LAKEPORT, Calif. – Midway of Fun, the provider of the carnival at the Lake County Fair, will return to the event this week.
The fair takes place Thursday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 31. This year's theme is “Hot August Family Fun!”
Midway of Fun has been providing the rides, games, and attractions to Lake County Fair since 2009, and was signed to a five-year contract beginning in 2012.
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.
“We've had Ferris wheels before, but the Century Wheel is twice as high as the normal wheels, and it's got gondola cars that allow a family 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.”
Rides to be offered this year include Superslide, Raiders, Convoy, Carousel, Dizzy Dragons, Motor Cycles, 4x4 Jeeps, Flying Elephants, Dizzy Dragons, Bumper Cars, Ranger, Zipper, Tornado, WipeOut, Tilt-A-Whirl, House of Horror, Monkey Business, Clown Around, Tea Cups, Train, Jeeps, Lady Bug, Boats, Elephants and Vertigo.
Carnival goers who love to challenge the “vomit comets” will find several rides to test their intestinal fortitude, including the Wipeout, Tilt A Whirl, Tornado, Phoenix, Ranger and the Vertigo.
Less intense rides will include a carousel and the extremely popular giant slide.
A variety of kiddie rides, like the tea cups and the kiddie jeeps will also be found in the kiddie carnival area.
“Our lots usually have room for 25 to 30 rides,” said Persons. “How many depends on how they fit into the spaces.”
Events in the grandstand arena include the Lake County BMX Bicycle stunt show and UTV races on Thursday, the Mendo Lake Mudd Bog Nationals race on Friday, the WGAS Cal State Tuff Truck Finals on Saturday, and the Lakeport/Ukiah Bomber Series Finale on Sunday.
All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Local participants are also encouraged on all nights. Sponsors include St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Twin Pine Casino and Hotel, Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino and the Lake County Tribal Health Consortium.
Live local entertainment occurs continuously on two stages. The Lake County News Stage will showcase national touring act Twice As Good on Saturday at 8pm. Other local acts, including the LC Diamonds, The Funky Dozen, and the Fargo Brothers will also play the main stage. The Mediacom Stage will host a variety of acts including Travis Rinker, Michael Barrish, and the Cherry Road Gang. The annual Lake County Talent Competition will take place on Saturday evening, and is presented by Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino.
A special appearance by the Air Force Band will occur on Sunday, Aug. 31, with sets at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Regular admission prices for the 2014 Lake County Fair are unchanged from 2011.
Prices are $10 for a regular ticket, $6 for a senior over age 60, and $6 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free every day. Children through age 11 are admitted for $3 on Thursday, Aug. 28, only, for “Kid's Day.”
A special admission program is in place for Sunday, Aug. 31. Anyone who brings four cans of food to the gate between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. will receive free admission, with the food benefiting local food pantries through Lake County CAN.
Visit the fair online at www.lakecountyfair.com or follow them on Facebook.