Centennial Tulare County Fair has something for everyone in September

The Read to Ride contest offers two free ride tickets for every two books a child reads.Tickets can be used only on Thursday, Sept. 12. For more information call the Tulare County Fair at 686-4707.

Veterans Appreciation and Senior Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, features senior admission for just $5 and veterans and active duty military can enter at no charge. To nominate a veteran to receive a Quilt of Honor, call the fair, 686-4707.

The fair is also seeking residents who are 100 years old, or in their upper 90s, to be recognized as part of the Fair’s 100th anniversary. Contact the Fair for details. 

This year’s centennial celebration will feature a wide variety of fun contests for fair-goers of all ages:

• High School Madness is a school spirit competition on Wednesday, Sept. 11, with students from throughout the county competing in box pyramid, tug of war, M&M toss, cheer and drumline competition and the mascot dance battle. Cash prizes are awarded for first through third place.

• The free butter sculpture contest happens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. Two categories are provided: ages 12 and under and ages 13 and older. Contestants will be given supplies and first- through third-place winners will receive prizes.

• The Kid’s Talent competition, for children 14 and younger, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15 starting at 11:30. Prizes from $50 to $150 will be presented to first through third-place winners.

Entry forms for all events can be found on the Fair website, www.tcfair.org. 

The Tulare County Fair is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with a wide variety of displays and events in the works to celebrate this landmark year. Traditional favorites continue, including fun fair food, the annual Junior Livestock Auction, new carnival rides and entertainment ranging from comedy and gold rush mining to an illusionist team and daredevil motorcycle stunts. 

The CCPRA rodeo will be held on Saturday, Sept 7, followed by the Monster Trucks competition on Friday, Sept. 13, and the Demolition Derby on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Visit www.tcfair.org for information and ongoing updates to the schedule of events, or call the fairgrounds office at 559-686-4707.