by Lorie Lewis Ham
The Big Fresno Fair is almost upon us and this year they’ve added some new attractions that are worth checking out. There is the Live Shark Encounter, Wizard’s Challenge, a Zip Line, Neon Paint Party, and a Frozen Singing Competition.
“At the Big Fresno Fair we always strive to bring in the newest, most entertaining exhibits that we can find and this year is no exception!” said Deputy Manager of the Fresno Fair, Stacy Rianda. “Each year, our Fair Management team attends the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Annual Convention and Trade Show where they gather with other Fairs from around the United States to discover new ideas and meet new vendors who specialize in bringing these exciting new attractions to Fairs just like ours.”
At the Haiia, Inc. Live Shark Encounter audiences can learn and be entertained by educational facts about sharks and their behavior and they will have the opportunity to see several species of sharks swimming around a 5,000 gallon tank. They’ll also get an up-close experience with real shark teeth, items found in the bellies of sharks, and much more. “This exhibit is being brought to The Big Fresno Fair through a partnership with Haiia, Inc. as the only traveling shark show in the U.S. Their footprint is 60 feet wide and 50 feet deep, which includes their large, 5,000 gallon aquarium,” continued Rianda.
Live Shark Encounter
Also making its debut at the Fair this year is the Wizard’s Challenge exhibit where a fantasy world of science comes to life. Wizard’s Challenge is a STEM-based interactive exhibit in which guests can have fun while learning about science through magical and medieval themed displays. This highly interactive and hands-on attraction offers a huge variety of challenges and experiences including a 20-foot long rotating dragon’s lair, a plasma sphere, and being able to watch electricity/lightening follow your movements or leave your body’s imprint on a huge wall of nails. There are also magic mirrors and 25 foot bubble tubes.
Wizard's Challenge
The Fair is also thrilled to welcome its patrons to the first-ever Neon Paint Party at a fair, being brought to you by Neon1x on Saturday, October 11 at the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand. You will be able to dance to the beats from live DJ’s while getting sprayed with colorful non-toxic paint. The 17 and under show begins at 7 p.m. and for those 18 and older, the entertainment starts at 9 p.m.
Neon Paint Party
This year the Fair also has a Frozen at the Fair singing competition for children ages 3-13. Auditions have already taken place, but on Monday, October 13 on Sun-Maid Kids’ Day you will get the opportunity to watch as the top 20 performers compete for your vote to win title of the Frozen at the Fair singing competition winner. As audience members, you will also be greeted with special appearances from Disney’s Frozen characters Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff – all included in your FREE Kids’ Day admission for kids 12 and under. Pack up the family and head out to the Fair for an afternoon filled with singing and dancing on the Pavilion Stage at 4:30 p.m. on October 13 only.
“With kids in practically every household singing songs to the hit Disney movie, we wanted to give families the opportunity to enjoy these songs on a larger scale,” said Rianda. “There were over 100 kids ages 3 to 13 that attended auditions earlier this summer that were invited to sing any Frozen song they liked. There were no other parameters to the competition. We can’t wait to see what the top 20 contestants have in store for us – plus, see the expressions on families’ faces when it starts to snow here at the Fair!” (you read that correctly-snow!)
These new attractions are all free with paid admission. “We pride ourselves on providing a venue where families can come and enjoy themselves – making memories that will last them a lifetime at an affordable cost,” continued Rianda. “Plus, with our many discount days and savings opportunities, there is something for everyone to be able to take advantage of.”
Fair tickets are the same as in previous years: $10 for adults, $7 for children (6 – 12), Military and Seniors’ 62 and better, and kids 5 and under are always free. Parking is $8 in our Infield and Butler lots or $5 in our Maple lot. However, we do offer a special Park & Ride Shuttle service, which picks up at the Trading Post Shopping Center on the corner of Herndon & Clovis and drops Fair patrons directly at the Chance Avenue Gate entrance free of charge. We are also offering a special promotion through a partnership with Uber this year where all new Uber users can use the promo code FRESNOFAIR14 to get a free first ride up to $30. If they’re already an Uber user, they can use FRESNOFAIR1410 to get 10% off their ride to and from the Fair.
Be sure to also check out KRL’s article on this year’s Fresno Fair entertainment and info on some more special discounts, and learn more on the Fresno Fair website. We will see you at the Big Fresno Fair!
Check out more local arts and entertainment articles in KRL’s A & E section.
0 Comments