Monterey County Fair opens its gates to the public

Another year of rides, games, and livestock has arrived on the central coast.

The annual Monterey County Fair made its way back to the Peninsula and the gates are officially open to the public.

After months of preparation, fair officials said they are excited for visitors to experience all that this year’s event has to offer.

Many fan-favorite attractions such at the stilt walkers, ferris wheel, a variety of livestock, and numerous food options are back, this year.

Seaside resident, Edwin Baptista, said that it is the variety of activities that brings him and his family to the fair.

Fair officials said that visitors have more than the classics to look to throughout the weekend.

This year, the chickens are the stars of the show. Monterey County Fair, CEO, Kelly Violini, said the theme of “Shake Your Tail Feathers” inspired many of the livestock exhibits on the fairgrounds.

“We have a barn full of chickens. In the building next to me, it’s down on the farm and we have baby chicks being born. And then, we have a number of babies that are going to be in the little red chicken coop,” said Violini.

Each day will feature different performances, shows, and activities. A full schedule of the week’s events can be found on montereycountyfair.com.

The fair will run from Thursday through labor day. Gates open at 12PM and close at 11PM through Sunday, and until 10PM on Monday.

Parking is offered at the Monterey Pines Golf course.