As tents unfurl, performers plug in and deep fryers heat up, Fresno’s residents become aware of a gathering that slowly grows livelier as the days go on. With men, women and children growing in anticipation, the downtown fairgrounds open up for The Big Fresno Fair, which returned for its 127th year, Oct. 5.

Founded in 1884, the The Big Fresno Fair is the 5th largest fair in California, drawing in over 550,000 visitors each year. With attractions like carnival rides and eateries and exhibitions ranging from local art to livestock, the event boasts a wide array of spectacles.

Several FC students will be amongst those featured at the fair, with the marching band participating in the 1st Annual Big Fresno Fair Big Band Review, Oct. 12, and the art department competing in the annual Big Fresno Fair chalk-drawing contest, Oct. 11.

Additionally, individuals were recognized on opening day, as students from the Fresno County area with 4.0 or above GPAs were rewarded for their academic success with free admission to the fair. Furthermore, art teacher Sharon Scharf has students who were presented with ribbons after submitting their works to be considered by a committee of judges. This includes senior GeeHyun Park, who won Best in Show for her piece, “Abstract Flowers.”

The Big Fresno Fair will be operating until Oct. 16. The event runs daily, opening at 11:30 a.m. Monday – Friday and 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Check back later this week for further coverage.

For more information, read the Oct. 7 article, BREAKING: Park wins Best in Show at Big Fresno Fair (VIDEO).

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