BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — For 250 years, America has been built on stories that connect us. An American pastime that draws families from all over, as county fairs brings the smiles, thrills, and the memories.
In this week’s Amazing America, we focus on the history of the Kern County Fair and impact that has lasted for generations.
“It’s just such a great place for everyone to really come together and it’s welcoming for everybody,” said Kern County Fair Marketing Specialist, Chelsey Roberts. “And there’s nothing better.”
Before the bright lights and carnival rides, the Kern County Fair started with little more than open land and tents.
Known then as the Kern County Agricultural Fair, had officially began on August 5th, 1916, along Chester Avenue, just south of the Kern River Bridge. Today, the Kern County Museum stands in that same location.
The concept of yesteryear, these community gatherings were truly momentous occasions.
“Fairs are one of America’s longest standing community traditions, and we have been around personally for 110 years this year,” said Roberts. “We are so excited to be a part of everybody’s tradition every year.”
The fair moved to its current location in 1952. And what started as a five-day event, eventually grew into the nearly two-week celebration Kern County knows today.
“When you get to see people coming out and walk through the gate and see the big rides or see livestock animals for the first time, and enjoying food, running into all different people within the community that you only see maybe once a year, it’s the best feeling,” said Roberts. “Everyone’s happy. It’s just a great feeling to walk around.”
Now spread across 160 acres, the Kern County Fair blends agriculture, entertainment, and tradition.
The first ever “World’s Fair” in America was held in Philadelphia in 1876 to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fast forward 150 years later, fairs like the Kern County Fair, is an event people circle on their calendars.
“There’s only one place to be in Kern County at the end of September, and that’s the Kern County Fair,” said Roberts. “And we’re so excited to welcome everyone back for another 12 days. We’re open September 23 to October 4 this year, and it’s really so exciting. Like, we have so many things in store for everybody. We have all of your traditional things like livestock animals, concerts, rodeo, monster trucks but we have to sprinkle in a new thing here and there every year.”
For generations, the fair hasn’t just been an event, it’s something passed down year after year.
Although World’s Fairs are a thing of the past in America, State and Regional fairs are still a beloved tradition.
“Fair is all about tradition, and we have our roots in agriculture and education, but it’s all about also continuing on generation to generation,” said Roberts. “Although that you can reference history and tradition and have all those things, you can move forward and see new things.”