The Dixon May Fair, from May 8 to May 11, will have plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including the K-9 Kings Flying Frisbee dogs, The Throw Zone and the return of Flo the Clown. Smart Cards can also be purchased and loaded with ride tickets for ease of use. Photo courtesy of the Dixon May Fair

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon May Fair, the oldest fair in California, will open its gates for the 148th time on May 8 to May 11 with all the excitement of carnival rides, live music, fair food and competition. It’s time now to gather with family and friends and enjoy this tradition.

There will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including the K-9 Kings Flying Frisbee dogs, The Throw Zone and the return of Flo the Clown. Kids Town America is back with its interactive exhibits that are perfect to give youth a break from the hustle and bustle of the fair and an AG-tivity area will highlight farming activities.

Live music features, for the first time, Unchained: a Van Halen Tribute, The Summer of Love Band and the Sunset River Band. Returning are fair favorites the School of Rock, Maya Band, Robby James and the Streets of Bakersfield and Rhythm Method Trio. 

Following the downtown parade, Picnic Lawn comes alive May 10 with the return of the Dixon May Fair Classic Car Show and May 11 with a lineup of Latin music all afternoon, featuring Banda Zeta and Banda La 8va Maravilla.

You’ll find excitement in the First Northern Bank’s Grandstand arena with Flying U Bull Riding on May 9, Maxx Kakl Powersports Tractor & Truck Pulls on May 10, and the Moondog Motorsports Demolition Derby on May 11. Tickets for these events traditionally sell out, so early purchase is recommended.

For most kids and many adults, the fair is not the fair without a spin and twirl on one of the many carnival rides. Butler Amusements is back with a selection of spectacular rides. Its Smart Card can be purchased and loaded so that you do not have to worry about handfuls of tickets.

Fair food is a once-a-year treat for most people and there will be no lack of treats to tempt you, from traditional corn dogs and curly fries to the famous Dixon May Fair rolled tacos.

Be sure to wander through the buildings featuring exhibits entered by community members of everything from quilts and preserves to art and photos to flowers and gardens. A visit to the livestock barns is a must, with the hustle and bustle of local youth caring for and showing their animals.

Tickets for the Dixon May Fair from May 8 to May 11 are available online, including discounted admission, carnival wristbands and grandstand events that include fair admission when purchased in advance. May 8 is KUIC’s $5 Thursday and May 9 is Kids Day. For details, visit online dixonmayfair.com.