REGIONAL: So Cal Fair is under way

Along with regular fair fun, performers include Raven Symone and The Beach Boys

By JOHN HALL - Staff Writer | Saturday, October 4, 2008 6:54 PM PDT ∞

PERRIS ---- With the ear-popping rumble of monster trucks roaring, three turkeys race next to where a magician just finished his performance.

That can only mean one thing: It's Southern California Fair time again at Lake Perris Fairgrounds.

From now through Oct. 12, visitors can experience all the sights, sounds and smells expected at a fair.

The traditional fair fare is there ---- corn dogs, a variety of fried foods and, of course, funnel cake and kettle corn.

But there are also some new food items this year, says fair spokeswoman Karen Searle, such as deep-fried jalapenos wrapped with bacon and served on a stick. Only at a fair.

And for the first time in the So Cal Fair's more than 60 years, a food legend is here.

Pink's has a traveling food stand at this year's event, across from the arena and next to the "Be a Star Stage." Pink's has served hot dogs and its famous chili dogs since 1939 at its Hollywood location, where it is common to see lines form around the block.

Searle said there is something for everyone at this year's fair and emphasized the event's affordability in these tough economic times.

"It's cheaper than going to a movie," Searle said. "It's a great place to come spend time with the whole family."

Admission to the fair, located at 18700 Lake Perris Drive, is $8 on weekends and $7 on weekdays for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger. Parking is $5.

Tickets also include a chance to see the wide range of headliner entertainment at this year's fair. Those wishing to ensure they have seats and are closer to the stage can purchase $15 reserved tickets in advance or at the fair.

Headliners this year start with popular children and teen entertainer Raven Symone, who takes to the stage Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, The Beach Boys will perform, followed Thursday by Three Dog Night and then Christian artist Jeremy Camp on Friday night. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m in the arena.

The weather Saturday may have been cloudy and much cooler than it has been lately, but that didn't deter the many patrons who came to the first day of the fair.

For Holly York and her family, the cooler temperatures made it much more comfortable than most of the previous years, when the sun was scorching.

"We were just hoping it wasn't raining," York, 43, of Nuevo, said with a laugh. One of her sons, who is a Boy Scout, enjoyed the rock climbing booth while York's sister, Chris Moake, 55, said she was looking forward to seeing the animals in the fair's livestock area.

Both women said they believe this year's fair is nicer and cleaner than they've seen it in years past.

This is the family's 11th year attending the event, York said, and they even have a special connection to the fair.

Several years ago, while pregnant, York said her doctor told her she needed to do more walking. So she went to the fair and did more walking.

The next day, her son Michael was born, York said. "He's my little fair baby, I guess," she said.

Michael was with the family at the fair Saturday and was busy checking out all the sights and sounds.

A short distance away, Circle City Sidewalk Stompers Clown Band drew a large crowd as they did what their name says, stomping and clowning around. But these nine colorfully clad, fast-moving, choreographed performers are a lot more than that.

They sing and dance while playing their horns and drums, much to the delight of onlookers, some of whom even become part of the show. The group, from Indianapolis, started in 1976 and performs at professional basketball and football games.

The fair also boasts any number of unique performances including the Fearless Flores Family thrill show, a comedy unicyclist, a reptile show and the always popular pig races.

For those who might prefer their fun a bit more relaxed, there is a large exhibit tent that houses award-winning crafts, photographs, collections and hobbies ---- and a display of honeybees.

The carnival midway has rides for the brave and those not quite as brave.

The fair has several promotional days during its run, such as a carnival savings day on Thursday and Seniors Day on Friday.

Last year, an estimated 150,000 people made their way to the So Cal Fair and officials expect about the same number of patrons this year.

Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.

Southern California Fair

-- When: Now through Oct. 12

-- Time: Open from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and weekends

-- Where: Lake Perris Fairgrounds, 18700 Lake Perris Drive

-- Cost: Admission is $7 on weekdays, $8 on weekends, $3 for children 6 to 12, and children 5 and younger are free. Admission includes headliner entertainment but reserved seats may be purchased for $15

-- Parking: $5

-- Concerts: Headliners include Raven Symone on Tuesday, The Beach Boys on Wednesday, Three Dog Night on Thursday and Jeremy Camp on Friday. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the arena.

-- Info: www.socalfair.com