'Wild and Free' fair features rides, games, demolition derby

AJ Isca went round and round and upside down in The Zipper.His grandfather Mike Lehman stood in the heat of the Friday afternoon sun and waited patiently, trying to catch a glimpse of his grandson. They'd already spent the last two hours exploring the Placer County Fair held at the fairgrounds Thursday through Sunday."I just buy him the bracelet and cut him loose," Lehman said, referring to the pre-paid all-day ride bracelet.As soon as 10-year-old AJ exited The Zipper and joined his friend Bryce Holman, both boys were ready for the next ride.This year's fair lived up to its theme of "Wild and Free." The estimated 24,868 visitors over the four-day period entered the fair for free although rides, games and selected entertainment cost extra. "I'm very pleased (with the turnout)," said Joan Bartosik, Placer County Fair chief executive officer. "The free gate gave us a head start. We lucked out with the weather for the most part … It was so fun to walk around and hear all the positive comments. People were pleasantly surprised that there was so much to do and see."This year's event featured the first time the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association entertained patrons at the fair, with 12 professional riders racing around a dirt track at speeds of nearly 50 miles per hour. Hypnotist Susan Rosen wowed the crowd and Dr. Solar's Old Time Medicine Show spread an environmental message about the value of renewable energy. Visitors checked out the 4-H area with its steers, sheep, goats and pigs, as Jeremy the Juggler weaved in and out of fairgoers on his unicycle. People snacked on hotdogs, Thai food, Hawaiian shaved ice, pizza, Mexican food, kettle corn and funnel cakes.For 50 cents, kids sneaked a peek at a giant Florida alligator that stretched 13 and a half feet long and weighed 1,200 pounds. Next door, the "world's smallest horse" at 70 pounds and 23 inches tall rested in the dirt. There was also a giant pig that weighed 1,000 pounds.In the slightly cooler commercial exhibit hall, Eric Wagnon of Rocklin Family Chiropractic offered free health and wellness posture pictures. Across from him, chef David Whipple of the Healthy Gourmet Cooking Show prepared a salad."(Attendance) is definitely better than last year," Wagnon said.Back outside, Lawrence Bistrong and his 5-year-old son Ryan attempted to toss ping-pong balls into cups to win a prize, or at least, an extra toss. Meanwhile, Daniel Bower watched as his 5-year-old daughter Katana rode a boat ride. He brought his two young daughters to the fair twice — Thursday night to eat shaved ice and Friday for the rides. This is Bower's third year attending the fair."I think it's way cool," Bower said. "I love that it's free, which gives us opportunities to purchase other things. It's good for families."Sena Christian can be reached at senac@goldcountrymedia.com.