Quick Take

The Santa Cruz County Fair is back in Watsonville for five days of carnival rides, local food, livestock, music and old-fashioned fair fun.

The Santa Cruz County Fair is back, bringing five days of rides, livestock, food, music and community celebrations to Watsonville.

Six-year-old Victoria from Watsonville holds up carrots from an agricultural box for kids at the fairgrounds.
Victoria, 6, from Watsonville, holds up carrots from an agricultural box for kids at the fairgrounds. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

Wednesday’s opening day drew families and fairgoers to the fairgrounds, kicking off this year’s event with the familiar sights and sounds of the county fair, from carnival rides and midway games to agricultural exhibits and local vendors.

Pro wrestler Viento flies high as he prepares to body-slam his opponent, Cruz Negra.
Pro wrestler Viento flies high as he prepares to body-slam his opponent, Cruz Negra. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
3 1/2 year-old Zeke from Ramos stares at a fluffy chicken in the Poultry Barn at the fairgrounds.
Zeke, 3½, stares at a fluffy chicken in the poultry barn at the fairgrounds. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The fair, a longtime Santa Cruz County tradition, highlights the region’s agricultural roots while giving residents a chance to gather, eat, play and enjoy live entertainment.

7-year old Rose from Watsonville bounces high during opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair.
7-year-old Rose from Watsonville bounces high during opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Two men seem to be looking at a cow that is laughing at them.
Two men seem to be looking at a cow that is laughing at them. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

For many visitors, opening day is as much about tradition as it is about the attractions, a chance to return to the fairgrounds and share the experience with family and friends.

A couple ride past the setting sun before the Cattle Sorting event.
A couple rides past the setting sun before the cattle sorting event. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
The Monster X Tour, featuring monster trucks and motorcycle stunts, thrilled spectators in the grandstands during opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair.
The Monster X Tour, featuring monster trucks and motorcycle stunts, thrilled spectators in the grandstands during opening day of the Santa Cruz County Fair. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
7-year old Ariana (left), 2-year old Ava (center) and 5-year old Aaron watch a model train as it goes by.
7-year-old Ariana (left), 2-year-old Ava (center) and 5-year-old Aaron watch a model train as it goes by. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

The fair runs through Sunday, with hours from noon to 11 p.m. through Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Visitors enter the Harvest Building at the fairgrounds, which is filled with award-winning agricultural items, home arts and handwoven works.
Visitors enter the harvest building at the fairgrounds, which is filled with award-winning agricultural items, home arts and handwoven works. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Large and colorful dahlias filled the Floriculture Building.
Large and colorful dahlias filled the floriculture building. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
A woman marvels at a first place winning painting inside the Art Building at the Santa Cruz County Fair.
A woman looks at a winning painting inside the art building at the Santa Cruz County Fair. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Prunedale resident and horsemanship competitor Miguel Deleon shows off his roping skills.
Prunedale resident and horsemanship competitor Miguel Deleon shows off his roping skills. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
2 1/2 year old Max and his mom Kim pet a horse.
2½-year-old Max and his mom, Kim, pet a horse. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
4-year old Uzziah smiles as his sister Aleyah spins their teacup fast.
4-year-old Uzziah smiles as his sister Aleyah spins their teacup. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
A cowboy holds the American flag after the national anthem before the Cattle Sorting event.
A cowboy holds the American flag after the national anthem before the cattle sorting event. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
13-year-old Igreyney and Eliana have a blast joking around at the carnival at the fairgrounds.
13-year-old Igreyney and Eliana have a blast joking around at the carnival at the fairgrounds. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

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Kevin Painchaud is an international award-winning photojournalist. He has shot for various publications for the past 30 years, appearing on sites nationwide, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, MSNBC, The...