Caruthers District Fair ends, The Big Fresno Fair kicks off

This year, the 88th Caruthers District Fair was bigger than ever, featuring new rides and a new barn. Thousands flocked to the fairgrounds over the weekend for enjoyment, Sept. 27-30. 

The President of the Caruthers Fair Board, Gary Wenter, takes pride in improving California’s largest free gate fair.

“Over the last 25 or 30 years, we’ve almost revamped the whole fair,” Wenter said. “The food booths are all new, that was done after a windstorm knocked them down. We’ve built new livestock barn, a new livestock showroom. Just this past year rebuilt this entire barn behind us. I think the thing I’m most proud of is that we’ve been able to make a free gate fair bigger and nicer than it ever was. You hope that the people who started the fair back in the day would be proud of what we’ve done.”

The first thing seen by fair attendees are the food booths. About a dozen vendors sell homemade meals including, tri-tip, teriyaki chicken, and corn dogs. One regular attendee, Hector Davila, ‘22, always heads straight to the food.

“I’ve been to six fairs; ever since I was little,” Davila said. “The first thing I do is food; I like to eat corn dogs, sweets, some really nice cinnamon rolls, and smoothies.”

After filling their stomachs, fair-goers make their way to the rides. The Caruthers Fair had over eight rides this year, including The Ring of Fire, The Zipper and a Ferris Wheel.

Many students look forward to the vintage rides. One student, Keanu (last name withheld), ‘22, looks forward to new rides each year.

“I’ve been coming to these fairs since I was born,” Keanu said. “My favorite thing to do here is to go on the various rides that the fair offers us to take part in. Although there are plenty of rides to choose from, one of my favorites at the fair has to be the Zipper.”

Another staple of the Caruthers Fair are the exhibits which include livestock, home arts and horticulture. Local raisin company, Sun-Maid, is one of many ag companies who exhibit at the fair. Third generation raisin grower, Randy Rocca, ran the Sun-Maid booth for her seventh year. Rocca loves watching the fair inspire the next generation.

“I love watching and talking to the people,” Rocca said. “When little kids come over and you can hardly see them and they come over and grab the raisin boxes, I love to see all the future raisin eaters. We put a lot of hard work and sweat into making those raisins. They call Sun-Maid America’s favorite raisin, so we put a lot of work into making sure that we always keep and protect the Lady on the Box. We protect her, and that’s a worldwide label, anywhere you go in the world people know that label.”

For everyone who missed the Caruthers Fair, The Big Fresno Fair runs Oct. 4-15. Student tickets cost $12. The first night of the Fresno Fair is 4.0 & Above night. Students with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 and above receive free entry, as well as opportunities to win various scholarships and prizes.

Over 600,000 people from all over the Central Valley experience The Big Fresno Fair annually. For a glimpse of the options offered, read last year’s article: Big Fresno Fair offers a multitude of exhibits, attractions.

For lasts years article on The Caruthers Fair, read Juliette Davila seeks crown at local Caruthers Fair.

This author can be reached via email: Bryce Foshee.