Monterey County Fair kicks off with funnel cakes, carnival rides, blue ribbon livestock

The 88th Annual Monterey County Fair starts on Thursday.

The only event of the year where you can eat a giant turkey leg while dancing to live music or watch racing pigs fly around a makeshift race course. It is also one of the most wholesome days out for the entire family where you can get up close (but not too close) to a show-winning steer and listen to some great tribute bands.

Uncle Kracker headlines the Monterey County Fair

A little bit of country, a little bit of rock and roll, Uncle Kracker, Kid Rock's former DJ and the artist behind early 2000s hits "Follow Me" and "Drift Away" will headline the fair's opening night on Thursday.

Following live music headliners are:

• Friday: Abba Fab

• Saturday: Ridin' the Storm Out

• Sunday: The Legendary Chicano All-Stars

• Monday: SAM'Z School of Rock (2 p.m.), Nzuri Soul Band (7 p.m.)

All performances are on the Payton Stage at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Fiesta Del Charro and Flying U Rodeo

Enjoy classic Mexican style rodeo with traditional Charros on Sunday with a performance by Fiesta Del Charro.

Flying U Rodeo features Rodeo clown Matt Merritt, Bobby Kerr and his team of American Mustangs on Friday through Sunday.

Livestock show returns to regular fair lineup since COVID

For the first time in four years, the livestock show featuring the animal-rearing talents of the hardworking young people of 4-H and FFA programs will return to the regular fair lineup.

Since 2020, the livestock show was held before the fair, now fair attendees can visit the livestock area and barns, with some restrictions, to see the cattle, chicken, sheep, rabbits, goats, pigs and other animals the kids have raised throughout the year.

Saturday is the Junior Livestock Auction, which last year sold 189 animals, achieving a gross profit of $626,970.

Turkey leg or shaved ice? Find an array of tasty fair food

Indulge your cravings for macaroni and cheese slathered burgers, gyros, fish tacos and fully loaded fries at the fair.

In addition to classic fair favorites like deep fried Oreos, fresh baked pretzels, cinnamon rolls, funnel cakes, corn dogs and giant turkey legs, new to the food court this year is Moku Hawaiian Shave Ice and BunBao food truck.

There are also four bar locations for the 21 and overs, including El Jefe Cantina Bar serving draft margaritas and Buckaroos & Brews Saloon, which will have nightly live music performances.

What is the admission to the Monterey County Fair?

The first day of the fair, Thursday Aug. 29, is free for seniors (62 and over), military personnel and veterans.

Friday, Aug. 30 is free for children (6-12). Children 5 and under have free admission every day of the fair. General Admission ticket prices are:

• Adults (13-61): $14

• Seniors (62+): $11

• Children (6-12): $7

• Children 5 and under: Free

Tickets to the rodeo performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are sold separately.

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Parking is free on Fairground Road daily.

Attendees can park at Monterey Pines Golf Course for $25 per vehicle. A golf cart shuttle service is available at this location. The Monterey County Fair is operating a clear bag policy for the safety of all attendees.

Who makes the best pie in Monterey County?

Whether it is cherry pie or cheesecake, salsa or cupcakes, the exhibit stage will leave you inspired as you view all the handmade food in the Adult Home Arts and Junior Home Arts Department.

Get ideas for your own garden in the Floriculture Department featuring floral arrangements, cut flowers, orchids, potted plants and garden displays.

The creative talents of Monterey County residents will be on full display in the Visual Arts Department with an array of artwork including photography, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture.

Take a ride on the roller coaster at the carnival

The fair experience would not be complete without a trip 70 feet up on the Century Wheel, one of 31 rides at this year's event. Grab three of your friends and a burlap sack and plunge 40 feet on the Fun Slide, followed by a ride on the PLUR Roller Coaster.

Don't forget the Zipper, Musik Fest and Vertigo Swings rides for further spine-tingling fun. For the little ones, there is the spinning Cool Bears ride, Circus Train, Fantasy Carousel and Lolli Swings.

This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Monterey County Fair 2024 opens August 19: food, entertainment, more