LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Midway of Fun carnival at the new Lake County Spring Fair will host a total of fifteen rides, but according to fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons, the most spectacular ride expected for the fair is a huge Ferris wheel called the Century Wheel.
“The Century Wheel is twice as high as the normal wheels, and it's got gondola cars that allow a family or group to all ride together. It's 70 feet tall, so people will be able to see everything on the fairgrounds, in Lakeport, and across the lake to Nice and Lucerne,” Persons said. “And it'll be pretty spectacular to look at from the ground as well, because it was refurbished over the winter with thousands of new LED lights that create intricate light shows.”
According to Harry Mason, the owner of Midway of Fun, most rides get some refurbishment every winter, but the Century Wheel received more than $200,000 in lighting, hydraulics, paint, and seating.
The LED lighting is visible for many miles, and folks on the North Shore may be able to see the light show.
“I'm really, really proud of the way the new lighting works on the big wheel,” said Mason.
Carnival rides run on electricity, and the Midway of Fun carries two 500 kilowatt diesel generators to operate all of the attractions. Each generator is run by a 600 horsepower diesel engine.
Mason said the move to LED lighting on the rides has paid off in diesel savings because the carnival used to require three of the 500 kilowatt generators.
Not only does that translate to a huge reduction in diesel usage but it also means there has been a large reduction in exhaust emissions for the show.
Spectacular rides on the Spring Fair midway will include the Tornado, a Tilt-A-Whirl, the Starship 2000, the Flying Bobs and a Super Slide. Kiddie rides will include the Kiddie Jeeps, a motorcycle jump, the Toon Train, and a Dragon Wagon. Rides for all ages will include the Raiders of the Lost Ark, a carousel, and the bumper cars.
According to Persons “The bumper cars are always a popular ride for teenagers, who can get a whole group together on the ride, but nobody has be worry about heights or getting sick. It was really popular the past couple of years, so we're glad to see the bumper cars make it to the Spring Fair.”
In addition to the rides, the carnival area will include the usual assortment of games and food stands. Traditional coin toss games will compete for attention with ball throws, balloon pops and water gun races.
Lake County Spring Fair gates open all three days at 2 p.m., and admission is $5 per person for ages 6 and older. Children under 6 are admitted for free.
Carnival unlimited ride wristbands will be $25 each at the fair, but can be purchased through Thursday, June 13, for $20 at the fairgrounds office. Parking is $5 per car, and benefits the Kelseyville High School softball program.
Activities planned for the grandstand arena during the Lake County Spring Fair include mud bogs on Friday evening, tuff truck, buggy and ATV races on Saturday evening, and an invitational auto race on Sunday evening. All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m. Local participants are also encouraged all three nights, and entry can be made through Lakeport Speedway at 707-279-9577.
Two stages filled with local acts will keep everyone entertained, including an opening night performance by Twice As Good who will take to the Theater Main Stage at 8 p.m.
Before Twice As Good performs, the Snake Alley band will be on the stage for several sets on Friday afternoon and evening. The Theater Main Stage will then host the Lake County Diamonds on Saturday, and the Mark Weston Band on Sunday, with several sets each day.
The Mediacom Gazebo Stage will host the Cherry Road Gang for several sets all three days. Fill-up the Clown will be strolling the grounds performing magic tricks, creating balloon animals, and generally creating laughter. In addition, a face painter will be active near the carnival entrance from the grandstands area.
For more information visit www.lakecountyfair.com .