Pinal County Fair offers family fun at low prices

Smiling riders enjoy a panoramic view from the Ferris wheel. Colored lights twinkle while hot golden corn dogs sizzle. Young future farmers gather from around the county to show off their prized cows, sheep and pigs.

The 53rd Annual Pinal County Fair opens Wednesday, March 25, and runs through Sunday, March 29. Exciting entertainment, livestock shows, shopping and enticing exhibits will all be part of the five-day run. (click here for daily schedules)

Entertainment at the fair will include juggling acts, a bird show, stunt performers, concerts, magicians and more. The Fearless Flores Thrill Show showcases the Globe of Death as daredevils attempt to ride two motorcycles going round and round at the same time in a steel cage. This family of performers puts on a show that has it all – thrills, chills and breathtaking feats.

Other acts include Kobert’s Amazing World of Birds, NBA half-time star balloon man Skip Banks, world record-holding unicycling juggler Chaz Marquette, Las Vegas hypnotist Susan Rosen, magician Terry Godfrey and much more.

Wednesday features award-winning country music artist, 16-year-old Tiffany Joe. Also on Wednesday a local group, the Keepsakes, are sure to be a big draw with their renditions of doo-wop hits.

Friday’s main attraction is the Nathan Owens Motown Revue. An explosive group with striking choreography, the band has opened up for prominent artists including B.B. King, Kool & The Gang, Stevie Wonder and many others. The Motown Revue takes to the stage at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

Saturday has two headline acts. Mogollon has earned a reputation as one of the premier country rock entertainment groups in the West. They can play about anything, Hank Williams to Pink Floyd to their own original songs, featuring vocals, guitar wizardry, dueling fiddles and a high-energy stage show during their performances at 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Nathan Owens is back on Saturday evening to round out the day’s entertainment.

Sunday’s headliners will be the Lions of Latin Rock. With former members of Malo and War, the Lions of Latin Rock’s set list includes only the best songs of great groups of the past and present during one show only at 7:30 p.m.

The Pinal County Fair is a traditional blue ribbon fair with all the jams, jellies, quilts, photographs and art to prove it. The best of the best, the efforts of neighbors, family and friends, is on exhibit during the five days of festivities.

Showing off animal projects, including pigs, goats, sheep, cattle and more is part of farming heritage. The county fair continues the custom and is the culmination of months of hard work for hundreds of county kids. The grand finale is the Junior Livestock Auction held on Saturday, March 28. It is the reward and payoff for all the effort, dedication and devotion of the participating children. Monies earned from animal projects are often used for college, to purchase their next projects and for furthering their education.

The fair is the perfect place to take the whole family for fun and food at a low price. Helping answer the economic strain everyone is feeling, the fair is very affordable. With regular admission prices of only $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-12 years old (kids 5 and under are free), the fair offers wholesome family entertainment – all for less than the price of a movie.

Discounts, a savings of more than 30 percent, are available on unlimited carnival ride tickets if you purchase before March 25. For only $18 (in advance), you can experience unlimited carnival rides on any single day you choose.

For more information visit the website or call the fair office at (520) 509-3555 or 1-888-431-1311.

If you go:

What: Pinal County Fair
When: Wednesday, March 25-Sunday, March 29
Where: 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Road (at exit 194, 7 miles off I-10 on Hwy 287, turn south on Eleven Mile Corner Road)
Cost: $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-12

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