EDC Fair can be a dizzying, thrilling experience
The Midway at the El Dorado County Fair has a new operator. Photos/Kathryn Reed
By Kathryn Reed
PLACERVILLE – With at least 2,000 carnival wristbands sold before the El Dorado County Fair even opens, it’s obvious the Midway is a huge draw.
New this year at the Placerville fair is the company operating the rides and games – Carnival California.
With the number of joyful screams and big smiles during Wednesday’s preview, it looks like there will plenty of fun to be had at the four-day fair that opens today.
Father and son — both Michael Burks — on the bumper cars.
Seven-year-old Michael Burks has been coming to the fair since he was a baby, but June 17 was the first time he had been in a bumper car. His dad, also Michael Burks, had to do the driving because he has longer legs.
A couple head-on collisions bounced them around, but the younger Burks eagerly asked if they could go again.
“We are very excited to have six ‘spectacular’ rides, including the Pharaohs Fury, the Typhoon and of course the ever popular Zipper and classic Century Ferris Wheel,” Jody Gray, fair director, told Lake Tahoe News. “These rides have LED lights, (bringing a) very impressive look to the carnival.”
This is the third carnival provider in the last 14 years. The previous firm stopped doing shows in Northern California.
Gray believes one reason the Midway is so popular at the Placerville fair is that rides like this are rare in the area.
The fair receives a flat fee from the carnival and the games.
A mini roller coaster delights fair-goers.
The Mega Slide is great for all ages. The smallest of children seemed to fly the fastest down this slick rolly slide.
Be prepared to be squished if sitting on the right side of the Sizzler car. Three arms, each with four cars holding two people zoom in and out made the world seem like it is still spinning even after the ride had come to a stop.
The Typhoon is a good starter ride for those unaccustomed to the world of such spinning devices. The person on the left gets the brunt of the crushing.
The main carnival is in its usual spot near the entrance, however other rides are now staged on the far side of the fairgrounds.
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The baby pigs live up to the the fair’s theme — Hog Days of Summer.
Notes:
· The fair runs June 18-21.
· Carnival tickets may be purchased in advance online, which includes discount prices.
· Hog Days of Summer is this year’s theme. More info about the fair and all events are online.