Peninsula’s Festival.” This year’s nine-day event spans June 12-20, with a host of rides presented by Butler Amusements. Leave your stomach behind as you twirl around on 1001 Nachts. Spin upside down and every which way on the Energy Storm. Enjoy a view of the playgrounds and beyond from the top of the Eagle 16 Ferris wheel.
While entertainment at the fair is designed for all ages to enjoy, kids get special treatment with their own rides and a playland complete with petting zoo, magic stage, art center, train access, and even a stage to show off their karaoke skills. As your children point from one temptation to the next, The Walking Tree Man and Beasties characters will wander the fairgrounds to greet them. Of course, we can’t leave the pig races out of the equation; the competition takes place several times a day on the community stage.
Local fairs are traditionally a community affair. As you get to know your neighbors, you can help out the town in your own small way. Good Samaritan programs at the event will include blood drives, a canned food drive, a book drive, electronic waste collection and donation requests for the Red Cross, Hispanic Scholarship and Soldiers’ Angels.
HelloSanFrancisco tip: Discounted pricing is available for families and free concert access is included with admission prices.
- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro
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Renee M. RutledgeRenee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.
