The Big Fresno Fair returns for its 139th year. Here’s a guide to make the most of it

The Big Fresno Fair is singular in its longevity.

The annual event opened its 139th year on Wednesday, for a 12-day run that includes the traditional livestock, art and other competitive exhibits (the FFA stuff we’ve come to know and love), plus live horse races, daily music and performances and all the over-the-top food we’ve come to associate with a good county fair.

Here’s a quick guide on how to best enjoy the Big Fresno Fair in 2022.

Discounts and savings days

Entrance to the fair remains relatively cheap, as these things go.

Adults tickets are $12, with $8 tickets for those over 62 year old, children ages 6-12 and those with valid military ID. Children under 5 get in for free. Parking is $10-$15 depending on the lot and cash only (so keep that in mind when heading out).

Of course, you can find discounts.

For instance, those planning to attend the fair multiple times through the run can get a discounted season pass at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. Passes are $40 in store and can be redeemed at the fair’s box office prior to entrance. A photo ID is required.

Discounted daily tickets are available at Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores during the fair’s run. The tickets are $2 off. You can also get up to $7 off an Unlimited Carnival Ride wristband.

The Central California Blood Center is offering Buy One, Get One ticket vouchers to all blood donors through Oct. 15. Vouchers can be redeemed online or at the ticket office.

Discounts are available at the gate on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Monday is Seniors and Special Interest Day. Those over 62 years old or those with disabilities can get in for free until 1 p.m. (It’s half price after that.) The gates open at 10 a.m. One chaperone permitted for those requiring assistance.
• Tuesday’s discount comes via social media. Two-dollar tickets will be available from 4-7 p.m. for anyone who follows the fair on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. A special barcode will be posted on Monday and is required for entrance.
• Wednesday is Kids’ Day, thanks to Sun-Maid. Admission is free for children under 12 with an adult ticket.

Food, food and more food

This is the go-to-question for anyone going to the fair: What’s the first thing you’re going to eat?

The old favorites are always available: Think County Fair’s cinnamon roll; the Dole Whip and Dole Floats from Ryan’s Dole Whip; a smoked turkey leg from Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ or whatever Chicken Charlie’s decided to deep fry this year (suchh as Oreos, Twinkies and frog legs).

New to the fair this year:

• Chicken Charlie’s has a Buffalo mac and cheese sandwich, a Kool-Aid fried chicken sandwich and giant Kool-Aid baby bottles.
• Country Fair added a Caramel Apple variant to its cinnamon rolls.
• Aurora’s Authentica Comida Mexicana has champurrado (a season favorite) plus tamales, quesabirria tacos and esquite.
• Fabulous Fanny’s Funnel Cakes has a Twinkie Oreo Twist (It’s deep fried, obviously).

The fair is bringing back Food Truck Alley, which debuted last year with a rotating list of popular food trucks. It’s located on the south end of the fairgrounds by the Butler Gate. The daily truck schedule can be seen on the fair’s website.

Pogo stunts, camel rides and a kids tractor pull

Obviously, the fair is full-up on daily entertainment options (without getting into the horse racing and live music). It brought back the Pop! Culture Experience (a partnership with Blue Shell Gaming that includes comic-con style fun plus eSports and old-school arcade games) and the Livin’ Local Marketplace (a collection of local clothing, jewelry and art vendors).

It also added several new attractions.

• The Xpogo Stunt Team does extreme sport on pogo sticks. The team collectively hold 18 Guinness World Records for things like most consecutive jumps (at more than 88,000).
• Camel rides, which is pretty self explanatory., if you’ve even seen a camel. You can also pose for pictures with the animals.
• The Tanzanite African Acrobats perform a series of choreographed routines like human pyramid building (only done for speed), plus limbo and contortion, bottle balancing, chair stacks and hand balancing.
• The Pedal Pullers tractor competition is for children 4-12. Think monster truck tractor pulls, but with pedal bikes and kids. Pullers start at 75 pounds. You can watch the fun in front of the new Home and Hobby building by Butler Avenue Gate.