3 months ago
TURLOCK, CA - With the state of the economy forcing many families to save money this summer, some have opted to stay close to home. In California, some counties including San Diego and Alameda, have reported record crowds at their county fairs. In Stanislaus County, the county fair opened last week. Fair spokeswoman Pennie Rorex said last year numbers were up 6 percent. This year, early indicators were good that numbers could be just as high. The Morley family was at the fair enjoying the "Rainforest Adventure" exhibit. Jeff Morley said the fair was a simple, inexpensive way to enjoy the summer. "We're having a great time. We really love this rainforest exhibit," Morley said. "It's really nice." Over at Cal Expo, state fair organizers were getting ready for opening day Aug. 21. Construction was underway on many exhibits, including the counties exhibit in the California building. Cal Expo and state fair CEO Norb Bartosik said organizers were cautiously optimistic about the attendance numbers coming in from various county fairs. "Lots of them have had good numbers, some of them better than others," Bartosik said. Bartosik said state fair numbers were down 6 percent last year, and that they had budgeted for a down year again this year. He said he hoped people would come out and see everything the fair has to offer this year. "This is the single best value in all the region for entertainment close to home," Bartosik said. "Our prices, with the discounts, are better than theme parks." by Cristi Jessee, CJessee@news10.net
News10/KXTV
