The San Mateo County Fair, which opened Friday and runs through Aug. 17, offers an of exhibits and events, including the last days of horseracing at the Bay Meadows racetrack.
This 74th annual county fair will have a new exhibit, called Rancho California, that will let children interact with and learn about traditional fair livestock and allow the fair to get back to the roots of California fairs by teaching visitors about farming, horseracing and other agriculture-related practices, fair spokeswoman Marie Franko said.
The fair, held at the San Mateo Event Center at 2495 South Delaware St. in San Mateo, also has the traditional carnival rides, food booths, and competitive exhibits, such as quilting and pottery.
Music acts include KC & the Sunshine Band, The Village People, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Billy Ray Cyrus. A Spanish-themed day called Dia de La Feria Preciosa will be held the final day.
While there are a number of discount promotion days, the standard admission to the fair is $9 for adults; $7 for children 6 to 12 years old and seniors over 55; and free for children 5 and under.
Fair admission also includes admission to Bay Meadows, which is running its last 10-day stretch of racing before closing its doors for good.
The San Mateo City Council in April approved a plan to turn Bay Meadows racetrack into a commercial and residential development. The plan includes 75,000 square feet of office space, 93,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, nearly 400 new residences, and a 12-acre park where the city of San Mateo can build new athletic fields.
Bay Meadows, which opened in 1934, is located next to the fairgrounds.
The Jockey Club Satellite Wagering and Sports Bar, opening at the Event Center Aug. 20, will provide a venue for diehard Bay Meadows fans who want to continue watching and betting on races around the world after their regular spot has closed, according to Ms. Franco.
The Turf Club, a restaurant where guests can view races, will be open each day races run, and various promotions will also run through the week for last-minute fans.
Bay Meadows also will have a promotional poster giveaway Aug. 16 and $1 general admission Aug. 17, spokesman Tom Ferrall said. The racetrack’s final horserace, “The Last Dance,” will include 3-year-old fillies.
After the final horse has crossed the finish line, items from the racetrack will be auctioned off by the Great American Group from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, Mr. Ferrall said. An auction preview day will be held Aug. 22, he said.
Interested bidders can register online at www.GreatAmerican.com. Items will include artwork, seating, TV and radio equipment, stalls, computers and restaurant and maintenance equipment, Mr. Ferrall said.
Information about Bay Meadows, including a history of racing at the track, is available online at www.baymeadows.com.
— Bay City News Service
