Big Fresno Fair, Fresno State Game Threatened by Rain | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Fresno, CA, USA Groundskeepers packed down the dirt surface of the Big Fresno Fair's horseracing track Friday evening. They're hoping that will keep it from becoming a muddy mess. Organizers say horseracing is one of the fair's biggest events and it will go on, even if it rains. "We have a covered grand stand for our customers but most importantly we've put a lot of money into this track to make sure its safe for tomorrow," said Big Fresno Fair C.E.O. John Alkire.

A rain plan is also in place at Fresno State as the bulldogs prepare to battle Hawaii. If the rain hits hard, three grass lots used for parking and tailgating may have to be closed and 500 vehicles will have to park in alternate locations. "Primarily most of those will be by the Save Mart center and we'll have a shuttle service that will take fans from those locations to the stadium and then return them to their cars after the game," said Fresno State Athletic Department spokesperson Steve Weakland.

The threat of rain is also prompting a couple of warnings in the valley. Drivers are urged to slow down and prepare for wet roads. "It's been dry all season; the first rain usually brings up all the dirt, the grime, the oil. People drive to fast, they hit the breaks, they can't stop," said California Highway Patrol Spokesperson Paul Solorzano, Jr.

Hikers are also being warned to stay out of the Sierra this weekend. "We want them to make good choices this weekend, if they don't need to be in the backcountry, they don't need to be in the wilderness, this probably isn't the weekend to go," said Sierra National Forest spokesperson Sue Exline.

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