Your Beach Town Fair opens Thursday

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo has a new theme this year.

"Your Beach Town Fair" is the theme.

A preview night took place on Wednesday for local leaders and supporters of the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

Some of the big rides are visible from the 101 freeway.

Going to the fair the evening before it officially opens is a thrill.

"I'd rather be here than stay home, it is such an opportunity for me and I like all the ride they inspire me," said Grace McCann, " I like the swing right here they are really fun and I also like Turbo."

Fairgoer and teacher Summer Calvert soaked it all in with some students.

"I think it is fun for the whole family, there is face painting, food and rides and games and this year they are having the events inside with all of the crocheting and pies, all of the things that people can compete in, it is really fun," said Calvert.

For 7 days, over two long weekends, fairgoers are encouraged to try their luck at the carnival games, taste fair food or enjoy the ups and downs of rides. 

Fairgoers can save money by buying wristbands in advance that are good for unlimited rides.

During the preview night guests had a chance to check out posters showing Earl Warren vision plan options.

Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague said the vision includes multi-use sports fields, and a convention-style center for affordable event and meeting space .

"The fair only comes once a year,  two weekends a year, but what else can we do throughout the year, we just want to do the best  job of bringing Santa Barbara together that we can," said Sprague.

Butler Amusements has placed photos opportunities throughout the fairgrounds to allow fairgoers to capture their memories with friends, family and even coworkers.

For ticket information visit: http://earlwarren.com