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Here's a press release from the folks at the Kern County Fair, in their words:

If funds are tight this year, you might want to know about these special deals for no- and low-cost admission to the Kern County Fair, plus tons of fun for free once you’re through the gates.

Free admission 3-5 on Opening Day, Sept. 23

The Kern County Fair will open with a flourish on Wednesday, Sept. 23, starting a 12-day run of free shows, concerts and special attractions.

Opening day will feature the annual kick-off parade and ceremonies, a free concert by country star Phil Vassar and two free shows by hypnotist Tina Marie, who will be making her Kern County debut at this year’s event.

Early birds arriving between 3-5 on opening day will be rewarded with free admission to the Fair.

Free admission for seniors 55+ on Friday, Sept. 25

People age 55 or older will be nonpaying guests of the Kern County Fair on Friday, Sept. 25. The day, sponsored by GEMCare, has become an annual tradition at the Kern County Fair.

The event begins at 9 a.m., and continues with free activities and entertainment all day. Parking also is free to seniors until 4 p.m. Tram service from the parking lot to the fair entrance will be available at the parking lot on South P Street.

An added bonus for frugal seniors, blood pressure and other health checks are provided at no charge at the GEMCare booth in the Main Plaza.

There also will be informational tables during the morning program on free services for seniors in Kern County.

Free admission for active military

In a new program for 2009, visitors with active military IDs will receive free admittance to the Fair throughout the 12-day run.

Free admission for young readers

Some 30,000 school children from throughout Kern County are participating in a special reading program to earn free tickets to the upcoming Kern County Fair.

Through KC’s Reading Round-Up, sponsored by Bright House, students will receive a free ticket to the Kern County Fair upon completion of 300 minutes of reading for pleasure. To qualify, students must participate through their classrooms. It is not available to individuals.

Purchase tickets in advance and save

Planning ahead will save families on admission. Tickets purchased in advance of the Fair are offered at a great discount: Only $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-12.

Advance tickets are offered online at kerncountyfair.com or at Albertson’s stores.
Once the Kern County Fair is underway Sept. 23, advance tickets will no longer be available.

Discount carnival wristbands also are available online and at Albertson’s until Sept. 22. The wristbands let fairgoers ride all day. Regularly priced at $30, the discount wristbands offer a big savings at $23.

Save on a return ticket

When you come to the Fair this year, make your first stop at one of the interactive kiosks at each entrance. There, you can answer a few questions and win a $1 ticket for a return visit to the Fair later in the week.

Still the best value in town

Even with the full price of admission, frugal fairgoers are still getting the best entertainment value in town.

Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for kids 6-12 years of age. Children 5 and under get in free. Parking is $5.

“We haven’t raised our admission prices for several years,” said Bill Blair, chief executive officer of the Kern County Fair.  “We want the Fair to be affordable and we think it’s the best entertainment value of the year.”

Free at this year’s Kern County Fair

Just a sampling of what’s free at this year’s event:
-    Twelve nights of free concerts at the Budweiser Pavilion
-    Community entertainment on Frontier Stage, Kern Family Health Care Stage, KC Lane Stage, Goode Time Stage, Garage Stage, La Villa Festiva
-    Free fun for kids all day at Calico Corner (Plan ahead and take advantage of free immunizations offered by San Joaquin Community Hospital here every day. Just bring your kids’ immunization records.)
-    “Ag-Adventure” learning and GASCAR animal races at KC’s Farm
-    Free shows twice each evening with our new hypnotist, Tina Marie
-    New this year: Nerveless Nocks aerial thrill show
-    New this year: Dr. Solar’s old-time entertainment with a contemporary ecological message
-    New this year: Mini-Tractor Races call for young tractor drivers from the audience to pedal their way to victory
-    BMX Pro Stunt Team
-    All-Alaskan Pig Races
-    Russell Brothers Circus
-    Turkey Stampede (where visitors can win free coupons for Subway sandwiches)
-    Hobby Pavilion
-    Exhibit Buildings and Community Exhibits
-    Livestock Barns and Pavilions

Free shows in the Grandstand

With an emphasis on value and entertainment, planners of this year’s Kern County Fair are bringing free shows to the grandstand on both weekends.

The Digger Helm Short Track National will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. This is the fifth annual year for this competition, part of the West Coast Vintage Dirt Track Series.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Lucha Libre, World Power Wrestling, will take over thearena. A combination of drama and sport, Lucha Libre is returning to the fair after last year’s popular event. The show is presented by Azteca 42 Bakersfield and KERO ABC-23.

Corona will present the annual Fiesta Rodeo on Sunday, Oct. 4. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the grandstand. Now a Kern County Fair tradition, the Fiesta Rodeo features roping, bull riding and other events of a traditional Mexican rodeo.

For all three events, grandstand seating is free with paid fair admission. No ticket is required.

For more information about the Kern County Fair, visit kerncountyfair.com.