EVENT PREVIEW THE VENTURA COUNTY FAIR RETURNS

And It’s Bigger and Better Than Ever

Written by Megan Hook

Looking for a fun summer experience for the whole family? The Ventura County Fair is coming! Held August 2-13 on the beautiful shores of Ventura, the Fair boasts an unbeatable blend of entertainment, community-led exhibits, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Whether you’re a longtime fairgoer or a first-time attendee, this year’s Ventura County Fair will surprise you! There are new attractions, events, and entertainment; more rides, food options, and parking locations, and so many new activities to enjoy. We’re bringing back the Fair traditions the community loves and introducing new (and improved!) experiences that are sure to become Fair favorites.

This year’s Ventura County Fair culinary offerings are a foodie’s paradise. From traditional Fair favorites like candy apples and cotton candy to healthier options and vegetarian dishes, the food at this year’s Fair goes beyond years’ past. Try the kabobs, or grab a smoothie, indulge in some barbecue, and of course, get your elote! For adults, the local craft beer and wine corner within the Floriculture area is a hidden gem.

You’ll want to take a detour from Main Street into the Seaside Pavilion, through the Adventures in Shopping tent, and for a stroll up Ocean Avenue where at least a third of this year’s vendors are new and local businesses. Shop permanent jewelry, pet accessories, handmade hauraches, natural hair and body skincare products, and more. Get henna for you and face painting (with glitter!) for a little one. Have a psychic enlighten you, browse collectible comic books, and enjoy the largest petting zoo the Fair’s ever had.

The Fair’s 2023 entertainment lineup is another compelling draw. Free with admission, the Grandstand Arena hosts an array of concerts, attracting top-tier talent from across various music genres, including Ashanti, Trace Adkins, Midland, Pattie LaBelle, Collective Soul, Tesla, 38 Special, Calibre 50, and

Banda Carnaval. Do not sleep on the two additional stages that will keep the entertainment going all day and evening long! This year’s PRCA Rodeo will also impress! At $5 per ticket, the five shows are sure to sell out.

The 2023 Ventura County Fair will provide much more than a day’s entertainment. It’s a celebration of the county’s rich agricultural heritage, a hub of community creativity, a platform for local talents, and a culinary experience. Whether you’re a resident of Ventura County or a visitor, attending the Fair will undoubtedly make for a summer highlight, leaving you with a deeper connection to this vibrant community.

As a community-driven Fair, the exhibits showcase Ventura County’s blue ribbon best! An area renowned for its farming heritage, the Ventura County Fair pays tribute to its roots with agricultural exhibits. Horse show competitions grace the Morgan Arena, livestock shows and the annual Junior Livestock Auction take over the Livestock Pavilion. Local equestrian groups will pony up and the Ventura County-based 4-H, FFA, and Grange organizations will represent our hard-working youth.

The community’s creativity and talent will also be on display in the Fair’s many buildings: Home Arts, Photography, Youth Expo, Gems & Minerals, Floriculture, and more. From the young to the experienced, amateurs and professionals, the community shines in the exhibit halls; you’ll leave inspired to embrace your hobbies.

Hook

Of course, the carnival rides and games are always a crowd-pleaser. This year, there will be more rides than ever, fun games with prizes, and a new layout that will make the midway an adventure of its own. With four pay-one-price Carnival Wristband Days, the young and youngat-heart can experience endless thrills.

The 2023 Ventura County Fair will provide much more than a day’s entertainment. It’s a celebration of the county’s rich agricultural heritage, a hub of community creativity, a platform for local talents, and a culinary experience. Whether you’re a resident of Ventura County or a visitor, attending the Fair will undoubtedly make for a summer highlight, leaving you with a deeper connection to this vibrant community.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Tickets are on sale now for the Ventura County Fair, happening August 2-13. Visit VenturaCountyFair.org.

REMEMBER WHEN YOU HAD FUN HORSE SHOWING?! HERE IS THAT SHOW!!

Written by By Shari Valdivia

The ETI 118 SVAC Horse Show is not just your ordinary competition. It is an event that brings together horse enthusiasts of all levels and provides them with an opportunity to showcase their skills, bond with their horses, and develop lasting relationships with other riders. This show offers a range of activities that cater to Western, Ranch, English, Gaited, and Gymkhana enthusiasts as an open breed and equine show. (Yes, our shows have mules.)

The shows are judged by professional judges. Unlike other equestrian events, the ETI 118 SVAC Horse Show is designed to be an inclusive event, welcoming riders from different backgrounds and levels of experience. This is especially important for beginners who are just starting with horse shows. By providing a range of events, and a supportive environment, the show offers a perfect platform for riders of any level. Furthermore, for those who may be intimidated by the idea of participating in the event, leadline and walk classes are available for children, young riders, and persons with disabilities.

In addition to welcoming riders, the show also offers classes for trainers and new or green horses. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for trainers to bring their horses and give them exposure to the show experience, allowing them to interact with other horses and riders in a nurturing and inclusive environment. ETI 118 offers great prizes and awards at each show as well as over-the-top raffles and silent auctions. Each show will have a food vendor and a Vendor’s Mall area with great vendors to shop from. We always have our official show photography on the premises to capture your special moments in time. The Conejo Creek Equestrian Center is the perfect location for this event. The facility is top-notch and has all the necessary amenities for a successful horse event. Besides the many arenas, exercise areas and shade trees, the facilities feature ample parking for both riders and spectators, portable bathrooms, and a fantastic viewing area with bleachers that allows spectators to watch the competition in comfort.

The ETI 118 SVAC Horse Show makes it possible for everyone involved to feel like they are part of a larger community of individuals who share a passion for these majestic animals. Volunteers and sponsors are critical to the success of the ETI 118 SVAC Horse Show. Whether you wish to contribute your advertising efforts or volunteer to help during the event, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Your involvement in the show is a great way to contribute to the equestrian community, build relationships, and make connections with other horse enthusiasts.

The ETI 118 SVAC Horse Show is a one-of-a-kind event that offers something special for everyone. Whether you are an experienced rider or someone who is starting out, this show has plenty of activities that will make you feel right at home and can grow from beginner to amateur levels including walk/trot or walk/jog to loping and cantering divisions and classes. There is great competition for all levels. The show’s welcoming and encouraging environment, coupled with the top-notch facilities of the Conejo Creek Equestrian Center, makes this show a must-attend event.

In conclusion, if you’re a horse lover, the ETI 118 SVAC Horse Show is an event that you don’t want to miss. It is an opportunity to attend a competition that caters to all levels while building new relationships, bonding with your horse, and enjoying the company of other horse enthusiasts. Mark your calendars and be sure to attend one or more of the upcoming shows! The show schedule, forms, patterns, rules, membership, waivers, crucial updates and show photos are posted on our website regularly. This is where you will also find information on our yearly awards banquet which is held in January or February of the following year of the current show season. You can follow us on Facebook at ETI 118. Always check for updates prior to attending our shows. Contact Shari for vendor or sponsorship opportunities at our remaining shows.

• June 25 and August 13 – English Shows

• July 23 – Western/Ranch Show

• October 7 & November 4 –Gymkhana Shows

Show location is Conejo Creek Equestrian Center 1350 Avenida de las Flores Thousand Oaks, CA 91360