by Lorie Lewis Ham

The Fresno Fair is almost upon us again, opening on October 1, and there’s always a great list of entertainment with a lot of variety. This year is no exception with entertainers including Tony Bennett, REO Speedwagon, Snoopdog, Toby Mac, Beach Boys, Gabriel Iglesias, and many more.

Tony Bennett, Kongos, and the La Buena Corrido Fest are the latest entertainers to be added to this year’s list. The Fair’s last night will be one to remember as that is the night that legendary singer Tony Bennett will be performing on the Paul Paul Theater Stage. Bennett has been singing for more than 50 years and is still amazing! If you love the old big band style music that he does so well you won’t want to miss this show. Bennett has received 17 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, two Emmy Awards, and has sold 50 million records worldwide. You can see Tony Bennett live at the Fresno Fair on October 13. Tickets are $50/$45.

Tony Bennett

“We work hard to bring the best entertainers to The Big Fresno Fair and this year we are thrilled to add a legend like Tony Bennett to our line-up,” said John C. Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “With the addition of Tony Bennett, as well as the KONGOS and El Corrido Fest – we cover a wide variety of musical tastes, bringing a little something for everyone at The Big Fresno Fair.”

Alternative rock newcomers the Kongos will bring their unique sound to the Fair on October 10. They can be heard on local airwaves with their hit single “Come With Me Now.” The band formed in 2007 and is comprised of four brothers: Johnny (accordion, keyboard, vocals), Jesse (drums, percussion, vocals), Daniel (guitar, vocals), and Dylan (bass guitar, lap slide guitar, vocals). Tickets are $12/$8.

Kongos

Fairgoers will also be treated to a jam-packed line-up as part of the La Buena Corrido Fest on Sunday, October 5 featuring Larry Hernandez, Proyecto X, and Jorge Valenzuela! Tickets are $30/$20/$10.

These three newly-booked acts will join Jim Gaffigan (10/1), TobyMac (10/2), Dierks Bentley (10/3), Kalin & Myles with Jake Miller (10/4 at 1p.m.), Gabriel Iglesias (10/4), Beach Boys (10/6), Sublime with Rome (10/7), Snoop Dogg (10/8), Justin Moore (10/9), R5 (10/11 at 1 p.m. ), REO Speedwagon (10/11) and La Kalle Festival (10/12) as part of the 2014 Table Mountain Concert Series at The Big Fresno Fair presented by Coors.

For more information check out the Fresno Fair website: www.FresnoFair.com

Also, don’t miss out on all of the savings and special discount days:

Big-Time Savings & Special Discount Days

Buy Early and Save Big!
Save BIG at the 2014 Big Fresno Fair when you purchase early!

Big Time Savings Coupon Book
For the third year – The Big Fresno Fair is offering hundreds of dollars of savings all in one place! The Big Time Savings Coupon Book includes savings on everything from your favorite Fair food to all sorts of gadgets and gizmos found throughout the grounds! Every coupon is at least a 30% savings! Buy your Big Time Savings Coupon Book by September 30 for only $5 online, by phone, or at the Fairgrounds Administration Ticket Box Office. Or buy it at the Fair for $7 at the Fresno Fairgrounds Ticket Box Office or ticket booths at all entrance gates.

Save Mart Supermarkets & FoodMaxx Pre-Sale
Save BIG when you purchase early at participating Save Mart Supermarkets or FoodMaxx stores! From September 3 – 30, purchase your Fair admission tickets and Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands for a discounted price – $2 off admission (all ages) and up to $10 off an Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband!

Season Pass
Back by popular demand, purchase a Season Pass for only $30 and visit the Fair every day if you want! Season Passes will be available for purchase until September 30. Season Passes are non-transferable and a photo ID is required for use. Purchase at (559) 650-FAIR, the Fairgrounds’ Ticket Box Office or at www.FresnoFair.com.

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband
Save BIG when you purchase early! If you buy an Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband by September 30, it’s only $25. That’s up to a $10 discount off the regular Fair-time price! Purchase at (559) 650-FAIR, the Fairgrounds’ Ticket Box Office or at www.FresnoFair.com.

Buy Tickets Online!
Purchase admission, carnival, concert, and horse racing tickets online. Just purchase, print, and save gas and time! Patrons who purchase their tickets online can bypass the ticket purchase line at the Fair and go directly to the entry gate!

$1 Wednesday Mania October 1
On this day only, Fairgoers can get into the Fair for only $1 all day long! And don’t forget, this is also $1 Carnival Ride Wednesday where every ride is just $1 per ride! What a great day to save BIG money at the Fair!

Fans & Followers Day Thursday, October 2
On Thursday, October 2, all Big Fresno Fair Facebook fans and Twitter followers will get FREE admission just for being connected with us! Visit www.FresnoFair.com and click on Savings & Promotions to learn how YOU can redeem this offer and get into the Fair for FREE between the hours of 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on this day only. Once on grounds, make sure to ‘Check In’ and ‘Tag’ the Fair, plus hashtag #BigFresnoFair in all your tweets, status updates and Fair photos! Connect with us today on Facebook and Twitter for your chance at BIG time savings!

Check out more local arts and entertainment articles in KRL’s A & E section.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.