A taste of the tropics at county fair A taste of the tropics at county fair (August 18, 2004)

Visitors will enter a "tropical paradise" at the 70th San Mateo County Fair continuing through Sunday, August 22, at the San Mateo County Expo Center in San Mateo.

The tropical theme is carried out with entertainment at the Tiki Lounge, Aloha Stage and Tropical Fun Stage, as well as the Celebrity Lounge. Loverboy entertains at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 19; The Village People hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 20; and War plays soul, blues, rock and Latin rhythms at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 21. Butch Whacks & the Glass Packs entertain at the 7:30 p.m. finale on Sunday, August. 22.

Entertainment for the family includes: the Puff and Toot railroad, racing pigs, petting zoo, jugglers, Shrine Clowns, Wildlife Wendy's exotic birds, Brad's reptiles and Captain Byrd and his mackaws.

Amateur flower and agriculture displays will be held in Redwood Hall, while junior exhibits in Sequoia Hall will include contests, workshops, dance performances and exhibits by young people.

The new artisans' marketplace will be selling handmade products in an outdoor area.

Horse racing will be held at nearby Bay Meadows during the county fair.

Fair hours are noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, August 18 and 19; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, August 20 and 21; and noon to 9 p.m. on closing day, Sunday, August 22.

Admission is $9 for adults; $7 for children ages 6-12 and seniors ages 62 and up; and free for children age 5 and under. The fair is held at the San Mateo Expo Center at Delaware and Saratoga streets in San Mateo.

For more information, see www.sanmateocountyfair.com or call 574-0271.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.