Action News Now Meteorologist Patrick Wright tells us more about the entertainment for tonight’s event.
CHICO, Calif. – Thursday was the opening day of the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico.
Action News Now Meteorologist Patrick gives us a breakdown of the Future Farmers of America events and the entertainment that will happen today at the fair.
Wright spoke to some local FFA students who were busy at work showing off their animals.
“I think what makes me excited is just getting to know all these people have come to support you and are just ready to be there for you and get to do all these things for other people, and now they are coming for you, and it is really nice to know you have that support coming from your community,” Gridley FFA student Vivian King said.
“This year is actually kind of easier because of the weather. Multiple years before, it’s been super-hot, and a lot of animals don’t really do well in the heat, so it’s easier since we don’t have to keep them cool as much, which makes the animals less stressed,” Gridley FFA student Tautum Warfield said.
For some students, it is the end of their journey showing animals for FFA as they move on to college.
“It’s bittersweet; I love showing animals. I have basically shown everything, and so this will be my last one, and it is kind of sad,” Gridley FFA student Kirsten Muzzy said.
The ultimate goal for students is to raise livestock that meets certain standards and characteristics and is typically sold at the auction taking place tomorrow.
And for the entertainment side of things, Ben Haggard, son of the late country music star Merle Haggard, performed tonight at the Farmers Brewing Stage.
“Tonight we have a lot of entertainment. There is a lot going on. We have great weather and great food, and it’s going to be a great time out here. But it’s going to be great. Temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Really enjoyable to be out and about. So we are expecting a good crowd,” CEO of the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Nick DiGrazia, said.
Other events tonight include pig races, magic shows, a sea lion splash show, and, of course, plenty of rides, with at least one new one making an appearance here at the fair.
Meteorologist Patrick Wright joined us live from the fairgrounds.
Once you are in the fair, the rest of the weekend will hold several headliner events, including Chayce Beckham, a former American Idol winner, Saturday night, more entertainment around the grounds, carnival rides, and, of course, plenty of fair food.
“The challenge is we are drawing a lot of people parking and if people can kind of carpool. That’s what I’m worried about. Just make sure; we will be flowing traffic to make sure everybody gets in but if you could carpool that would be greatly appreciated,” DiGrazia said.
The fair runs through 11 p.m. each night and costs $15 to enter, while kids under 12 are free.