Thinking you'll skip this year's San Mateo County Fair since you didn't raise a pig, haven't perfected your apple pie, or just haven't gotten around to canning all five different flavors of jam on your list?
Think again. Held this year from June 11-19, the fair is not the one of your grandmother -- nor is it even the fair of your childhood.
Intrigued? Read on. Here's some of what you can expect:
Unique attractions
With the Airship Victoria (a floating audio/art installation funded in part by Burning Man), a real-life rainforest installation, and displays featuring the winners of contests for video game designs, mousetraps, solar ovens, literary tales, photography, winemaking and the best homebrew, there's something for everyone to see and appreciate.
Rep. Jackie Speier's "Made in America" exhibit will showcase a number of unique creations, including an intuitive surgical di Vinci robot.
Oh, and did I mention pig racing?
Old-fashioned goodness
All the traditional staples are still there, too: cooking contests, arts and crafts, gardening and floral arts, animals big and small (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, turkeys, pigs, dogs and rabbits) and the youth ( and 4H) who raised them.
Entertainment and fun
Once you're ready for some entertainment, there are concerts to enjoy (free with fair ticket purchase - see website for schedule) and a carnival designed for thrills featuring an updated 100-ft. Ferris Wheel ride, the Giant Roller Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl, The Scream Machine, The Viper and more.
Overwhelmed? View all your options in one place:
For a daily schedule of events, click here.
Very reasonable: Adults $10 at the fair and $7 pre-fair; Juniors (age 6-12) and Seniors (age 62 and up) pay just $8 at the fair and $5 pre-fair. Kids age 5 and under get in free. (The carnival is separate and ranges from $21 - $30).
2011 Fair Dates and Times
Saturday, June 11 11:00am-10:00pm
Sunday, June 12 11:00am-10:00pm
Monday, June 13 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Tuesday, June 14th 11:00am – 10:00pm
Wednesday, June 15th 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Thursday, June 16th 12:00pm-10:00pm
Friday, June 17th 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, June 18th 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday, June 19th 11:00am-10:00pm
Directions and address:
San Mateo County Fairgrounds
1346 Saratoga Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
Click on the link above for directions
A final word
Have fun, and don't forget to tell your local Patch editor if you'll be competing or exhibiting one of your creations at the fair -- he or she will be happy to receive photos of your work to post on our site throughout the fair. Don't be shy! Send us an email or post information about your exhibit in the comment section below.
