Our local nostalgia trip, the Alameda County Fair, kicks off today with a full roster of entertainment, animals, food and special events for the next month.  There are headliner concerts nearly every night, and some piqued our interest like Charlie Daniels, Solange Knowles and B.J. Thomas!  Raindrops will not be falling on your head, though.

The fair is a throw-back to simpler times, in some ways.  You can get your caricature drawn, participate in a hypnotist’s show, and cheer at the racing dogs or pigs.  You are welcome to participate in various contests, watch some horse racing, jump onto nearly 40 carnival rides, or simply soak in the vibe.

The AgVenture Park sounds ideal for kids, with an abundance of barnyard and smaller animals on hand.  If you’re organized, then show up early on July 12th to watch local 4-H kids auction their prized animals to the highest bidders.  If not, then you can always wander from the animals over to kiddie rides, storytime theater, karaoke, art projects and the ubiquitous face painting.

July 4th weekend will be filled to the brim, starting with July 3rd fireworks at 9:30 pm.  On the Fourth itself, there will be a cake-walk contest at noon followed by the intense hot-dog eating event at 2pm.  Country star-in-the-making Miko Marks sings at 4:30pm, while eight cool blues bands and players are scheduled all day long.

We’re betting you have never gone to the fair before, so why not check it out this year?

More info:   The County Fair takes place in Pleasanton (click here)  from July 1-19th, closed Mondays.  Hours are 10am-10pm weekends (Fri-Sun), and 11am-10pm weekdays (Tues-Thurs).  Plot your course with this fairgrounds map.  Avoid lines by buying tickets online.  Admission runs $10/adult, $8/senior (62+), $6/kid (6+), and free/tike. Unlimited ride passes are $25-$28 each.  Once there, parking costs $8 to $25.