Everyone knows the Fair puts on great concerts every year, but after rummaging through some old files, even we were surprised to discover some of the big names who have rocked the house in years past!

We know many of you out there have been coming to the Fair your whole lives and want to know if you saw or remember any of the shows from past decades? It would be fun to hear your stories and see your photos if you have them! If so, please send to: mktgevent@alamedacountyfair.com.

Here’s a sampling of Alameda County Fair’s Rockin’ Hall of Famers going all the way back to the seventies:

2010s to Present

• 38 Special
• Ann Wilson of Heart
• The Beach Boys
• Clint Black
• En Vogue
• Kool & the Gang
• LeAnn Rimes
• Morris Day & The Time
• Rick Springfield
• Salt-N-Pepa
• Sheila E.
• Sir-Mix-A-Lot
• Smash Mouth
• Sugar Ray
• Weird Al Yankovic
• Wynonna & the Big Noise
• Zendaya

2000s

• Boyz II Men
• Eddie Money
• Chuck Mangione
• Jonas Brothers
• Josh Turner
• Los Lobos
• Miranda Lambert
• Rita Coolidge
• Village People

90s

• Eddie Rabbit
• Faith Hill
• Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
• Glen Campbell
• Jefferson Starship
• Little Richard
• Patty Loveless
• Queen Latifah
• Peter Frampton
• Ronnie Milsap
• Tammy Wynette
• Tanya Tucker
• Toby Keith
• Trace Adkins
• Three Dog Night

80s

• Brenda Lee
• DeBarge
• Donny & Marie Osmond
• Johnny Cash
• Kris Kristofferson
• Helen Reddy
• The Judds
• Jan & Dean
• Lee Greenwood
• Merle Haggard
• Smothers Brothers
• The Spinners
• Tony Bennett
• The Fifth Dimension
• Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe
• Waylon Jennings

70s

• Rick Nelson
• The Temptations
• Marty Robbins
• Jose Feliciano
• Freddie Fender
• Bobby Vinton
• Donna Fargo
• Lynn Anderson
• Tavares
• Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids

Lifetime Hall of Famers – These acts have been fan favorites at the Fair in two or more different decades:

• America
• Con Funk Shun
• Crystal Gayle
• Night Ranger
• Tower of Power
• WAR

Each year we get asked: “What’s new at the Fair?” To help answer that question – keep reading!

Annually, our staff does an extensive review following the fair. The staff reviews survey responses, customer comments we receive during the Fair, social media comments and general observations we make during the Fair. We ask: What worked, what needs improvement and what, if anything, are we eliminating?

We start this process in the late Summer, and then we are able to incorporate changes during our budget process. This year, we have made some significant infrastructure changes, programming additions, and we are always looking for ways to improve our guest’s experience.

Infrastructure:

The biggest change we made is the removal of a building that resulted in the relocation of our Youth Competitive Exhibits. The Building known as Building D showcased our school projects and other youth projects (those things like crafts, art, missions, etc). During the rest of the year it was used to store exhibit props and our event operations equipment like tables, chairs, etc. Removing this building allowed the addition of a new walkway and more grass. It has really opened up a very congested area by our Green Gate entrance. So you may ask – where did those exhibits go? Did the fair eliminate them? No, we just relocated them to Building R which is in the same area that we have our small animals, fine arts, hobby and collections, and agriculture exhibits.

You will also see some changes to our Kid’s Park. We have worked with our carnival operator, Butler Amusements to utilize more of the paved walkways and Palm Avenue (by the Yellow Gate). We’ve added a sidewalk, moved the Kid’s Park Stage towards the Yellow Gate, and opened up the entrance to our Sky Ride. If you are looking for the Pony Rides, they have been moved towards the Grandstands across from the Palm Pavilion with improved access from our paved areas.

Programming:

Our next big change was to add in 3 new cultural events. After reviewing our survey results, we realized the demographics in our surrounding communities have really changed. The Tri-Valley has become significantly more diverse than 5 years ago. As a result, we have added Bollywood at the Fair, Out at the Fair, and Asian Pacific Celebration at the Fair. Again, based on data we have, we are excited to introduce a traditional County Fair, to these cultures. We have some amazing partners helping make sure we do it right!

For our Action Sports Arena Fans you will see many changes in this area as well. From programming to layout, that entire area has been redesigned. We added seating on the west side of the bleachers to take advantage of the tall trees that provide natural shade. We also opened the east side of the arena, moving those seats to the north and south ends. This will allow pedestrian traffic to move more easily from our Green Gate Entrance area towards our Ag Venture Park and Red Gate Area.

For our motorcycle sport fans mark your calendar: June 21 – 23 the first ever Alameda County Fair Arena Cross Nationals Competition will be held. Riders will compete for $4000 in cash awards each night. Make sure to get your reserved seats for this, and other events at the Action Sports Arena.

To make room for that new competition, we have moved our Extreme Rodeo to our opening weekend, which is Western Weekend. Starting off the weekend on Friday June 14 will be the Last Ride Cattle Drive, Team Penning and the Extreme Rodeo. Saturday June 15 will show fairgoers what ranch life is like when they watch the Rancher’s Rodeo which pits local ranchers competing for cash awards in competitions from loading a horse into a trailer to moving cattle from one area to another. That day is the final Extreme Rodeo where cowboys face off with bulls. And then on Sunday June 16, the first ever Drill Horse Exhibition will be held during the day, with the Fiesta Del Charro event in the evening.

We are bringing the Fireworks Spectacular Show back on June 28 in the Grandstand. The show will start around 9:45 pm, and will be launched from the infield of the racetrack. Fortunately, most of the fairgrounds offer ample locations to view the show: Grandstand, Ag Venture Park, Kid’s Park, Action Sports Arena Bleachers and the Main Carnival Lot. If you prefer to be closer to the action, you can purchase a reserved seat in the Grandstand for $25 which includes Fair Admission!

This year we are hosting the first ever eSports Competition during the Fair. The two events will be Esports Street Fighter on June 22 and Esports Smash Brothers on June 29. These competitions are open to the public, however you should register in advance if you are interested in competing. This competition will be located near the Red Gate Entrance in Country Plaza.

The Alameda County Fair is also known as Alameda County’s Largest Classroom. Our Fair was one of the first to highlight STEM, and now STEAM, activities. This year we are introducing Urban farming and Backyard farming techniques which include hydroponics and the use of solar power. Look for our display in AgVenture Park near the AgVenture Park Stage.

During the weekends, this area will also showcase engineering, electronics, robotics, LEGOs and more. Check out what we have planned here: https://acffairnew.wpengine.com/steam/

Guest Experience:

We are always reviewing ways to improve the guest experience and this year we have increased seating in cool areas, added misting stations, increased our water bottle refill stations and moved our tasting events to our grandstand.

Our team identified areas of the grounds that could accommodate additional seating. These areas include the exhibit buildings which are air conditioned and outdoors under our magnificent trees. We will be adding benches and chairs so keep an eye out for them!

Since our Fair is held in June/July, we always anticipate a heat wave. Over the past few years we have added misting to our entrance arches and near our First Aid Station. This year, look for additional misting stations located throughout the grounds.

We had some very old water fountains on the grounds – so old we couldn’t find parts anymore! Our team did some research and found ways to turn the old water fountains into water bottle refill stations. This year we have added 2 additional water bottle refill stations throughout the grounds. There are a total of 5 now and they are located near the Gazebo Stage Area next to the Kettle Corn Stand, Building C, Restrooms by the Yellow Gate, one is inside Building O and one is at our Off Track Betting Facility near Gate 12.

We have moved our Beer Fest, Wine Fest, and Craft Cocktail Fest from the infield area of our racetrack to the grandstand. The three events will be located on the 1^st and 2^nd floors of the grandstand which is actually one of the cooler (temperature wise) areas of the fairgrounds. Participants will be closer to a wider variety of food, restrooms, and best of all – the horse races themselves! Nothing more exciting than being able to cheer on your favorite horse and jockey up close!

For those race fans who truly want the VIP experience, we have opened up our Sky Lounge to the public for the first time ever. Located on the fourth level of the grandstand, this room is fully air-conditioned, has a spectacular view of the entire racetrack, HDTV monitors, self service betting machines in addition to mutual staff to assist in making that winning bet. For $50 per person you’ll get a gate admission, hot buffet, no-host bar, racing program and a VIP seat all day. A great deal!

So there you have it, some, and not all, of the changes made for this year. While I may not have covered every little change, these are some of the bigger ones for 2019. Make sure to check out your favorite one! And let us know: thumbs up or thumbs down!

 

 

In addition to the Tasting Festivals (see my previous blog) being relocated to the Stella Artois Grandstand this year, we’ve got two massive developments to report here in our humble Fair blog.

First, the general public – that means you and me – can now take in a day at the races in the swanky, air-conditioned comfort of our new Sky Lounge. For $50, which includes Fair Admission if purchased by June 13, you’ll get a seat at the table in our former Director’s Room, a buffet-style lunch, access to live tellers and self-service betting machines, multiple flat screen TVs for simulcast wagering, and a spectacular view of Pleasanton Racetrack – all in air-conditioned comfort, a huge perk on hot summer days in the Tri-Valley.

Second, after racing on Friday, June 28, we’ll be ushering in Independence Day week with a Fireworks Spectacular, for which you can purchase reserved seats in the second and third level of the Grandstand. The reserved seating price for the fireworks show is $25, but like the Sky Lounge, it includes Fair Admission if purchased by Thursday, June 27.

For information on the Sky Lounge, Trackside Terrace, Fireworks Spectacular and other racing packages, click here.

If the Sky Lounge and Fireworks aren’t #1 and 1A on your on Fair bucket list, the Stella Artois Grandstand is still a cool place – literally and figuratively – for the entire family to spend some time away from the hot summer sun.  First and foremost, we’ve got shade and plenty of it. So if you’re looking for a place to cool off and relax, take a seat in our spacious grandstand and watch a race or two unfold over America’s first one-mile dirt racetrack. You can also wager on your favorite horse or rider to win the race should the mood strike you.

If you’re looking for some inside information on the day’s races, check out the Handicapping Seminar hosted by Dennis Miller and track announcer, Chris Griffin, in front of the grandstand every race day at 12 noon. You never know who might show up as a special guest!

If you’re visiting us on opening day – Friday, June 14 – be sure to stop by the Win, Place and Show booth to pick up a FREE KKIQ AND KKDV Pleasanton Racing T-Shirt while supplies last. If you don’t arrive in time to pick one up Friday, a limited number of T-Shirts will also be given away Saturday, June 15, on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you arrive before the 6^th race, be sure to drop a FREE entry into our Win, Place and Show Contest, in which you could win a $100, $75 or $50 betting voucher.

Win, Place and Show is easy and fun; just pick the horse you think will win the 6^th race and drop your name into you the box with your horse’s number on it. If your horse finishes first, second or third, you will have chance to win $100, $75 or $50, respectively. If your name is drawn from the box, you’ll get to “come on down” to the winner’s circle to collect your prize.

Win, Place and Show is held every racing day, except Saturday, June 29, when Derby Dog Dash takes over the racetrack and grandstand. Speaking of which, if you have a small-breed dog that weighs less than 28 pounds and measures less than 15 inches to the shoulder, your pooch can compete ON THE RACETRACK for up to $120 in cash in the Derby Dog Dash.

 

Bring your furry bundle and a friend or family member to help man the starting or finish line. Then watch your pride and joy go eyeball to eyeball with some of the fastest furballs in the Tri-Valley. If your dog wins one of eight heats, you’ll bank $20 and your pooch will be invited back to the finals, where you’ll compete for a top prize of $100 later that afternoon. The Derby Dog Dash is Saturday, June 29, is FREE to enter and includes Fair Admission for yourself and a guest.

The 50-yard races take less than a minute, but the memories will last a lifetime. Registration is OPEN NOW. Check out Derbydogdash.com for details.

If you don’t have a dog, but have a seven to 10-year-old kid in tow, he or she can get on the racetrack and compete in front of the entire grandstand in our Hippity Hop Contest. Up to 10 kids get to bounce across the track for a Carnival Wristband and up to four Fair Tickets. The Hippity Hop race takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between the 3^rd and 4^th races, just after 2:45 p.m. Whether big or small, your child will get to pick the Hippity Hop ball that fits his or her size. The top three finishers win a prize and a ribbon, but please, no wagering on the Hippity Hop Derby.

There will be a Hippity Hop race on Thursday, July 4, but no contest on Saturday, June 29, the day of the Derby Dog Dash. Check out the Official Rules and Prizes here.

As America’s only one-mile dirt track with an operating golf course in the infield, it’s only fitting that Pleasanton Racing holds a Putting Contest. It’s FREE to enter on every live race day, and three contestants are chosen at random to putt before the entire Grandstand in the infield, just in front of the tote board (no pressure). The three players with the closest measurement to the pin over the first 13 race days will advance to the FINAL on Saturday, July 6. Enter each day at the Win, Place and Show booth.

Prizes will be awarded to all finalists, and if any player in the Final round sinks a hole-in-one, he or she will win a $10,000 bonus!

Want to check out the score of the A’s or Giants game? Stop by the 95.7 The Game Fan Cave located on the second floor Grandstand, near Trackside Terrace. The Fan Cave comes loaded with high tops and flat screens, where you can chillax with a cold one while watching the U.S. Open golf tournament, Giants or A’s baseball in fabulous HD.

Back by popular demand this year is what I like to call Beer Roulette (a/k/a Even/Odd $2 Beers), which has been expanded to cover the 5^th race on every live race day. Each day we will announce in the track program and over the PA system whether an Even or Odd-numbered horse winning the 5^th race will trigger an “all-suds” discount. If it’s an “Even” day, and horse number 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 wins the 5^th race, all draft beer in the Grandstand will be sold for just $2 a pop.

Thanks to Beer Roulette, I have a feeling the 5^th is going to be our most popular race of the day.

As for the richest races, we will have a pair of stakes during the last week of the Fair. Thursday, July 4 features the running of the $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint for three-year-olds and upward, going six furlongs. The $100,000 Everett Nevin Stakes, for two-year-olds sprinting five and a half furlongs, is the featured event for Saturday, July 6.

Whether you’re looking to bet on a horse, race your dog or kid, sink a putt, down a cheap beer, or just find some precious shade, the Stella Artois Grandstand has something for everyone this summer at the Alameda County Fair.

Check out the full Grandstand Schedule here.

 

Have you ever walked through our Livestock Pavilion at Fair and seen the hard working kids taking care of the animals? My family would come to the Pavilion to see the animals and watch the judging every year. As an animal crazy kid I was always intrigued but I never understood the how or why! Fast forward, some 30 years later and here I am working at our amazing Fair! I have learned the how and why as well as the importance of keeping Agriculture in our community.

In today’s suburban lifestyle, raising animals or even having a garden can be problematic. Space is limited and while there are amazing advances in vertical, hydroponic and small space gardening….you cannot raise a pig or a cow on the balcony. Many of our local communities have now adopted certain ordinances that allow for a few chickens, maybe some bees, front yard gardening and local community gardens. But, what about those who want to raise sheep, pigs, goats and cows? How do we keep our local Alameda County FFA and 4-H clubs going in a suburban environment?

Well, thanks to some amazing donors who wanted all Alameda County FFA and 4-H club members to have the opportunity to raise animals for the Junior Livestock Show at the Fair each year, that dream is now a reality.

The Marissa Hunt Agricultural Education Center, also known as the “Youth Barn,” officially opened on March 7, 2019. The brand new, 8,000 square foot facility, located on Fairgrounds’ property, houses up to 80 animals and offers a modern classroom, wash racks, outdoor paddock, livestock scale, restrooms and industrial size fans. The building was named in honor of Marissa Hunt, an Alameda County 4-H’er whose life was tragically cut short in 2004.

This project’s mission is to preserve and promote Alameda County’s rich agricultural heritage and I could not be more proud of our involvement in making that happen for our future ag leaders.

One of the most exciting changes coming to the Alameda County Fair this year is the relocation of the Brew, Cocktail and Wine Fests from the infield tents to the bustling Stella Artois Grandstand during the busiest Saturdays of the Pleasanton horse racing meeting. If you attended any of the three Fests last year and are planning to do so again, you can count on your experience being elevated on several fronts:

1. You will be immersed in the racing and betting action with an abundance of ways to wager. If you like to bet on horses while sipping craft brews, freshly mixed cocktails or an award-winning assortment of local wines, it will be much easier for you to do so with numerous live tellers and self-service betting machines within short walking distance.
2. While having your own exclusive area to sip, savor and wager, you can also step out and be part of the crowd, cheering on your favorite horses and jockeys as they thunder down the stretch to put more money your wallet. Don’t forget your phone because selfies by the rail and winner’s circle are encouraged.
3. Ample restrooms built for 1970s crowds. While we’re not talking lap of luxury here, if you have any kind of porta-potty-phobia, you’ll appreciate improved ventilation, flushing toilets, running sinks with plenty of soap and paper towels in the Grandstand.

 

Tickets for the Brew Fest (June 15), Cocktail Fest (June 22) and Wine Fest (June 29) may be purchased up to one day in advance of each event on the Alameda County Fair website for $40 each, which includes Fair admission. Admission to all three Fests can be purchased up to June 14 for just $90 – a $30 savings – and includes Fair admission for all three days. Season pass holders can purchase admission to each Tasting Fest for $25 per person. All guests must be 21 or older to attend the Beer, Cocktail and Wine Fests.

Now that we’ve got the logistics out of the way, let’s dive into some of the libations.

The Brew Fest kicks off the trio on Saturday, June 15, from 2 – 5pm and features samplings from more than a dozen west coast breweries from California, Oregon and Washington. Among those that caught my eye were Deschutes (Bend, OR) and Elysian (Capitol Hill, WA). I discovered Deschutes after picking up a six pack of Mirror Pond at my local supermarket. It’s a copper-hued pale ale that kind of splits the difference between the robust spiciness of an IPA and the drinkability of a lager or pilsner. The latter, but certainly not lesser, Elysian has taken west coast pubs by storm with its high ABV IPA, Spacedust, which has the ability to raise your spirits within a single pint.

For the locals, I count it a good sign while Googling “Altamont” that the first word to populate behind it is “Brewery.” For hop-fanatics, the Livermore based, Altamont Beer Works doesn’t disappoint, boasting a pair of 9.0% ABV Double IPAs in Hella Hoppy and Juice Above the Clouds. For fans of Ron Burgundy and the Anchorman franchise like me, a tip of the Rich Mahogany Red Ale is a must.

The murders-row Beer Fest lineup is rounded out by Drakes, Epidemic, Firestone Walker, Golden Road, Lost Coast, Seismic, Sierra Nevada, Speakeasy, and 10 Barrel, among others, which makes your chances of finding a beer you like better than cashing a $2 show bet on a 1-to-5 favorite.

The middle jewel of the Triple Crown of booze and by far the most spontaneous of the trio, Cocktail Fest, brings together local bartenders to create their own signature concoctions from a list of chosen spirits. Instead of sipping a completely finished product, like an IPA or Chardonnay, you’ll get a local bartender’s specific take on a staple drink like a margarita or Manhattan, or a custom cocktail they created themselves. Prior to pouring, each bartender will combine a spirit with his or her chosen mixers to create a unique, refreshing concoction aimed at putting your mind on a trajectory toward cloud nine.

Last year’s Fest included brands such as Bulleit and Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Don Julio Reposado and Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, Kettle One and Hangar One Vodka, Slane Irish Whiskey, Jack Daniels Rye Whiskey, and Bambu Rum. This year’s lineup is expected to combine some new brands along with some from last year’s menu. Check the Testing Festivals page as we get closer to the event to get the official list of spirits.

Cocktail Fest-goers seeking their own creative outlet – and cash money! – can participate in the annual Hat Contest, which will award $100, $75 and $50 betting vouchers to the trio who design the best horse racing-themed hats. Even if you’re hat doesn’t win, there will be plenty of liquid consolation at your disposal.

The Cocktail Fest takes place in the Grandstand from 2 – 5pm on Saturday, June 22.

Last, but an undisputed first in total exhibitors, the Wine Fest offers by far the widest variety of choices for wine enthusiasts. If you can’t find a wine that suits your taste among the sixty – yes, that’s right 6-0 – vintners then you might as well grab a Capri Sun for the ride home.

While I don’t have the expertise or word budget to go deep into the multitude of wine-makers who’ll be pouring at Wine Fest, both the history and recent history of Livermore Valley winegrowers are well-represented. Tracing its origin back to 1883, Wente Vineyards is known for producing the country’s first labelled chardonnay in 1936. The variety is also a forte of the Wood Family Vineyard, which has picked up 16 awards just this year, including a Double Gold for its 2017 Chardonnay and a Best of Class for its 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.

To dig a little deeper into the Wine Fest, I hit up Bay Area expert Dan Fischer to get his take on some of the vintners on the list that he’s visited. Those looking for a refreshing wine on a hot summer’s day, should check out Peju, a family-owned vineyard from Rutherford (Napa Valley), which will be pouring its Sauvignon Blanc at this year’s Wine Fest. “Their Sauvignon Blanc is one of the better ones produced in the Napa Valley and is a great value,” Dan said. “It’s a clean/fresh wine made in stainless steel, perfect for summer and pairs well with charcuterie and goat cheese.”

Dan also recommended a pair of Oakland-based wineries, Brooklyn West and Dashe. The latter is a family-owned operation that partners with small growers in Mendocino and Sonoma counties to craft premium wine. Dan suggests trying Dashe’s “fuller bodied single-vineyard Zinfandels (Todd Brothers Ranch won a SF Chronicle Medal), a lighter Zinfandel, Les Enfant Terribles from Mendocino, and a sparkling wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc.”

Brooklyn West is a unique operation housed in the oldest warehouse in the Jack London District of Oakland (circa 1914). They don’t own any vineyards, but partner with growers throughout California to make small production wines that reflect the regions where they are grown.

Dan recommends their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Reserve – as well as “dessert style” offerings such as their Port Style wine called “Encore” and a late harvest sweet wine called “Ice.”

Attendees who might be there for the horses as much as the wine can only hope Stoney Ridge pours some of its 2013 Trifecta, a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Sirah and 30% Sirah. That adds up to a 100% chance of making your head lighter than your wallet, no matter how you fare at the betting windows. Stony Ridge shares its Tesla Road winery in Livermore with Crooked Vine, which piled up the hardware for multiple varietals in 2017 and is no stranger to the fair circuit. It collected eight ribbons alone up the road at the California State Fair in Sacramento and earned a Best of Class for its 2014 Petit Sirah at the San Francisco Chronicle competition.

These are just a sample of the many vintners that will be taking part in the Wine Fest on Saturday, June 29, from 2 – 5pm in the Grandstand. Check out the Tasting Fests page for a full listing of all wineries and to purchase tickets to all three Tasting Fests.

 

We hope to “spy” you in the Grandstand with a drink in your hand this summer.