County fair returns to San Benito
SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif, (KION) The annual San Benito County Fair returns with new recommendations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a normal year, about 22,000 people attend in the span of four days. However, that many people aren't anticipated this year and instead of four days, it's been reduced to three.
Manager and CEO of San Benito County Fair, Dara Tobias said, "We're self-funded, so all of the events and things that were canceled last year was revenue that we didn't earn. So, our budgets have been really, really tight. We've been saving we've had to really watch what we're spending so we're trying to work within our budgets and make sure we're keeping everyone safe and also being financially smart.”
Reducing the number of days is not the only change this year. In a health and safety statement, San Benito County Fair stated "To protect the health and safety of our community, the San Benito County Fair Board, Hazel Hawkins Emergency Room Director, San Benito County Public Health, and health leaders from across the community strongly recommend that all who attend the Fair wear a mask while indoors, regardless of vaccination status." Anyone who is feeling ill is asked to stay home.
However, families who attend yearly are happy to have the fair back.
"We come every year last year was the only year we didn't come," said Rebecca Gutierez. "We take advantage of the family pack buying the tickets saving money. And so we always have a great time.”
Food, carnival rides, music, and entertainment it's all at the Fair. The fair also provides an opportunity for some to show off their talents.
“I was really looking forward to coming here last year but when they said we're going to move forward 2021, I was so beyond excited," said Twinkle and Friends. "The energy like I literally onstage right yeah like we feel the energy from the audience like they are like so excited to be here be out and about and I think there's a new appreciation for live music.”
The fair will be open this Friday, from 3 p.m.- 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
