After successful opening, SM Fairpark preparing for second weekend of portable theme park
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The Santa Maria Fairpark is preparing to host the Helm and Sons Amusements Greatest Portable Theme Park for a second straight weekend starting Thursday afternoon.
Last week, the Fairpark kicked off the initial weekend with a four-day run from July 1-4. This week it runs from July 8-11.
Hours of operation will be 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
After a slow start on Thursday and Friday, Fairpark officials said the weekend proved to be a big success, with Saturday bringing in the biggest crowds during the four-day period.
"We were very happy," said Helms and Sons Amusements owner Davey Helms. "Thursday was a little slow for us, but once we added monster trucks on Friday, Saturday, it was gangbusters. Really a lot of fun."
The portable theme park, combined with two other events at the Fairpark this month, are essentially replacing the Santa Barbara County Fair, which has been cancelled for a second straight year due to COVID-19.
"Seeing this back lively and having fun, it's just heartwarming," said Fairpark spokesperson Rebecca Barks. "It's good. It feels good. It feels right. It feels like we're getting back to what we want to."
Barks added the theme park continues an impressive rebound for the Fairpark, which has been fighting for its survival ever since the start of the pandemic.
"What we're seeing is a lot more bookings for that 2022 of those traditional fundraisers and the annual events we look forward to," said Barks. "We have some things in the works. We are very excited. We are going to have some more things we're offering to the community in 2021, so I look forward to being able to announce those."
She added an announcement on the 2022 dates for the Fairparks two marquee events, the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival and Santa Barbara County Fair should come soon.
The Greatest Portable Theme Park differs from a traditional carnival where visitors purchase tickets for separate rides.
The attraction has a one price entry ticket that allows visitors unlimited access to all rides, live entertainment and shows.
Fairpark management is recommending the public purchase tickets through the Helm and Sons Amusements website.
Tickets may still be purchased at the Faipark.
General admission for adults is $40. Tickets for children age 0-10 is $30.
