Students discuss plans for attending an annual fair tradition

Many things signal the start of fall to everyone, whether it be the change in weather, or the leaves changing colors. For Fresno, the Big Fresno Fair signifies the start of fall for many.

With the smell of greasy corn dogs or funnel cakes, the fair provides an environment for the whole family. Carnival rides, art exhibits, concerts, and many more are all available. The fair lasts from Oct. 7-18. Get your tickets here.

Fresno Christian students share their plans to visit the Big Fresno Fair. While some of them are unable to make it, due to busy schedules, others are attracted to the food. Many even have submitted their personal art pieces into competition there, such as sculptures and hand sewn clothes.

While it may surprise some, not everyone has been to the Big Fresno Fair. Brittany Bender, ’16, explains that she has never been to the fair before, but will be attending this year for a concert.

“I’ve never been to the Big Fresno Fair because my mom thought it was always a gang related area so she never took me,” Bender said. “This year I’m going for a 2 Chainz concert for my birthday.”

While rides, concerts and food traditionally top the reason to attend the Fresno Fair since its inception in 1884, others go for art of it.

Sydney Belmont, ’17, has a unique opportunity at the fair this year. Belmont is submitting her own artwork to the fair for critique.

I’m submitting a picture of watercolor tulips. They’re spread out so it looks like they’re all watered down. It looks really pretty. It took me an hour and a half because I had to watch a video to see how to do it. I really to put my work into art shows because then people get to see it and decide what they think of it. I get critiqued and am able to fix my work with constructive criticism. — Sydney Belmont, ’17

“I’m submitting a picture of watercolor tulips,” Belmont said. “They’re spread out so it looks like they’re all watered down. It looks really pretty. It took me an hour and a half because I had to watch a video to see how to do it. I really to put my work into art shows because then people get to see it and decide what they think of it. I get critiqued and am able to fix my work with constructive criticism.”

Junior Daniel Ayres reports that he only attends the fair for concerts. This year, however, he plans to engage with the various booths and exhibits held at the fair.

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with friends and creating memories and all the good fair food at the Fresno Fair,” Ayres said. “I went last year, but I went for a concert. I’ve never really been to the Fresno Fair other than for the concerts.”

While the food and games are fun, sometimes the crowds and atmosphere outweigh the positive aspects. Angelica Escalera, ’19, does not feel that the fair is a worthwhile experience.

“I’m not going to the Fresno Fair this year because it’s not a big concern,” Escalera said, “And there’s way too many people. My family and I usually go but we went last year and finally got sick of the crowds.”

“I made a skirt with pink and yellow polka dots and the dress I made has mermaids and just yellow fabric,” Hood said. “The dress took me about two weeks and the skirt took about two days. I’m hoping I can get another medal for 4H. I got a first place medal last year for a pair of shorts that had an ocean pattern with turtles and fish.”

Seventh grader Bryce Foshee got bored one day and began making a sculpture out of Legos. Fresno Christian’s art and home economics teacher, Sharon Scharf, encouraged him to take the leap and submit it into the fair’s competition.

“I entered a Lego model of a fighter jet,” Foshee said. “I was bored one day and saw that I could enter it into the Fresno Fair. Mrs. Scharf actually gave me an entry form for it. I am excited, I think I have a good chance of winning.”

Whether the Big Fresno Fair’s crowds keep visitors away, attendance may be determined by a willingness to accept long waits for food, rides and entrances into the exhibits. Maybe this is a once-a-year time when Fresno hosts a Disneyland-esk event most are willing to wait in lines for. So if you are stuck going with someone and need to get away from the crowds, try visiting the many exhibits including the Junior Exhibit Building where student art and crafts are showcased or the Big Fresno Fair Museum and its collection of unique historical items tied to the rich history of the fair.

For more information on the Big Fresno Fair, look back on part of last year’s coverage: “The Big Fresno Fair is back in business.”

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @nhudecek16 and via email: Nicole Hudecek.