The Big Fresno Fair is Bracing for Rain | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fresno, CA The rain is coming, but thousands of fair patrons are still expected to show up in wet weather. Fair Deputy Manager Lauri King says they're getting ready by putting extra mats down in high traffic areas-and stopping the flow of traffic where flooding could occur. "Our infield parking lot will be closing at 3:00 today. So we will not be parking any more cars in there because it is a ponding basin," said King.

Flags whipping in the wind is a sign of changing weather, those working out in the open may have to take cover. Plastic bags protect cash registers at Chicken Charlies. Owners say they are not worried about their sales being dampened. Tony Boghosian said, "It will be a little cool but we've got some good warm food to warm you on a nice cold day there's nothing like it."

Thoroughbreds and jockeys competed for first place-but on Tuesday and Wednesday the track is closed. Racing Chief Dan White says they're ready for the severe weather. "We've been preparing our track for the last five years for times like this. This year we put a hundred tons of sand on the track we've put a little bit of an angle on it, seal it tonight," said White. White says that will eliminate puddles and sink holes that can injure horses.

The nightly concerts at the Paul Paul Theater will go on as scheduled unless the artists decide they can't perform. If the show is cancelled the fair will give full refunds for the tickets.