Families kick off weekend at Santa Barbara County Fair

SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Families are kicking off their weekend by soaking up the Santa Maria sun at the Santa Barbara County Fair.

The county fair opened its doors at noon and families were excited to be out enjoying the rides and food.

"Because it gets us to bond. We don't get enough time with work and stuff, and it gets us to do something out of the house with them," said fairgoer Lauren Shaw

Children 11 and under can get in for free Friday until 10pm.

Friday is one of the many deals being offered to people coming into town from across the Central Coast.

On Friday families are saving $14 per child ages 6 through 11. Any money saved can go toward carnival wristbands or classic fair treats.

“It means everything, you know, just memories to make with the kids. I remember going to places with my parents, so I just want something to remember for the rest of their life," said Fairgoer Kevin Lindgren.

On Saturday military and law enforcement get free admission all day long.

Fairpark staff expect about 150,000 visitors to come through the gates this year.