I am often asked the questions, "How can I take my family to the Fair without breaking the family budget?" I have many many answers to this question, but the following is my list of favorite ways to visit the Fair....On a budget.
Discount Days is just one the ways the Alameda County Fair can help save some money. Surely, any family can find a day to visit and get into the Fair for next to nothing. $2 Tuesday, Senior FREE Thursdays and Kids FREE Fridays are just a few of the discount admissions that the Alameda County Fair offers to fairgoers.
Try visiting the 4H Cake Booth in Building A, where you can get homemade desserts made by local 4H groups for as little as $1.50, yes a $1.50. Even, if you packed your own lunch and brought it to the Fair, you can't pass up the price of a wonderful sweet treat offered at this price.
I am a mother of three and I really enjoy visiting all of the FREE stuff for kids to do and see at the Fair. Have you seen the really cool Lego display and hands on Lego area in the Science and Technology Building? I have seen kids from 2 to 50 enjoy the Lego displays. Have you seen the All Alaskan Pig Races (Kevin Bacon and Harry Porker) and Sudsy's Barn (interactive hand washing station), located in Agventure Park. The livestock animals cows, pigs, sheep and goats are always a favorite amongst the kids and you guessed it totally FREE with admission. Rita and Ray are new solar powered race cars that you won't want to miss out on. What about the pedal tractor pull? It's fun for kids and totally FREE.
Hall of History shows the history of the Alameda County Fair starting from 1912 to the present, located in Building O and a History of the Live Horse Racing Track is in the Grandstands. You don't want to miss this, it includes Fair memorabilia and interesting facts. See if you can find Cowbella, the Fair cow who is hidden at places all around the Fairgrounds and if you find her and take a picture you can win FREE tickets to the 2012 Alameda County Fair.
You can place a bet for $2, I am always willing to try and double my money at the track. Racing has some great deals, every Thursday you can get beers for $1 before the second race. Enter the Win, Place & Show contest every Friday to get one of the horse racing giveaways: binoculars and a special anniversary cup (while supplies last, check website for details.) If you have kids and want to hang out a racing there is a very cool putting range that is FREE, price doesn't get better than FREE!
Want a getaway for a day, visit Festival Square on the weekends and celebrate the Latino Culture and learn to salsa, make tamales and listen to various local bands. Closing weekend, will be a tribute to Americana complete with music from all over the United States, including rock n' roll, zydeco, jazz and much more. A Gumbo and Rib Cook Off complete this weekend in a food extravaganza.
Love Fireworks? Every Friday night you can see them at the Alameda County Fair for FREE at 9:30pm.
The last thing I mention is actually the #1 reason fairgoers come to the Fair, FREE concerts. This year the Fair has really stepped it up with some amazing artists such as: Morris Day & The Time, The Temptations, Rick Springfield, America, Hoobastank and Kellie Pickler to name a few.
Wanna save even more money? Follow this link to a page full of coupons that you can use anywhere from food booths to photos. http://www.alamedacountyfair.com/2012fair/welcome/pdf/ALACoFair_Flyer2012.pdf
I can do the Fair with three boys on a budget, but more importantly my kids have a love for the Fair and we are making memories to last a lifetime.
