The 97th annual Tulare County Fair will kick off with Gin Blossoms on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Gin Blossoms hit the music scene with “New Miserable Experience” in 1992 – an album that kept the band on the charts for several years, thanks to singles “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” and “Until I Fall Away.”
These hits were followed by “Til I Hear it from You,” which hit number one and moved the “Empire Records” soundtrack to platinum status. “As Long As it Matters” generated a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Duo or Group.
“The 2016 concert lineup is going to be very strong – starting with Gin Blossoms’ catalog of great hits,” said fair CEO Pamela Fyock. “We’re looking forward to another great fair. Come for the music and stay for the fun!”
Rising country star Colt Ford will perform on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Tulare County Fair.
Ford’s sound combines country with hip-hop rhythms. His “Thanks for Listening” release hit number one on the charts and includes “Workin’ On,” the video for which illustrates the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and supports Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor Foundation.
Ford compares his sound to the spoken-word songs of country greats such as Tex Williams, Roger Miller and Johnny Cash. His blend of country and hip-hop brings diverse cultures together, he says, joined by the story telling.
All concerts begin at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage and are free with gate admission.
The Tulare County Fair runs Sept. 14-18. Fair admission is $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 6-12. Thursday Family Value Day offers fair admission for $4 before 4 p.m. (online only).
The fair will offer live local entertainers, new food booths, a two-night monster truck spectacular, a huge carnival with new rides, a carnival area just for young children, the Destruction Derby and more. Carnival wristbands are available for $20 in advance of the fair or $30 after Sept. 14. Visit www.tcfair.org for ongoing updates to the schedule of events or call the fairgrounds office at 686-4707.