The 114th annual California Mid-Winter Fair presented by OWB Packers is moving forward in 2022, although it will look a little different than previous years. With the ever changing pandemic, we made the difficult decision to close the majority of the indoor buildings/exhibits, and have a completely outdoor fair. Should state regulations change, it is possible a few buildings will be open. Although it’s not the same fair format we are accustomed to, we are exploring ways some of your favorite entries/exhibits could be showcased. We feel very positive this is at least a step in the right direction and we are grateful to host an outdoor fair, and excited about what WE CAN DO.
Looking back at the past couple years, we feel very fortunate for what our experience has been compared to other fairs across the state. In 2020 we were the last fair in California to fully operate without any restrictions or mandates in place. In 2021, thanks to the community, we were able to have a successful drive-thru event featuring everyone’s favorite foods. Even more importantly, we had a successful livestock show & online auction. Again, thanks to our generous community and sponsors.
So moving forward, we want to thank you for your patience and support and we look forward to seeing you at the 2022 fair.
Ticket Sales
If the fair closes due to last minute Covid restrictions will I get a refund? Yes, if the fair is required to close due to COVID, refunds for tickets will be issued. The new software system the fair has will make the process easy.
Why is the fair not having pre-sales at different businesses this year? Due to the uncertainty of whether we would be able to open or not, we felt it was best to move our ticket sales online as it would be an easier and more efficient way for us to issue refunds if necessary.
Are you selling Family Value Packs? Not this year, at the time we needed to order the Family Value Packs, Covid was on the rise and it was questionable whether we would be able to have our fair or not. We didn't want to spend the money on tickets that would go in the trash if cancelled, and also the challenge associated with issuing refunds if cancelled.
Are Admission tickets only being sold online? Tickets will be sold online beginning February 25th and will continue through the duration of the fair. Once the fair begins on March 4, tickets will also be available for purchase at our gates.
Do I need to purchase separate tickets for the concerts or Races? Great news, your general admission ticket includes free entry to the races and concerts around the grounds.
Can we purchase admission tickets and carnival wristbands in one transaction? Not this year. If you want to purchase carnival wristbands it is through their online sales portal. The fair's admission tickets are sold through their online sales portal.
How will I get my tickets? After your transaction has been completed you can have your tickets texted or emailed to you. You can either print the ticket and bring it to the gate, or you can present your ticket with the QR code on your mobile device at the gate.
Do I have to show proof of a negative test to get in the fair? No proof of vaccination will be required to enter the fair.
Do I have to wear a mask on the fairgrounds? As a state agency we have to follow state guidelines. With the ever changing requirements, whatever the requirements are at the time are what would need to be followed.
Will there be on site testing for Covid at the fairgrounds? At this time there are no plans to have a testing site on the grounds.
If I test positive for Covid can someone else show my animal for me? Each case is taken on an individual basis, but certainly we want to be flexible.
Carnival
Can I buy wristbands at the Carnival? Carnival wristband presales will begin a week before opening day at $30 each. After the fair opens wristbands can be purchased onsite at the cost of $40 each.
Do I have to wear a mask on the rides? As a state agency we have to follow state guidelines. With the ever changing requirements, whatever the requirements are at the time are what would need to be followed.
Are there any extra precautions the carnival is taking to prevent Covid? The Carnival company has implemented an updated protocol that includes extra cleaning for the equipment and training for their employees.
Can we purchase admission tickets and carnival wristbands in one transaction? Not this year. If you want to purchase carnival wristbands it is through their online sales portal. The fair's admission tickets are sold through their online sales portal.
How will I get my wristbands? After your transaction has been completed you can have your tickets texted or emailed to you. You can either print the ticket and bring it to one of the carnival's kiosks located at each of the carnivals, or you can present your QR code on your mobile device at the kiosks as well.
Livestock Program
Will there be a live auction? At this point in time, we are planning on a full livestock show and auction.
Can I bid on a livestock project online like last year? We will be accepting online “add-ons” like we did for the grading show in 2021. We will not be accepting live bids online during the auction.
Will I be able to come watch the livestock show in person? If there are no changes to current pandemic rules and regulations, then you will be able to watch the livestock show in person.
Will the livestock area be open to the general public? Yes, unless the rules and regulations change.
Can I watch my grandkids show via a webcam service? We will not be broadcasting all the showmanship and market classes this year, but we are hoping to broadcast the auction online.
Entertainment
Is there going to be any music? Concerts? Yes, we will have a variety of entertainment and concerts which take place throughout the duration of the fair. Check our website or download our app to get the latest information and showtimes.
Buildings
What Buildings will be closed during this year's fair? Since the mask mandate has changed, we will have a couple of buildings open as well as the livestock barns. The Plaza de las Culturas will be open with the Artesanos de Mexico, and the Casa de Manana will be open with some commercial vendors and exhibitors, the gem and mineral building will be open on the weekends.
Food and Vendors
Will there be food stands? Of course, that’s part of the fair experience. A number of your favorite food vendors who have a history here as well as some newcomers will be cooking up a variety of fair food favorites.
Will there be vendors? There will be some vendors but not as many as we would have during a normal fair. Traditionally many of the vendors are indoors and depending on what they are selling or the information they are providing, are not suitable for being outdoors. Also, the space we have for vendors outside is determined by many factors, one of the most important being fire codes.
High School Madness
Will High School Madness take place? Yes, High School Madness is still being planned and the Junior Fair Board is very excited to bring this tradition back.
Where can I buy High School Madness Tickets? If your school is participating in selling them this year, you can purchase them there.
School Tours/ Special Persons Day
Will there be school tours? Unfortunately, this is one of the things we have lost this year with the changes we’ve made. In speaking with schools there was concern about the spread of COVID, and not having any indoor displays we will not be having these special days. We hope they are back in full for our 115th Annual California Mid-Winter Fair in 2023.
Will there be a Special Person’s Day? Unfortunately No, please see the comment above about school tours.
