The 130th Big Fresno Fair is open daily from Oct. 2-14. While tickets for adults and students are $10, discounts are available from various outlets.

Numerous activities are available for the public to participate in such as the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, rides and touring of the assorted food and commerce exhibits. Many contributors of the fair come from all over to share their passion for the work they do.

Stevie Davis, ’15, is a part of Future Farmers of America (FFA) at Caruthers High School. Davis brought along her cow, Judy, which she has been raising for six months, to show at the fair. Being surrounded by farm life since she was born, it was very natural for her to fall into that lifestyle.

“Ever since I was younger I watched my brothers and sisters show their animals at the fair,” Davis said. “My grandpa worked at a dairy so I’ve been around it my whole life. It’s what I do. I brought my cow Judy to show at the fair this year. She gets fed every single morning and night. We have weekly showmanship practices. I walk her, keep her clean and just take care of all her necessities.”

Although Davis loves to show at the fair, there are some sad aspects that come along with this activity. She finds it hard to say goodbye after spending so much time with her animals.

“My favorite part is coming to the fair and showing everybody all my hard work I’ve accomplished over the summer,” Davis said. “The hardest part is selling your animal at the end because you spend so much time with them; they become like your pets.”

Another program striving to shape youth for their future is 4-H Youth Development Organization. This program seeks to help the youth of America make a positive impact in their communities and the world. FC freshman Alena Orth is a member of this program, where she is able to connect with activities in the fair as well.

“I have done 4-H for three years now,” Orth said. “My club’s name is Renegades 4-H and I do various projects for my club as well as being the recording secretary for it. I’m very involved int he photography program. I’ve done photography for the past two years I’ve been in the club. This year in the Fresno Fair I entered a picture. I used to be in the horse project too but I didn’t do it this year. I didn’t like doing the shows because I felt it was too much pressure on me. Another project I do is hiking and poultry. Even though I’m not showing this year I can still be a part of those activities. I do 4-H because I enjoy learning new skills that I could use in every day life.”

While visitors often consume fair favorites like soft tacos and cinnamon rolls, Hot Dog on a Stick is one of many food options to choose from. Sarah (last name withheld) is an employee for the business and has been for many years. The stand has come back to the Fresno Fair for the first time in about 20 years, giving Sarah a new, enjoyable experience.

“I started working with this company when I was 17 so it was such a great job that I decided to stick around,” Sarah said. “I stayed working at this business because I get payed extremely well for working with a bunch of excitement and fun. I also get the chance to meet new people. This is the first year we?re back in Fresno for about 20 years. We?re based in Southern California so we usually stick to Sacramento, the Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Diego and Ventura.”

Along with food stands, spectators also have the chance to meet local news personalities on site. Creative Services Director for ABC 30 KFSN-TV , David Lee is in charge of the emotional outreach for the station and loves to connect with the public and show them what ABC 30 is all about through their visit at the fair.

“This is my first year coming to the Fresno Fair because I recently started at the company,” Lee said. “But ABC 30 has been coming for years and years now. It?s a great way for us to connect with our audience and get face to face interaction with them, and see what they think of us. I love being here because I like meeting the public and getting feedback from them besides just on Facebook and Twitter. We want to connect with our audience and show them that we really do care about the community.”

The Big Fresno Fair is open daily from Oct. 2-14. Gates open at 10 a.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The fair closes 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and Midnight Friday and Saturday.

For those headed to the Carnival, hours are Monday – Friday – 3 p.m. – close while Saturday and Sunday are open 10 a.m. – close.

For more features, read the Oct. 3 article, Motivational speakers inspire audience, share faith.