The 80th annual Caruthers District Fair, California’s largest admission-free fair, will take place Sept. 29-Oct. 2. This year’s theme, “Country Roots and Cowboy Boots,” attests to the western atmosphere of the event.
The fair exhibits art from schools in the area, vegetables from district farmers and new equipment for local ranchers to utilize. In addition, schools, churches and other service groups use food booths to raise funds for their causes.
Unique forms of entertainment are presented throughout the week. Every year, specific acts are expected by avid fair-goers such as an Elvis impersonator, performing Sept. 30 from 8-9:30 p.m. This year, a new Journey tribute will be added to the selection from 8-10 p.m., Oct. 1.
On Oct. 2, members of the Caruthers community will crowd around the stage to celebrate the crowning of the new Caruthers Fair Queen. The winner is determined based on the number of tickets sold by each contestant. The money from sales allows Caruthers to maintain free admission.
“Running for Caruthers Fair Queen requires a lot of dedication,” candidate Samantha Contreras, a junior from Washington Union High School, said. “I decided to take on the responsibilities because I knew it would be a great experience for me. Selling tickets has taken up a lot of my time, but I know I will be proud of myself for everything I’ve done.”
The Caruthers Fair Parade, to be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 2, is another highlight of the fair. Small businesses build floats to advertise their companies, accompanied by high school and junior high marching bands and color guards on the parade route.
The Eagle marching band and color guard march in this parade every year, and last year received awards in various categories.
The parade encompassing the small town is only one special attribute of this country fair. For Tim DeGroot, ’11, the motorcycle and quad races are a big draw.
“The motorcycle and quad races are a really characteristic feature of the fair,” DeGroot said. “Anyone can enter them no matter the skill level and, for the most part, everyone gets along. ”
Another focal point of the fair is the animal showing. Students from schools all over the county come to show animals in the industrial-styled barn at the back end of the fair.
“Our country fairs, like the Caruthers Fair, were developed on the roots of agriculture,” Debbie Jacobsen, Fresno County Farm Bureau District Director, said. “It was a place to gather with family and friends and show off the fruits of your labors.
“At the Caruthers Fair, students from Caruthers and surrounding communities gather to show their hard work and efforts in raising and showing an animal. It is community pride and support for the students at its very best.”
The community supports the students by buying the animals which the students sell at the fair. Farming groups such as the Future Farmers of America and 4H support the students and teach them how to succeed in raising and selling their animals.
For more information, visit the Caruthers Fair website.
