Local fair offers opportunities for high school students

Every year, in the small town of Caruthers, Fresno County hosts the Caruthers Fair. Running onto their 89th year, Sept. 26 -29. The largest and longest lasting fair in California is free, providing entertainment for people of all ages.

Home arts, junior livestock, and the horticulture exhibits draw 50,000 people each year to experience the excitement. The fair hosts many different merchandise venders, and gives the people opportunities to connect with their local community. Commercial exhibits are also open for the public.

Head of the Agriculture Mechanics Department at Caruthers Fair, Gary Wenter shares his excitement for the livestock show and sale.

“I was a high school agriculture instructor for quite a few years, and I appreciate the effort put in by students and leaders in preparing animals for the fair,” Wenter said. “Kids learn responsibility, work ethic, business skills and they learn how to work with each other. It’s truly inspiring to see 200 young people getting out of bed in early morning hours to come to the fair, clean pens and animals for the exhibit that day.”

Makalya Davila, ’22, provides perspective on Caruthers Fair

Food booths will also be set up by area churches and school groups, including Alvina Elementary Charter School, Caruthers Church of the Nazarene, Immanuel Lutheran Church and many more. The smell of baked potatoes, tri-tip and Mexican dinners, hamburgers, smoked turkey legs, apple pie and a host of other meals draws community members from across the Tulare, Kings and Fresno counties.

Themed “Big Dreams in a Small Town”, the Caruthers parade begins at 10 a.m., Sept. 29. Organizers encourage attendees to decorate their bikes to join in the parade and wear themed clothing. 

Rides are also scattered throughout the fair. Johnston Amusements, long time carnival operator and partner, provide rides that range from bumper car attractions to rollercoasters that are appeal to thrill seekers. Another activity is the Motorcycle Racing. In the past 36 years, the racing circuit goes from unknown to the most sought after within the four-day fair, which is evident as riders from Los Angeles, Sacramento, Gilroy and Oakhurst drive in to participate.

Makayla Davila, regular attender of Caruthers Fair, appreciates the challenges and aspects of the games in the carnival. Proud of both her sisters winnings in the Caruthers Queen competition, she “aspires to run when she’s a little older.”

“I especially enjoy all the rides, and since it’s a small town, you know everybody that goes in all the booths and it’s fun to go say hi,” Davila said. “I’m really excited for what this year has in store.”

To find more information on Caruthers Fair, check out their website.

For more past articles about Caruthers Fair, read Juliette Davila seeks crown at local Caruthers Fair and Annual Caruthers Fair: Opportunity for community to bond, reconnect. 

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