Pima County Fair plans senior celebration Tuesday

Annual spectacle runs through Sunday, April 29

It’s not too late to enjoy what’s regarded as one of the best county fairs in the country because of the wide variety of performances, exhibits, demonstrations, competitive and offbeat events it offers.

The Pima County Fair blends old and new and many visitors enjoy the plethora of livestock and agricultural exhibits that date back to the fair’s beginning, 97 years ago.

The event combines traditional county fair entries such as baking contests, livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, animal auctions, carnival rides and quilting shows, with Super Science and fine arts exhibits, rodeo action, demolition derbies, poker tournaments, first-class musical entertainment and plenty to eat and drink.

This year’s fair offers performances by acrobats, an exhibit of reptiles, sea lions and Clydesdales, a petting zoo and bird show.

Another popular event is the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption program which will be conducted April 27-29, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

The fair started Thursday and runs through Sunday, April 29, at the Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road.

Senior Celebration

There’s a celebration for seniors Tuesday, April 24, when admission will be reduced to $2 for those 55 and over.

For the Senior Celebration entertainment is planned by the Ricketty Rockesttes, Clogging Desert Stars and Barefoot Hula Wahinis, plus several other rock and country groups on the Budweiser Main Stage and at Old Pueblo Hall.

There’s also a tractor pull contest, starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

On Tuesday, seniors get free rides on the Ferris wheel, carousel and grand wheel.

Carnival hours start at 2 p.m. during the week and 11 a.m. on weekends.

Major concerts coming up during the week at the fair include country star Darryl Worley, April 28, and Mexican accordionist and songwriter Ramon Ayala, April 29.

The concerts are free with admission to the fair ($7 for adults, $1 for ages 6-10 and younger and free for those age 5 and younger.â

There’s plenty of parking and the cost is $5 per vehicle.

Fairgrounds open at 10 a.m. weekends and Tuesdays, and 11 a.m. during the week.

Closing times in the evening vary, depending on the entertainment offered

You can get a program with a complete listing of events at Circle K stores through April 29 or get more information by calling the Southwest Fair Commission at 762-3247

For a day-to-day schedule of events and entertainment, check the Web site at pimacounty fair.com.

kengle@gvnews.com| 547-9732