Animal magnetism at Kern County Fair

Wednesday was the first day for the Kern County Fair and we'd be lion if we said it's not off to an exciting start.

Excuse the play on the words because Sea Lion Splash, the newest attraction for the annual 12-day event, is nothing if not a lot of fun.

Members of the local news media, fair board members and guests were all smiles during a preview just hours before the gates opened to the public, thanks to the team behind the sea lion show.

Located near the Union Avenue entrance, the new attraction will host twice-daily performances through Sunday featuring a trio of trained sea lions.

Lead trainer Nicky Fuentes said the mammals are all rescues who were selected for their aptitude in learning "behaviors," which include gymnastic feats, dancing, balancing balls, catching rings and more.

The trio — consisting of South American sea lion Estella, 30, and California sea lions Gouda, 4, and Kika, 8 — all start on center stage, enjoying their turn in the spotlight, enjoying fish incentives for their moves.

Fuentes said consuming fish is how the animals stay hydrated, since the fish consume the water in which they swim. Capelin are the most hydrating fish (about 80% to 90% water) used as treats, while herring provide a meatier snack.

Speaking of snacks, the fair has brought on a number of new concessions to this year's event (see accompanying list). One new option is Asian Fusion, served wonton tacos, pulled pork egg rolls and yum yum fries, topped with ground beef, shredded cabbage and carrots and green onions, drizzled with teppanyaki-inspired yum yum sauce and togarashi (seven-spice) seasoning.

Sunset Grill, also part of the new food court area between Buildings 1 and 2, will serve Philly cheesesteaks, wood-fired pizza and more.

Carb lovers will enjoy Brian's Baked Potato and Breads of the World while those with a sweet tooth can check out Boba King, the Dole Whip stand and Sweets by J.

Burn off those fair calories with a walk through the Dinosaur Expedition. It will be easy to spot the exhibition, located along KC Loop, thanks to its large-scale animatronic dinosaurs.

The paid attraction ($8, or $24 for the family four-pack) invites fairgoers into an open-air exhibit with about 40 animatronic dinosaurs. Plaques with facts will help visitors learn more about some of the creatures like the feathered utahraptor.

Dinosaur Expedition also has a prehistoric band that can "perform" to whatever music is programmed to play as well as a fossil unearthing station. There are also small rideable dinosaurs for children that can be enjoyed for a separate fee ($4 or three rides for $10), according to Matt Flynn of Immersive Productions.

The fair continues through Sept. 29.