Last year, the Santa Clara County Fair had to be canceled because we were at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, once again this year, since the fairgrounds are still being used for coronavirus testing and vaccinations and as cases surge once more, fair organizers have had to scramble to keep parts of the event alive.
According to Mercury News, the Santa Clara County Fair announced in March that the event, set to start this Friday, would be drive-thru only. But now, organizers have been forced to scale down even further and will only focus on the livestock exhibitions and other competitive exhibits.
The theme of this year’s event is “Ag-Venture!” and there is still plenty to see and do despite there being none of the famous fried fair food, rides, games, and music. Instead, kids and teens with FFA and 4-H groups will take center stage showing off their animals including dogs, sheep, pigs, rabbits, goats, cows, and more. You can see the full livestock schedule on the fair’s Facebook page. The popular kid’s event known as ‘Little Hands on the Farm’ is also scheduled to be back this year.
Aside from the animals, you can also check out Fiesta Hall which will feature competitive photography exhibits, quilt exhibits, art projects, and baked goods on display. Another fan favorite, the Santa Clara County Homebrew competition will also be back with the judging for the contest happening this Saturday.
The fair’s Heritage Exhibit, which features local historical items and memorabilia from Santa Clara County and the fairgrounds itself, will also return. Organizers have set up a virtual tour of the exhibit with the hope of attracting people to come down and see it in real life. “The virtual tour is a terrific sneak peek at what is in the exhibit and allows those who can’t come to the fair to see the history. Hopefully, the virtual tour encourages them to come for an in-person viewing,” exhibit curator Marcella Gulmon told Mercury News.
The fair events run from July 30th to August 7th. You can find more information at thefair.org.
