Kids come out for Mutton Bustin’, diaper derby and more at fair
The Cutest Show on Earth happens daily at the Mid-State Fair at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. on the Albertsons/Coca-Cola Headliner Stage. Photo by Heather Young
The first – and only – Monday of the California Mid-State Fair was Kids’ Day. In addition to children 12 and under getting into the fair for free, there were activities geared toward children happening all day long. Sure, there are activities for children every day of the fair, but this particular day held additional fun as well.
The tractor races at the fair had several heats in the different age groups. Photo by Heather Young
Highlights of the day were the tractor races and diaper derby. The diaper derby was over in one heat, and not all that quickly as the babies struggled to realize what was happening. The tractor races had several heats in different age groups, with each race getting faster and the winning margin greatly decreasing. In other areas, Albertsons hosted cupcake decorating and vegetable – and fruit – art. The Home Depot offered free workshops for children to build and paint racecars, airplanes, tool boxes or pencil holders.
“I like that kids gets in free and the kids can do this free stuff,” said Elsie Ehrheart, 9, of Atascadero while working on making a momma bunny and a baby bunny out of vegetables. “I’ve never done this vegetable stuff before.”
While the fair usually has temperatures well into the 90s and 100s with nonstop sun – until it falls below the horizon, of course – the weather was cooler and overcast, offering a more comfortable visit.
“The weather was great today,” said mother Sarah Goible, adding that she was able to bring her two children because
Albertsons hosted cupcake decorating and vegetable – and fruit – art at the fair. Photo by Heather Young
she had the day off and another friend was also joining them.
Daily favorites did not go by unnoticed. Mutton Bustin’ – children 4 to 7 years of age under 60 pounds ride sheep like grown men ride bulls – continued at 1, 3, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Spectators filled the stands to watch the youngsters try their hands at riding the sheep at least six seconds. The winners of each round will face off in the finals at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. Mutton Bustin’ happens daily at the fair and is setup near the South Gates.
The Cutest Show on Earth also takes place daily at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. on the Albertsons/Coca-Cola Headliner Stage. The show, presented by Let’s Pretend, incorporates audience members –mostly children – into the cast and story. Those remaining in the audience also assist with “Wild West” sound effects, making each show different, and a lot of fun.
Next to the Headline Stage, A-Town Skate Park patrons gave a demonstration Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The
Mutton Bustin’ is setup near the South Gates at the fair. Photo by Heather Young
demonstration showcased youngsters on bikes, scooters and skateboards of all skill level and all ages.
Monday was the first full day that all of the animals were on the fairgrounds. Many of the animals will be auctioned off during the Jr. Livestock Auction on Saturday, July 26, starting at 8 a.m. in the Livestock Pavilion.
