Caruthers District Fair opens up for 88th year
CARUTHERS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 88th Caruthers District Fair starts on Wednesday afternoon. This is the largest and longest-running free gate fair in California and some say in the world.
Gary Wenter, board president, said this year's theme is "Barn in the USA".
"It's a through back affairs, I don't know others (fairs) are like this," Wenter explained. "We have our own flavor here. It's a local thing that people get together to see each other once a year. If you haven't seen everybody in Caruthers, just sit here for 20 minutes and they are going to come by you".
During the fair, there will be plenty of games, rides, and of course fried food and delicious desserts.
"People don't eat (at home) during fair week. If you are local you eat here," he said. "My wife loves it because there is no cooking."
Wenter added it is encouraging to see people come back year after year.
"I hope they are proud of what we've made it into since they started it because it's a big deal," he said. "This has been going on for generations in the community and local area. So it's a big deal to us that's we've maintained the fair and even improve it every year a little bit."
One large improvement they made this year, just in time for the fair, was the new barn. This barn replaces their "Old Commercial" building.
"It stood for 70 plus years," he said. "It's a great old building but structurally it was a little shaky. So we started a fundraising campaign."
The old one was worn down and needed to be demolished to make way for the new. However, it did come with a hefty price tag of just under half a million dollars. Wenter said this was made possible with the community's financial help, but they are still in need of more donations. If you would like to donate click here.
For a full list of times and events click here.
