Big business for Fresno Fair vendors

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The fair is big business for some of the vendors.

"You can't leave the fair without one--hers one for you. Here's one for you, young lady. Sir you're going to want one," said Pitchman Jerry Mascuzzio.

Mascuzzio knows how to get people's attention at the Big Fresno Fair.

"Uninvited guests leave the dead leaves in to get rid all of the freeloaders. Take your cabbage cut it in half."

Every day he gets people to stop and watch him chop, and slice his kitchen miracle plus, a contraption that makes salsa, salads and more. It is an item that gets into the hands of many fairgoers who take a break in the cool industry commerce building.

"You give them a good deal number one and number two you entertain them. I really have fun here."

New this year, business Lakeside Scissor Sales are hoping to get some shoppers to stop by and spend money on their scissors and everyday items.

"We have so many items it just draws the people in and they'll say oh I need a nail clipper or oh I need scissors," said Susan Brown.

They say while people don't always have money for big-ticket items like hot tubs, they do have a few dollars burning in their pocket.

Artist Damon Renthrope draws in people with pictures of them.

"If they're skeptical I tell them it's fat-free. Its cholesterol free, vegan-friendly and 80 years it's still there for you," said Renthrope.

He even sketched a picture of me and says these caricatures are the perfect keepsake. Dozens of other vendors fill the industry commerce building, catering toward adults and kids. Parents say it is challenging shopping with kids at the fair.

"We set it aside for special occasions and things like that. Yah, you have to save because they want everything," said Noemi Vital.

Vital says if she sees a good deal, she may have to buy something for herself as well.