Southern California Fair Opens At Perris Fairgrounds

PERRIS, CA — Carnival rides, concerts, livestock shows and other entertainment will fill the slate of the Southern California Fair, which opens Thursday at the Perris Fairgrounds, following a hiatus in 2020.

The four-day event will continue until Sunday, Oct. 3. Activities are scheduled between noon and 11 p.m. during the weekend, and between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. weekdays, according to organizers.

The fair was suspended last fall because of the coronavirus public health lockdowns.

"SoCal Fair is proud to bring a community experience back to Riverside County with our `Fall Festival & Carnival,"' Fairgrounds spokeswoman Marisa Yeager said. "It's a celebration for our rich and deep agricultural heritage and for the people who work in the industry, and the folks that they serve."

A number of carnival rides will be in operation, and the fair will feature its customary assortment of animal contests.

There will be prizes for best dairy cows, breeding sheep and pigs, as well as dog and horse shows, goat, chicken and rabbit exhibitions, organizers said. Auctions are planned.

Bands will take the stage every night of the fair, beginning at 7:30 Thursday evening with Cash'd Out, a Johnny Cash tribute band.

On Friday, the Outlaw Mariachi band will take the main stage, followed by Ozzmania, an Ozzie Osbourne and Black Sabbath tribute band.

Saturday will feature DJ Kermie organizing line dances, followed by Redneck Rodeo, doing sing-alongs.

The fair closes with three bands between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Oct. 3 — Stevie Nicks Illusion, So Petty and The Stones.

General admission runs $10 per day for adults and $8 per day for seniors 60 and over, as well as children between 5 and 12 years old, though some events will require additional payments. Anyone younger than 4 will be admitted free.

More information is available at www.SoCalFair.com.