Salinas Valley Fair Guide 2025 by Weeklys

FAIR AT A GLANCE

Daily Fair Admission:

Adults $12

Seniors (60 & Over) $8

Youth (6-17) $8

Children (5 & Under) FREE Parking $20

Advanced Fair Discounts, purchased before May 14th

General Fair admission – Family 4 pack, Buy 4 Admissions for $36, while supplies last Grand Tasting – Sponsored by Mechanics Bank

Grand Tasting $40, Includes admission to fair when purchased before Wed May 14th Tickets at door $40, plus fair admission. Enjoy an evening of wine tasting from the 2025 Monterey International Wine Competition,

Save on Carnival All Day Ride Wristbands!

Buy your ‘all-day’ ride carnival wristband for less. Only $30 when you purchase before May 14th at the Salinas Valley Fair Administration Office, Mechanics Bank in King City and Rito’s GTS Tax Service.

Special Admission Days

Kids Day- Thursday May 15th Sponsored by Holaday Seed Company “Kids Holaday”

Free Admission to all children 12 & under.

Gates open at 10AM for School Tour Groups. Free Admission for teachers and school tour adult chaperones before 11AM. See daily scheduled between 10am-1pm for school groups.

Senior Day- Friday May 16th

PLAN AHEAD WHEN YOU ATTEND THE FAIR...

The following items are prohibited:

• Weapons of any kind

• Illegal substances (NO drugs or drug paraphernalia. NO E-liquid or E-juice of any kind.)

• Tobacco of any kind cigarettes for chew

• Alcohol

• Pets (Service dogs are welcome.)

• Bicycle, scooters, skateboards, personal motorized vehicles, etc.

• No outside food or beverages (you may bring in one sealed water bottle, up to 24 oz, per guest and baby formula as needed)

• Ice Chests

Things we'll have for your convenience:

• Restrooms

• ATM's

• Picnic Tables

• Show Seating

• FREE Entertainment!

A clear bag policy will be in effect for the 2025 Salinas Valley Fair. The Salinas Valley Fair will enforce a Clear Bag Policy to reduce security screening interactions and expedite entry to Fairgrounds. Guests can carry in jackets as long as they are readily available for screening at entry. Guests can bring in diaper bags as long as they are readily available for screening at entry. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection and screening.

Política De Bolsa Transparente

Se aplicará una política de bolsas transparentes para la Feria del Valle de Salinas de 2025. La Feria aplicará esta política para reducir los controles de seguridad y agilizar el acceso al recinto ferial.

Los visitantes pueden llevar chaquetas, siempre que estén disponibles para su revisión en la entrada.

También pueden traer bolsas de pañales, siempre que estén disponibles para su revisión en la entrada.

Se harán excepciones para artículos médicos necesarios después de una inspección y revisión adecuadas.

JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AUCTION REWARDS HARD-WORKING YOUTH

Saturday, May 17, 8 AM

Marcel Layous Auction Rings in the Rava Equestrian Barn

Months of effort for the young, aspiring agriculture youth in our community culminates at the Salinas Valley Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction on Saturday, May 17th. Over 900 4H and FFA members have selected, purchased, fed, and groomed livestock to be judged, graded, and sold at the Fair.

A few seconds in the ring concludes months of hard work for these young livestock exhibitors, who have raised market hogs, sheep, beef, replacement heifers, and rabbits. Thanks to the buyers, the animals bring a good return to the exhibitors who have spent time in the show ring having their animals examined by the judges.

The Junior Livestock Auctions brings together the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of many businesses. “Learning to produce food for my table and how to be in business for myself are valuable lessons I learned as a 4H and FFA member,” said Fair Board Director, Cody Bassetti. “Now as the volunteers and auction buyers, we’re all doing our part to ensure these lessons continue for the kid sin our community.” Bassetti is a volunteer as the Director of the Junior Livestock Auction and oversees the 75 plus volunteers that help to sell the livestock raised by the 4H and FFA members.

Staff members from Mechanics Bank are ringside to help operate the video projectors, which display lot numbers, seller information, and sale price. Breakfast is sponsored by CliftonLarsonAllen, and AmericanAgCredit sponsors the lunch. In the barn area, volunteers work with project leaders and exhibitors to make sure the animals are brought into the ring in a timely manner. The ring men watch closely to catch every bid – enticing and persuading when necessary – to get the best price for each exhibitor’s animal. The auctioneers, in their unique pace, keep the auction moving to make sure the seller and buyer each get their dues.

“Our volunteers, donors, and buyers really make a difference,” said John Orradre, Livestock Committee Chair. “Every year something special and surprising takes place to remind me, and all of us, we have a good thing going in King City.” The Salinas Valley Fair Livestock Committee and the Junior Livestock Auction Committee are constantly looking

2025 MISS SALINAS VALLEY FAIR Jordan Davis

Hello, my name is Jordan Davis, and I am your 2025 Miss Salinas Valley Fair. I am a junior at King City High School and the daughter of Greg Corrigan and Lisa (Davis) Corrigan of Greenfield and Allen and Natalie Davis of San Luis Obispo. I consider Arroyo Seco and King City my home.

I have been an active FFA member and have achieved my Greenhand Degree, Chapter Farmer Degree, and State Farmer Degree, at which I received a proficiency award. I have raised four market swine projects for FFA, conducted a plant growth and bacteria experiment, designed, and constructed a unique planter box. Prior to FFA, I was a very active 4-H member starting with Clover Buds; my projects included market swine, canning, photography, baking, and cooking. I also placed 1st in the Fair Vegetable Judging Contest. I have played Club Volleyball for five years and am on the King City High School Varsity Team Volleyball. I am an active member of the National High School Rodeo Association where I compete in California’s District 4 in the events of Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, and Light Rifle Shooting Competition. In my minimal spare time, I enjoy snow skiing, snowboarding, global travel, and big game hunting. I love my animals and have plenty of them with my horses Short Stack and Dora, my teammates and the ones that have taught me more about being humble and having character. I am grateful for them. I am currently focusing on college tours and preparing for the college application process. After high school, I plan on attending an Agriculture-focused University where I can study Agriculture Business with a concentration in Finance and Marketing and earn a Master’s Degree. The future is wide open, but Law School is a very attractive goal with becoming a corporate attorney for an Agriculture Company. I would like to invite you to the 81st annual Berry Best Fair around. It’s not just any fair; it is a celebration of creativity, community, and of course, a whole lot of fun! You’ll see everything from stunning hand-drawn artwork, gardening displays, photography, floral, to beautiful quilts that have been created by members of the community at all ages. One of my favorite displays is the prize-winning produce that has been grown by our valley’s best farmers in the Orradre Building. Along with the produce is the Student Agriculture Mechanics projects, preserved food, and pastries. While passing through, you will get a smell of all the fair food. Enjoy a big, juicy burger, classic foot-long

dogs, crispy French fries, and a nice, fresh-squeezed lemonade to wash it down with. It is the kind of food that will make your taste buds dance. Don’t forget to hit the carnival rides! Whether you’re soaring high on the Ferris wheel or getting your adrenaline pumping on the roller coaster, there’s something for everyone.

For all the animal lovers, our 4-H and FFA students have worked hard raising their animals from beef, goats, rabbits, sheep, and swine. Visit them at the Topo and Rava Barns. If you go to the Topo Barn, come say hi to my 2025 pig, Magnolia, and me.

The Junior Live Auction Day is Saturday, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. You can support these talented young individuals and maybe even take home a prizewinning animal.

Now, some of the most exciting competitions during the fair take place in the Stampede Arena, where there will be motorcycle racing, truck and tractor pulls, and don’t miss out on Saturday nights’ headline performance of Chase Bryant.

Let’s make some amazing memories and have a great time with friends, family, and meeting new friends at the Berry Best Fair!

corn

May 16, 9:00 PM

Longbranch Saloon

Joe Peters

A Cowboy, A Songwriter, A Force to Be Reckoned With

Born in the Country Music Capital of the West—Bakersfield, California—Joe Peters was raised on the grit and glory of country life. From an early age, he was just as comfortable with a rope in his hand as he was with a guitar slung over his shoulder. At just 8 years old, he won his first rodeo and picked up his first guitar, strumming along to the sounds of Waylon Jennings, George Strait, and Merle Haggard, the very foundation of his musical soul.

May 15, 6:00 PM

The Edge Band

May 17, 9:00 PM

The Harper Canyon Band

The Harper Canyon Band is a dynamic fusion of raw energy and musical prowess. With influences ranging from the Rolling Stones to Pearl Jam, from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Chris Stapleton, Metallica to Rage against the Machine. The Harper Canyon Band delivers a high-voltage performance that electrifies audiences. With thunderous drumbeats from Johnny Guerra, scorching guitar riffs from Robert Tovar, soulful vocals with ripping lead guitar from Chris Mills, thumping bass licks with powerful vocals from Eric Sousa, and gravely vocals with grooving rhythm guitar from Jeff Pomo this band brings an adrenaline-fueled experience to every stage they grace. From smaller private venues to larger public crowds, the Harper Canyon Band ignites the atmosphere, leaving listeners craving more.

May 18, 1:30 PM on the Steinbeck Stage

Steinbeck Stage

Arty’s Bringing the Party to the Steinbeck Stage!

The Art of the Loon Show is a magical show filled with fun, laugh out load comedy magic, amazing illusions, spectacular juggling and superb puppetry! Arty is a family friendly show you wont want to miss, check out Arty all week on the Steinbeck Stage!

May 17, 9:00 PM

The OutLaw Mariachi is L.A.'s Premiere Rock Mariachi Band.

The band's beginnings started with a decade-long partnership between the original frontmen and musical director of the well known group Metalachi. In 2020, this duo gathered a group of All-Star caliber musicians and gave birth to The OutLaw Mariachi during the pandemic. After creating a great online presence through podcasts and livestream performances, they quickly became a juggernaut on the music scene once live performances started up again post-pandemic. Since then, The group has become one of the most unique and fastest growing shows out of Los Angeles.

These Charros of Rock blend traditional mariachi sounds with the high powered energy of American and Latin Rock. Their music also incorporates heavy influences from genres such as Hard Rock, Afro-Caribbean, Country, and many danceable rhythms such as Cumbia, Merengue, Zapateado, Mambo, etc….. After applying their unique style to familiar hits from countless artists such as Queen, Pink Floyd, Beastie Boys, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eagles, Guns N Roses, Rammstein, etc. Audiences find it hard to stay in their seats as it quickly becomes a dance party!

Fronted by singer "GunSkull" Ricky and trumpeter Mateo “Mad Mav” Durán, the show also entertains with a comedic element that keeps the audience compelled from start to finish. The OutLaw Mariachi may not be your typical Mariachi, but it prides itself in being genuine charros and most band members often perform with traditional mariachi ensembles when not on the road.

The Drumheads are headed to King City and ready to give you an unforgettable experience! They’ll entertain you with the hottest hits, timeless classics, and future favorites, stop by Steinbeck stage to watch the electrifying performances!

Vendetta WrestlingPRO

They’re back! Vendetta Pro Wrestling returns to the Salinas Valley Fair with pulse-pounding, high-flying, jaw-jacking, back-breaking pro wrestling and Lucha Libre action. The wildly popular event will be in Steinbeck Stage, 8 p.m. Friday night. And it’s free with admission to the fair.

Vendetta Pro Wrestling provides exciting, high energy entertainment from the opening bell to the main event will leave fans hungry for more Vendetta Pro action.

“Vendetta Pro Wrestling produces a action-packed show and excited to get them back on the stage, Friday at of fair,” said SVF CEO. “The special effects, lighting and music really add to the drama that fans of wrestling have come to expect from these live spectacles. You won’t want to miss this event!”

Based in Santa Maria, California, Vendetta Pro Wrestling has been presenting hard-hitting, high-flying and exciting Professional Wrestling action to fans across California and Nevada since 2009, and became California’s only member of the National Wrestling Alliance in 2014. Not only has Vendetta Pro brought former (and current!) WWE & TNA Superstars such as Matt Hardy, Chris Masters and Jeff Jarrett to the Salinas Valley Fair, but have also brought Pro Wrestlers who would then go on to become Superstars such as current WWE NXT Women’s Champion Bayley, and Lucha Underground TV stars Mr. Cisco, Famous B. and Brian Cage!

Vendetta Pro always brings their “A” Game to the Salinas Valley Fair and we expect the best on Friday, May 16th on the Steinbeck. For more information on Vendetta Pro, go to their official website at www.vendettaprowrestling.com

Lenny Hoops is a one-of-a-kind performer that’s a solo performer. Lenny is a crowd favorite who sings all genres of music from classic rock, jazz and all the old school favorites. Lenny will be performing around the Fair grounds and Stenbeck Stage, swing in to enjoy the show!

May 15, 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM

Casey Anglin

HELLO HERITAGE FOUNDATION MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS

We are looking forward to the 81st Salinas Valley Fair and are excited to spend Fair Week with Heritage Members and Fair goers May 15th – 18th! Throughout this past year, we have continued our support around the fairgrounds. Our focus has been on smaller projects that improve attendees’

and exhibitors’ experiences. We have purchased 15 new picnic tables, 10 new benches, and additional green panels for the livestock barns (which will no longer need to be borrowed from the Monterey Fairgrounds!). Our fundraisers have remained successful – all thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees.

Custom Wood Storage Sheds Built on Your Property in 1 Day

Visit our display yard where we can help you design your Backyard Hobby Room, Office, Pain Studio, Tractor/ATV Storage, Firewood Storage, Chicken Coop, Well Pump House, or a Dry Shelter for your favorite pet!

30 Sheds on Display Hwy 101 located between Prunedale & Salinas Mon - Thur 9:00 - 5:00 Fri 9:00 - 4:00 • Sat 10:00 - 3:00 Call Us Today for a Free Catalog & Price Guide! 831-443-6163

We are proud to announce that this year’s Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation Scholarship Recipient is Valeria Beltran, a member of Gonzales FFA. She will be raising a pig named, “Zero,” for the upcoming Fair. Valeria plans to study Agricultural Business at Cal Poly SLO in the fall of 2026. This will be her first Salinas Valley Fair, which she is very excited for – check her out Saturday, May 17th at the Junior Livestock Auction.

During Fair, we will be offering ice cold margaritas, cheladas, and more at our Margarita Booth behind the Pavilion. This year, we will also have a booth at the Chase Bryant concert next to the grandstands! We welcome ALL 21+ Fair attendees to stop by and get a nice refreshment in support of SVFHF! Don’t forget that we offer our Buyer

Thank You cards in the Heritage Room all week, and behind the auction ring on Auction Day. All Heritage Members, and those interested in a membership, can find the Heritage Room located in the Pavilion, just outside of the Rava Barn.

We are grateful for your continued support of the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation. We love contributing to the Salinas Valley Fair, maintaining the grounds and facilities, and supporting our community. Our work cannot be done without the support of our members, donors, and sponsors. If you are interested in supporting the Heritage Animal or becoming a new member, please reach out to svfhfmembership@gmail. com.

We are looking forward to a great Fair!

The Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation Board

Panziera & Thorp

Heritage Foundation Board (front row left to right): Kim Tankersly, Ashleigh Young, Mikel Ann Miller, Cheryl Harrison, Jessica Handley | (middle row left to right): Amanda Gianolini, Carla Anecito, Cinda Muzylowski, Maureen Harris | (back row left to right): Scott Taylor, Rick Harris

SALINAS VALLEY FAIR MAP

Salinas Valley Fair Grand Tasting

Thursday, May 15, 6:00–8:30 PM

Orradre Building

Stampede Arena

May 15, 6:00 PM

May 16, 7:00 PM

The roar and entertainment of 4x4 Hot Rod Truck Pulling will fill the Stampede Arena beginning at 7 PM on Friday, May 16th at the Salinas Valley Fair. The biggest, “baddest” trucks will compete for prize money and bragging rights for the claim as Toughest Truck of the Salinas Valley Fair. The event is Round 2 of the Western American Pulling Tour promoted by L&L Productions and WGAS. Interested participants should review rules and complete entry forms at www.csspulling. com

Did you know, the sport of Pulling began with horse and Oxen pulling? It was a means to measure value of the animals on how much load they could pull to market. They would be hooked to a dead weight sled. When mechanical machines came along they would either move or not move the load – they would not tire as they pulled as a horse or oxen would.

This was when a new type of sled pull was designed which involved the spectators who would stand along the track and as the sled was pulled to them they would jump on to increase the load! “Sled jumpers”. As the machines grew in power so did the speed by which they could pull the sled – this made it increasingly harder to find volunteers –“sled jumpers”- to jump onto the sled – due to safety issues.

The weight transfer machine was invented in the late 1930s. This design would start out light and the weight would increase as it was pulled down the track.

Today each class has the sled pre-set for that particular pull class to match the weight and power of the class. Each contestant pulls the down the track until the sled stops them – that distance is measured. The contestant in the class with the longest pull wins.

With this great American invention contestants can compete in a variety of weight classes and a variety of categories of power and modifications.

All thanks to the weight transfer machine that we still call “The Sled”.

The truck pulling action at the Salinas Valley Fair is free with your fair admission