Carnival & Fair News

Running from October 24 through November 2, the Los Angeles Fall Fair, the largest fall festival in Los Angeles County, drew strong attendance, particularly over Halloween weekend.

Held at La Prada Event Plaza in the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte, California, the fair covered 12 acres and featured live musical entertainment on both Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of carnival rides and games, a food court, and vendors offering goods from local artisans.

Presale tickets purchased through October 23, as well as October 28 to 30, included event admission and an unlimited carnival ride wristband for $26. After those dates, gate prices increased to $32 for weekdays other than Halloween. Saturday and Sunday admission cost $32 presale and $38 at the gate. Halloween itself, Friday the 31st, was priced at $25 presale and $28 at the gate. Individual ride tickets were also available for guests who only wanted to ride select attractions.

Event admission without a carnival wristband was available at the gate for $5 cash only. On Halloween, general admission was reduced to $3 for adults and children over age eight. Children under eight and seniors over 65 were admitted free, and parking was also free.

While approximately 25 vendors offered unique local crafts and more than 15 food booths lined the midway, the carnival rides proved to be the biggest draw. Both the food and rides were provided by Guadagno & Sons Amusements, also known as G&S Shows. Based in Garden Grove in Orange County, the company primarily plays regional events throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Food offerings focused on classic fair favorites. “We are sticking with serving carnival basics like nachos, sno cones, candy apples, and popcorn,” says Joe Guadagno. Other popular items included pizza, lemonade, and cotton candy.

The ride lineup emphasized family friendly attractions, with a mix of thrill rides and rides for younger guests. G&S uses Magic Money in place of cash, a system Guadagno says reflects the company’s commitment to convenience and sustainability. The company was an early adopter of digital operations and has used tablets for inspections and ride operations since 2021.

Among the major attractions this year was the Star Dancer, an Xtreme ride with a height requirement of 55 inches. One of the company’s newest rides, it combines spinning gondolas with the motion of a large swinging pendulum that reaches heights of more than 70 feet. The Star Flyer tower ride, with a 52 inch height requirement, reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Guadagno described both rides as big hits with fairgoers. “It’s 109 feet in height, and people just love it,” he says of the Star Flyer.

Other popular thrill rides included Kamikaze, Zipper, Twister, and Sea Ray. The Century Wheel, the company’s giant Ferris wheel, had an age restriction rather than a height requirement. Riders had to be at least 15 years old to ride alone, while younger guests were required to ride with an adult. Guadagno described the Century Wheel as a signature attraction, noting its bright LED lighting with changing color patterns.

Younger guests had plenty of options as well, including Orient Express, a gentle coaster ride, the merry go round, Super Slide, Funnel Force, Looney Airport, and the Bear Go Round. Family favorites such as Tilt A Whirl, Flying Dragon, Crystal Lil’s Fun House, and Scooters bumper cars were also popular.

The midway featured a wide selection of games, including Water Race, Balloon Bust, Break a Bottle, Duck Pond, Gold Fish, Roller Derby, Ring A Bottle, and more. Separately ticketed pony rides were also available.

Halloween brought additional excitement, with guests encouraged to attend in costume. For safety reasons, the fair prohibited capes, long jewelry, or anything that could become caught on a ride. G&S offered free cotton candy to guests in costume, and trick or treating took place along the midway, with free candy distributed at rides and games while supplies lasted. A scavenger hunt for children aged 12 and under was also held on Halloween night, limited to the first 140 participants, who searched for a stuffed animal prize.

In addition to the rides and food, fairgoers enjoyed live entertainment, including a performance by The Infamous Dangerous D Ultimate Shock Show, a stunt act featuring death defying feats. Local musical acts performed throughout both weekends, and popular local DJ John Borack closed out the entertainment on the fair’s final Sunday.

The LA Fall Fair celebrated its 45th year this Halloween season. While final attendance numbers were not available at press time, organizers estimated attendance at close to 10,000 visitors. The fair is produced by O Entertainment for the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation System.