Carnival & Fair News

The Pima County Fair brought big concerts, a rodeo, and an impressive carnival lineup from Ray Cammack Shows to the Tucson, Ariz., fairgrounds this year. While final attendance numbers are not yet available, the fair typically draws as many as 300,000 attendees across its 640-acre grounds. Held from April 16 to 26 this year, the 10-day fair is the city's largest annual event.

General admission was $13, with seniors, military members, and children ages 6 to 10 admitted for $8. Children age 5 and under were admitted free. A concert and rodeo upgrade cost an additional $25.

To help visitors save on admission, the fair offered several promotions throughout its run. On Sundays, fairgoers received free admission until noon with a donation of three unopened cans of food for a regional food bank. April 20 featured “$8 Monday,” and on April 21 rides were just $3 until 6 p.m. Other bargains included five games for $15 on select days and $5 off the $40 carnival wristband with the purchase of an unopened 20-ounce Pepsi. Food and draft beer specials were also offered April 20 through 22 until 5 p.m.

Music played a major role in the festivities, with acts including Stone Temple Pilots, Midland, Brett Young, Yachtley Crew, Chevelle, Grammy winners Los Tucanes de Tijuana, and many others appearing on the Michelob Ultra Stage. Major concerts drew between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees, according to Launa Rabago, the fair's entertainment and marketing manager.

Concerts were included with fair admission, while reserved seating was available for guests who purchased the concert and rodeo upgrade. Proud of the lineup, Rabago noted, “I don't know of any other property or fair or concert venue that would be able to offer a Midland concert for the price of fair admission, $13.”

The carnival, provided by Ray Cammack Shows, offered plenty of thrills, from the Mach One and Zipper to Zero Gravity, along with family attractions and rides for younger children, including spinning teacups. The midway featured more than 60 rides overall, including attractions on the main midway and in the Kiddie Land Carnival area. Individual ride tickets were priced at $1.25 each, while unlimited ride wristbands were available on select days.

Several rides made their fair debut this year, including the thrill rides Air Raid, Aviator, and The Sound Storm.  The Sound Storm is a spinning Waltzer ride complete with a sound and light show, while the 175-foot-tall Aviator sends riders soaring high above the midway in swinging seats. Air Raid places riders in a spinning, flipping car that moves in multiple directions while climbing a 118-foot tower, creating intense g-force sensations.

According to RCS spokesperson Sam Brooks, “We try to create the perfect mix of spectacular thrill rides, rides that the whole family can enjoy together, and smaller children-only rides.”

Also popular this year were the Technical Park built Joker 360 and KMG's Konga, both of which delivered plenty of excitement and stomach-churning thrills.

Along with the carnival, livestock and agriculture remained strong attractions at the fair, with 4-H and FFA events including a major 4-H auction. Livestock categories included dogs, cavies, horses, rabbits, lambs, swine, goats, cattle, pigeons, and poultry.

The popular GCPRA Rodeo ran Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, at the fairgrounds' Manny's Arena. Guests could also purchase access to the Barrio Brewing Company VIP Section, which included a private bar, shade, snacks, and elevated seating.

Exhibit halls throughout the fairgrounds featured displays of fine art, culinary art, home arts, and student artwork. Physical competitions also took place, including the American Pull-Up Challenge.

Entertainment options ranged from sea lion shows and pig races to Brunon Blazak's exotic Bengal tiger show, pony rides, and even an AC/DC tribute band. Visitors could also enjoy a bird show, daily performances of Professor Smart's Science Show, Brad's World of Reptiles, and a petting zoo. Strolling performers roamed the fairgrounds as well, including the musical act Tiki Shack and the comedic Cup Guy.

Of course, food remained a major attraction. The Pima County Fair continued its reputation for indulgent and inventive midway cuisine. Dubai chocolate proved especially popular this year, appearing on everything from chocolate-covered strawberries to fried Oreos. Other new offerings included chicharrón pizza topped with Sriracha and double-fried French fries served with black truffle mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. From returning favorites like candied watermelon slices to classic funnel cakes and lemonade, food once again played a central role in the fair experience.

Despite problems with fighting at the fairgrounds in past years, this year's event remained calm and incident-free, thanks in part to increased security measures.

Rabago said she was pleased with the event, noting, “Each year we plan for and hope for a successful event that the Tucson community supports.”

She added, “We work hard to keep prices affordable and create promotions and entertainment that are inviting and as diverse as our Tucson community.”