Your guide to the 2016 Pima County Fair
- Updated
From fried nachos to a new ferris wheel, here's the scoop on this year's fair.
There’s only one time a year when you can go on carnival rides, check out exhibits, see concerts and 4-H livestock shows, watch a rodeo and eat just about any type of fried food imaginable, all in one place.
That time is now and that place is the Pima County Fair, which runs April 14-24.
There is so much to see and do at the fair that you could go and have a blast on the cheap, says Launa Rabago, the fair’s entertainment and marketing manager.
“Fairgoers will be able to enjoy the fair for up to five hours just on free entertainment,” Rabago says. “The fair is more affordable than a regularly priced movie ticket.”
That’s what we love about the fair — aside from the funnel cake. There are plenty of ways to spend money, but you don’t have to drain your bank account to have a good time.
- Updated
Concerts
From rock to country to rap, there’s something on the concert lineup for everyone.
“One family may be interested in attending a country music concert while another family is interested in a rap concert and another family doesn’t care about concerts at all,” Rabago said. “The fair really puts a lot of thought into the talent selection with the goal of reaching different audiences.”
Rock lovers will be happy to know that the 96.1 KLPX Fest, dubbed “Beers, Bands, Bikes and Babes,” has returned for its second year, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. The lineup includes Ratt, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot and the AC/DC cover band, Noise Pollution.
Get there early and check out the Zapatistas MC AZ Invitational Show and Shine, where you can vote for your favorite motorcycle.
More of a country fan? No worries. Grab your cowboy boots and head to the fair on April 23 for “Boots, Beer, Bulls and Rockin Country.” The day starts with the rodeo at 1 p.m. Local country bands take the stage at 4, followed by Nashville duo LoCash at 6:30 and Texas country singer Clay Walker at 8.
That’s not all.
Rap and hip-hop fans can catch Nelly on stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14.
Add a little Salt-N-Pepa to your fair experience. They’ll perform some of their best jams at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17.
Fans of Kalin and Myles will not want to miss their 3 p.m. show at the fair on April 24. The duo recently announced that they are disbanding “to focus on individual aspirations.” Read their full statement on kalinandmyles.com
- Updated
Exhibits
What would the fair be without the exhibits and vendors? There’s art, animals, souvenirs, tractor pulls, car shows and more.
In addition to the traditional exhibits, the fair will often add an educational or socially relevant exhibit, Rabago said.
This year, to raise bullying awareness, the Pima County Fair is working with Family Diversity Projects, a non-profit organization that creates traveling exhibits to educate people about diversity. The group will showcase seven of its traveling photo-text exhibits about the diversity of family life in the United States.
“Love Makes a Family,” includes exhibits with portraits that include multiracial, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with their families, along with people with disabilities and mental illness.
“Our message for families coming to the fair is simple: Respect every person no matter who they are,” said Peggy Gillespie, co-director of Family Diversity Projects. “We are all part of the vast and beautiful array of diversity, and there is no reason to hate anyone. We hope all people will leave the exhibit remembering that kindness, curiosity, and compassion toward all people is what can make this planet a more peaceful place.”
Each of the seven exhibits are available to travel to schools, colleges, libraries, and more, Gillespie said. Go online to familydiv.org for more information.
- Updated
Food
The mingling aromas of funnel cake, barbecue and so much more, are the first things that greet you in the fair parking lot. And, we must admit, it’s always fun to see what’s new in the land of the deep-fried.
Deep-fried nachos are hitting the scene this year. The nachos are battered and fried until they are golden and crispy on the outside with gooey cheese on the inside. They are then topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Also new on the food front are Oreo funnel cakes and Oreo churros, deep fried mints, pork belly on a stick, spiral cut hot dogs and pickle fries.
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of classics like roasted corn, turkey legs and curly fries.
Beer Fest
Beer Fest, which benefits the Centurion Foundation, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina Bar and Grill. In addition to beers from Arizona breweries such as Mother Road Brewing from Flagstaff and Four Peaks Brewing from Tempe, the event includes music, games, prizes and a souvenir cup.
It costs $15 for 10 tastes while supplies last.
- Updated
Rides
Some people are fine skipping the fair rides.
The ones who love rides, love the whole experience — the bright lights, colorful facades, the clicking sound of a roller coaster going uphill and the screams of fellow passengers as it speeds down the other side.
Ferris wheel fans can see the city lights from 110 feet in the air on the fair’s new “Grand Wheel,” which is making its debut in Tucson.
It features 24 gondolas that accommodate six riders each, and hosts a state-of-the-art LED lighting package with brighter and more vibrant color patterns than the fair’s previous wheel. It will cost 10 tickets to ride.
The “Grand Wheel” comes to the U.S. from the Netherlands. It took four trucks, each hauling a 53-foot trailer, to transport the ride from Houston, Texas.
“We are very excited to be premiering these new rides here in Tucson,” said Chris Lopez, vice president of Ray Cammack Shows. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner or better guests than here in Tucson.”
- Updated
Here are some other highlights for each day of the fair:
April 14: Wristband Day. Get unlimited access to carnival rides for a $30 wristband. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get a $5 discount.
April 15: Grupo Control and Banda machos starts at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
4-H Horse and Livestock events start early. Enter at the Brekke Gate at 9 a.m.
April 16: Power from the Past will host a silent auction from noon to 4 p.m. at the steam engine display.
The Pima Cup horse show is today and tomorrow.
April 17: Check out the Freak Show, the new Aussie Kingdom and the Blacksmith Shop.
Stylistics AZ Low Rider Car show takes place until 4 p.m. along the west side of the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
Tucson Model A Car Show takes place until 3 p.m. at Central Park.
April 18: Firefall plays at 4 and 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 19: Learn about the dangers of cyber abuse at the Stalker Experience located in Pima Hall (parental guidance encouraged). While you're there, visit the Butterfly Exhibit, The Pharaohs of Egypt and Wildlife Experience.
April 20: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
TobyMac plays at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 21: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
Post Malone plays at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 22: P.O.D., Hoobastank and Alien Ant Farm play, starting at 8 p.m.
April 23: The GCPRA Rodeo starts at 1 p.m. in Manny's Arena.
Adopt a pet in Central Park until 2 p.m.
The Door Slammers Car Club Show and Shine takes place until 4 p.m. at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
April 24: Kalin and Myles play at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Robert Tapia will play at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
- Updated
Helpful hints
Save your carnival receipts. If you get separated from family members, it can be used to track where their ride pass was last used. And, if you lose your ride pass, but have your receipt, it can be used to deactivate the lost pass so you can receive a new one.
Avoid long waits. Bags will be searched, so travel lightly.
Thursdays and weekends are the busiest days. Upgrade your ride purchase by $20 to a "fast pass" on these days to get on the rides faster.
Avoid peak traffic time and lines by arriving at the fair by 2 p.m.
Wanna leave and come back? Get your hand stamped so you don't have to pay again.
Download the app. It's called Pima County Fair Deep Fried Fun and it's free. You'll find all the info you need, including maps, entertainment schedule, featured attractions, discounts and more. You can even use it to find your car at the end of the day.
Need a ride? Go to Guest Services or any of the fair's beer gardens for help getting a cab. Or call VIP Taxi at 300-3000 and get $5 off your cab ride to and from the fairgrounds.
- Updated
The fair on a budget
Even though there are lots of free things to do, it can be hard to resist the rides and the food. With a little planning, you can do it all on the cheap.
Here are some ideas.
- Kids — kindergarten through eighth grade — can earn three free carnival rides by reading three books and writing a brief summary. Go online to pimacountyfair.com to download the forms. To receive ride passes, bring the filled out form to guest services.
- Hit up the Dominos Pizza stands for $5 mega slices of pizza for food. It's quite a bit cheaper than some of the other stands.
- Share food or eat a meal before going and splurge on a dessert or snack.
Discount days
- Sunday, April 17: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
- Monday, April 18: $2 parking and $2 admission
- Tuesday, April 19: $2 rides, games and menu items from 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 20: Free admission until 5:30 p.m. with Dominos Pizza delivery coupon. Plus $2 food and drink items from 4-6 p.m.
- Friday, April 22: $2 admission with military ID. Free Grand Wheel rides with coupon from the Tucson Weekly.
- Sunday, April 24: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
- Updated
For the kiddos
If you have small children, the fair has designed special areas for them and their parents to enjoy. There are many things for little ones to see and do — and we're not just talking the agriculture area, although that's fun, too.
Kiddie Land Carnival: Pint-sized roller coasters, rides and fun houses are located near the main entrance.
Kiddie Kingdom: Located at the east end of Pima Hall, this area will make the kids feel like royalty as they encounter fairies, dragons and imagination stations. For children ages 7 and under.
Mother's Convenience Area: Also in Pima Hall, this area includes comfortable furniture, nap space, changing tables and baby wipes, as well as a curtained section for privacy.
Interactive Science Center and Agriculture Activity Center: These exhibits are designed for hands-on fun for children ages 10 and under. Both are in Old Pueblo Hall.
- Updated
Q&A with Ratt drummer, Bobby Blotzer
The 1980s introduced some of the world's most popular metal bands, giving us hits like "Wanted Man," "Round and Round" and "Lack of Communication" by RATT.
Those hits — and many others — will be heard once again at the Pima County Fair, as RATT headlines the KLPX Rock Fest on Saturday, April 16. Opening acts include Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult.
Bobby Blotzer, who's been the band's drummer since 1982 and is the only original touring member, spoke to us in a phone interview from his Valencia, California home, while laying in bed, drinking coffee and "doing RATT business."
Have you always been a musician? "I've always been a musician...I've always known how music is put together. I've always gotten it. As a kid in the 60's, when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, I was only like 6, but I knew what was going on. I got it. My sister jumped around like a maniac and we loved it. The Beatles are still my favorite band of all time. I love catchy, hook heavy songs. That's what Ratt is all about. All of our songs are really catchy. I want people to listen to the songs we write and stay with them and think of good times of the past."
What is the band's energy like? "My band is like Ratt was in 1984. They're young. They're hungry. We sound just like the records...They're such great players. We don't fight or argue. They're so talented. It's just amazing. We put on a great show."
How has the rock music scene changed over the years? "It's gone from a lot of fun and a lot of bands to, you know, a lot of disgraceful things happening in the business...It's not like it was where you can put a band together, establish a following, get somebody down from a record company and get a deal...I don't see the funness, unless it's some little kid band like One Direction. They seem to be having fun and their audiences are having a good time. But, rock bands..I'll look at some internet sites and they all look like prison gangs or something, ghouls from the Walking Dead. And I'm just like what the (bleep). We tried to look good. Girls loved the band. It was sexy for the chicks, but looked rocked up enough for the dudes. We tried to have a broad appeal. When I say this people think 'oh your parents were saying the same thing' and I guess that's true to a degree, but it is what it is."
How many stops are you making on this tour? "We're gonna do 60 dates, domestically and we'll probably do another 20 around the world. We are very excited. We are playing a lot of festivals and arenas. A lot of dates with Bret Michaels. We sold out an arena in Toledo last week and it was amazing."
How many times have you played Tucson? "A million. I love Arizona. I love being in Arizona. I love playing Arizona...Arizona is a gorgeous state...We're gonna come and kick some ass. I can't wait to get there."
- Updated
Fair by the numbers
309,000: Number of attendees in 2015
292,000: Number of attendees in 2014
6,480: Minutes of the fair
1,530: Total concert minutes
88: Percentage of attendees from Tucson in 2015
40: Percentage of time dedicated to concerts
- Updated
If you go
What: The Pima County Fair
When: April 14-24
Where: 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 6 to 10 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Parking is $5.
Hours: Gates open at 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends.
Info: pimacountyfair.com
Page 1 of 12
There’s only one time a year when you can go on carnival rides, check out exhibits, see concerts and 4-H livestock shows, watch a rodeo and eat just about any type of fried food imaginable, all in one place.
That time is now and that place is the Pima County Fair, which runs April 14-24.
There is so much to see and do at the fair that you could go and have a blast on the cheap, says Launa Rabago, the fair’s entertainment and marketing manager.
“Fairgoers will be able to enjoy the fair for up to five hours just on free entertainment,” Rabago says. “The fair is more affordable than a regularly priced movie ticket.”
That’s what we love about the fair — aside from the funnel cake. There are plenty of ways to spend money, but you don’t have to drain your bank account to have a good time.
- Updated
Concerts
From rock to country to rap, there’s something on the concert lineup for everyone.
“One family may be interested in attending a country music concert while another family is interested in a rap concert and another family doesn’t care about concerts at all,” Rabago said. “The fair really puts a lot of thought into the talent selection with the goal of reaching different audiences.”
Rock lovers will be happy to know that the 96.1 KLPX Fest, dubbed “Beers, Bands, Bikes and Babes,” has returned for its second year, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. The lineup includes Ratt, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot and the AC/DC cover band, Noise Pollution.
Get there early and check out the Zapatistas MC AZ Invitational Show and Shine, where you can vote for your favorite motorcycle.
More of a country fan? No worries. Grab your cowboy boots and head to the fair on April 23 for “Boots, Beer, Bulls and Rockin Country.” The day starts with the rodeo at 1 p.m. Local country bands take the stage at 4, followed by Nashville duo LoCash at 6:30 and Texas country singer Clay Walker at 8.
That’s not all.
Rap and hip-hop fans can catch Nelly on stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14.
Add a little Salt-N-Pepa to your fair experience. They’ll perform some of their best jams at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17.
Fans of Kalin and Myles will not want to miss their 3 p.m. show at the fair on April 24. The duo recently announced that they are disbanding “to focus on individual aspirations.” Read their full statement on kalinandmyles.com
- Updated
Exhibits
What would the fair be without the exhibits and vendors? There’s art, animals, souvenirs, tractor pulls, car shows and more.
In addition to the traditional exhibits, the fair will often add an educational or socially relevant exhibit, Rabago said.
This year, to raise bullying awareness, the Pima County Fair is working with Family Diversity Projects, a non-profit organization that creates traveling exhibits to educate people about diversity. The group will showcase seven of its traveling photo-text exhibits about the diversity of family life in the United States.
“Love Makes a Family,” includes exhibits with portraits that include multiracial, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with their families, along with people with disabilities and mental illness.
“Our message for families coming to the fair is simple: Respect every person no matter who they are,” said Peggy Gillespie, co-director of Family Diversity Projects. “We are all part of the vast and beautiful array of diversity, and there is no reason to hate anyone. We hope all people will leave the exhibit remembering that kindness, curiosity, and compassion toward all people is what can make this planet a more peaceful place.”
Each of the seven exhibits are available to travel to schools, colleges, libraries, and more, Gillespie said. Go online to familydiv.org for more information.
- Updated
Food
The mingling aromas of funnel cake, barbecue and so much more, are the first things that greet you in the fair parking lot. And, we must admit, it’s always fun to see what’s new in the land of the deep-fried.
Deep-fried nachos are hitting the scene this year. The nachos are battered and fried until they are golden and crispy on the outside with gooey cheese on the inside. They are then topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Also new on the food front are Oreo funnel cakes and Oreo churros, deep fried mints, pork belly on a stick, spiral cut hot dogs and pickle fries.
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of classics like roasted corn, turkey legs and curly fries.
Beer Fest
Beer Fest, which benefits the Centurion Foundation, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina Bar and Grill. In addition to beers from Arizona breweries such as Mother Road Brewing from Flagstaff and Four Peaks Brewing from Tempe, the event includes music, games, prizes and a souvenir cup.
It costs $15 for 10 tastes while supplies last.
- Updated
Rides
Some people are fine skipping the fair rides.
The ones who love rides, love the whole experience — the bright lights, colorful facades, the clicking sound of a roller coaster going uphill and the screams of fellow passengers as it speeds down the other side.
Ferris wheel fans can see the city lights from 110 feet in the air on the fair’s new “Grand Wheel,” which is making its debut in Tucson.
It features 24 gondolas that accommodate six riders each, and hosts a state-of-the-art LED lighting package with brighter and more vibrant color patterns than the fair’s previous wheel. It will cost 10 tickets to ride.
The “Grand Wheel” comes to the U.S. from the Netherlands. It took four trucks, each hauling a 53-foot trailer, to transport the ride from Houston, Texas.
“We are very excited to be premiering these new rides here in Tucson,” said Chris Lopez, vice president of Ray Cammack Shows. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner or better guests than here in Tucson.”
- Updated
Here are some other highlights for each day of the fair:
April 14: Wristband Day. Get unlimited access to carnival rides for a $30 wristband. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get a $5 discount.
April 15: Grupo Control and Banda machos starts at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
4-H Horse and Livestock events start early. Enter at the Brekke Gate at 9 a.m.
April 16: Power from the Past will host a silent auction from noon to 4 p.m. at the steam engine display.
The Pima Cup horse show is today and tomorrow.
April 17: Check out the Freak Show, the new Aussie Kingdom and the Blacksmith Shop.
Stylistics AZ Low Rider Car show takes place until 4 p.m. along the west side of the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
Tucson Model A Car Show takes place until 3 p.m. at Central Park.
April 18: Firefall plays at 4 and 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 19: Learn about the dangers of cyber abuse at the Stalker Experience located in Pima Hall (parental guidance encouraged). While you're there, visit the Butterfly Exhibit, The Pharaohs of Egypt and Wildlife Experience.
April 20: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
TobyMac plays at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 21: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
Post Malone plays at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 22: P.O.D., Hoobastank and Alien Ant Farm play, starting at 8 p.m.
April 23: The GCPRA Rodeo starts at 1 p.m. in Manny's Arena.
Adopt a pet in Central Park until 2 p.m.
The Door Slammers Car Club Show and Shine takes place until 4 p.m. at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
April 24: Kalin and Myles play at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Robert Tapia will play at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
- Updated
Helpful hints
Save your carnival receipts. If you get separated from family members, it can be used to track where their ride pass was last used. And, if you lose your ride pass, but have your receipt, it can be used to deactivate the lost pass so you can receive a new one.
Avoid long waits. Bags will be searched, so travel lightly.
Thursdays and weekends are the busiest days. Upgrade your ride purchase by $20 to a "fast pass" on these days to get on the rides faster.
Avoid peak traffic time and lines by arriving at the fair by 2 p.m.
Wanna leave and come back? Get your hand stamped so you don't have to pay again.
Download the app. It's called Pima County Fair Deep Fried Fun and it's free. You'll find all the info you need, including maps, entertainment schedule, featured attractions, discounts and more. You can even use it to find your car at the end of the day.
Need a ride? Go to Guest Services or any of the fair's beer gardens for help getting a cab. Or call VIP Taxi at 300-3000 and get $5 off your cab ride to and from the fairgrounds.
- Updated
The fair on a budget
Even though there are lots of free things to do, it can be hard to resist the rides and the food. With a little planning, you can do it all on the cheap.
Here are some ideas.
- Kids — kindergarten through eighth grade — can earn three free carnival rides by reading three books and writing a brief summary. Go online to pimacountyfair.com to download the forms. To receive ride passes, bring the filled out form to guest services.
- Hit up the Dominos Pizza stands for $5 mega slices of pizza for food. It's quite a bit cheaper than some of the other stands.
- Share food or eat a meal before going and splurge on a dessert or snack.
Discount days
- Sunday, April 17: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
- Monday, April 18: $2 parking and $2 admission
- Tuesday, April 19: $2 rides, games and menu items from 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 20: Free admission until 5:30 p.m. with Dominos Pizza delivery coupon. Plus $2 food and drink items from 4-6 p.m.
- Friday, April 22: $2 admission with military ID. Free Grand Wheel rides with coupon from the Tucson Weekly.
- Sunday, April 24: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
- Updated
For the kiddos
If you have small children, the fair has designed special areas for them and their parents to enjoy. There are many things for little ones to see and do — and we're not just talking the agriculture area, although that's fun, too.
Kiddie Land Carnival: Pint-sized roller coasters, rides and fun houses are located near the main entrance.
Kiddie Kingdom: Located at the east end of Pima Hall, this area will make the kids feel like royalty as they encounter fairies, dragons and imagination stations. For children ages 7 and under.
Mother's Convenience Area: Also in Pima Hall, this area includes comfortable furniture, nap space, changing tables and baby wipes, as well as a curtained section for privacy.
Interactive Science Center and Agriculture Activity Center: These exhibits are designed for hands-on fun for children ages 10 and under. Both are in Old Pueblo Hall.
- Updated
Q&A with Ratt drummer, Bobby Blotzer
The 1980s introduced some of the world's most popular metal bands, giving us hits like "Wanted Man," "Round and Round" and "Lack of Communication" by RATT.
Those hits — and many others — will be heard once again at the Pima County Fair, as RATT headlines the KLPX Rock Fest on Saturday, April 16. Opening acts include Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult.
Bobby Blotzer, who's been the band's drummer since 1982 and is the only original touring member, spoke to us in a phone interview from his Valencia, California home, while laying in bed, drinking coffee and "doing RATT business."
Have you always been a musician? "I've always been a musician...I've always known how music is put together. I've always gotten it. As a kid in the 60's, when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, I was only like 6, but I knew what was going on. I got it. My sister jumped around like a maniac and we loved it. The Beatles are still my favorite band of all time. I love catchy, hook heavy songs. That's what Ratt is all about. All of our songs are really catchy. I want people to listen to the songs we write and stay with them and think of good times of the past."
What is the band's energy like? "My band is like Ratt was in 1984. They're young. They're hungry. We sound just like the records...They're such great players. We don't fight or argue. They're so talented. It's just amazing. We put on a great show."
How has the rock music scene changed over the years? "It's gone from a lot of fun and a lot of bands to, you know, a lot of disgraceful things happening in the business...It's not like it was where you can put a band together, establish a following, get somebody down from a record company and get a deal...I don't see the funness, unless it's some little kid band like One Direction. They seem to be having fun and their audiences are having a good time. But, rock bands..I'll look at some internet sites and they all look like prison gangs or something, ghouls from the Walking Dead. And I'm just like what the (bleep). We tried to look good. Girls loved the band. It was sexy for the chicks, but looked rocked up enough for the dudes. We tried to have a broad appeal. When I say this people think 'oh your parents were saying the same thing' and I guess that's true to a degree, but it is what it is."
How many stops are you making on this tour? "We're gonna do 60 dates, domestically and we'll probably do another 20 around the world. We are very excited. We are playing a lot of festivals and arenas. A lot of dates with Bret Michaels. We sold out an arena in Toledo last week and it was amazing."
How many times have you played Tucson? "A million. I love Arizona. I love being in Arizona. I love playing Arizona...Arizona is a gorgeous state...We're gonna come and kick some ass. I can't wait to get there."
- Updated
Fair by the numbers
309,000: Number of attendees in 2015
292,000: Number of attendees in 2014
6,480: Minutes of the fair
1,530: Total concert minutes
88: Percentage of attendees from Tucson in 2015
40: Percentage of time dedicated to concerts
- Updated
If you go
What: The Pima County Fair
When: April 14-24
Where: 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 6 to 10 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Parking is $5.
Hours: Gates open at 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends.
Info: pimacountyfair.com
Page 1 of 12
There’s only one time a year when you can go on carnival rides, check out exhibits, see concerts and 4-H livestock shows, watch a rodeo and eat just about any type of fried food imaginable, all in one place.
That time is now and that place is the Pima County Fair, which runs April 14-24.
There is so much to see and do at the fair that you could go and have a blast on the cheap, says Launa Rabago, the fair’s entertainment and marketing manager.
“Fairgoers will be able to enjoy the fair for up to five hours just on free entertainment,” Rabago says. “The fair is more affordable than a regularly priced movie ticket.”
That’s what we love about the fair — aside from the funnel cake. There are plenty of ways to spend money, but you don’t have to drain your bank account to have a good time.
Concerts
From rock to country to rap, there’s something on the concert lineup for everyone.
“One family may be interested in attending a country music concert while another family is interested in a rap concert and another family doesn’t care about concerts at all,” Rabago said. “The fair really puts a lot of thought into the talent selection with the goal of reaching different audiences.”
Rock lovers will be happy to know that the 96.1 KLPX Fest, dubbed “Beers, Bands, Bikes and Babes,” has returned for its second year, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. The lineup includes Ratt, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot and the AC/DC cover band, Noise Pollution.
Get there early and check out the Zapatistas MC AZ Invitational Show and Shine, where you can vote for your favorite motorcycle.
More of a country fan? No worries. Grab your cowboy boots and head to the fair on April 23 for “Boots, Beer, Bulls and Rockin Country.” The day starts with the rodeo at 1 p.m. Local country bands take the stage at 4, followed by Nashville duo LoCash at 6:30 and Texas country singer Clay Walker at 8.
That’s not all.
Rap and hip-hop fans can catch Nelly on stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14.
Add a little Salt-N-Pepa to your fair experience. They’ll perform some of their best jams at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17.
Fans of Kalin and Myles will not want to miss their 3 p.m. show at the fair on April 24. The duo recently announced that they are disbanding “to focus on individual aspirations.” Read their full statement on kalinandmyles.com
Exhibits
What would the fair be without the exhibits and vendors? There’s art, animals, souvenirs, tractor pulls, car shows and more.
In addition to the traditional exhibits, the fair will often add an educational or socially relevant exhibit, Rabago said.
This year, to raise bullying awareness, the Pima County Fair is working with Family Diversity Projects, a non-profit organization that creates traveling exhibits to educate people about diversity. The group will showcase seven of its traveling photo-text exhibits about the diversity of family life in the United States.
“Love Makes a Family,” includes exhibits with portraits that include multiracial, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with their families, along with people with disabilities and mental illness.
“Our message for families coming to the fair is simple: Respect every person no matter who they are,” said Peggy Gillespie, co-director of Family Diversity Projects. “We are all part of the vast and beautiful array of diversity, and there is no reason to hate anyone. We hope all people will leave the exhibit remembering that kindness, curiosity, and compassion toward all people is what can make this planet a more peaceful place.”
Each of the seven exhibits are available to travel to schools, colleges, libraries, and more, Gillespie said. Go online to familydiv.org for more information.
Food
The mingling aromas of funnel cake, barbecue and so much more, are the first things that greet you in the fair parking lot. And, we must admit, it’s always fun to see what’s new in the land of the deep-fried.
Deep-fried nachos are hitting the scene this year. The nachos are battered and fried until they are golden and crispy on the outside with gooey cheese on the inside. They are then topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Also new on the food front are Oreo funnel cakes and Oreo churros, deep fried mints, pork belly on a stick, spiral cut hot dogs and pickle fries.
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of classics like roasted corn, turkey legs and curly fries.
Beer Fest
Beer Fest, which benefits the Centurion Foundation, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina Bar and Grill. In addition to beers from Arizona breweries such as Mother Road Brewing from Flagstaff and Four Peaks Brewing from Tempe, the event includes music, games, prizes and a souvenir cup.
It costs $15 for 10 tastes while supplies last.
Rides
Some people are fine skipping the fair rides.
The ones who love rides, love the whole experience — the bright lights, colorful facades, the clicking sound of a roller coaster going uphill and the screams of fellow passengers as it speeds down the other side.
Ferris wheel fans can see the city lights from 110 feet in the air on the fair’s new “Grand Wheel,” which is making its debut in Tucson.
It features 24 gondolas that accommodate six riders each, and hosts a state-of-the-art LED lighting package with brighter and more vibrant color patterns than the fair’s previous wheel. It will cost 10 tickets to ride.
The “Grand Wheel” comes to the U.S. from the Netherlands. It took four trucks, each hauling a 53-foot trailer, to transport the ride from Houston, Texas.
“We are very excited to be premiering these new rides here in Tucson,” said Chris Lopez, vice president of Ray Cammack Shows. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner or better guests than here in Tucson.”
Here are some other highlights for each day of the fair:
April 14: Wristband Day. Get unlimited access to carnival rides for a $30 wristband. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get a $5 discount.
April 15: Grupo Control and Banda machos starts at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
4-H Horse and Livestock events start early. Enter at the Brekke Gate at 9 a.m.
April 16: Power from the Past will host a silent auction from noon to 4 p.m. at the steam engine display.
The Pima Cup horse show is today and tomorrow.
April 17: Check out the Freak Show, the new Aussie Kingdom and the Blacksmith Shop.
Stylistics AZ Low Rider Car show takes place until 4 p.m. along the west side of the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
Tucson Model A Car Show takes place until 3 p.m. at Central Park.
April 18: Firefall plays at 4 and 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 19: Learn about the dangers of cyber abuse at the Stalker Experience located in Pima Hall (parental guidance encouraged). While you're there, visit the Butterfly Exhibit, The Pharaohs of Egypt and Wildlife Experience.
April 20: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
TobyMac plays at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 21: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
Post Malone plays at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 22: P.O.D., Hoobastank and Alien Ant Farm play, starting at 8 p.m.
April 23: The GCPRA Rodeo starts at 1 p.m. in Manny's Arena.
Adopt a pet in Central Park until 2 p.m.
The Door Slammers Car Club Show and Shine takes place until 4 p.m. at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
April 24: Kalin and Myles play at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Robert Tapia will play at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
Helpful hints
Save your carnival receipts. If you get separated from family members, it can be used to track where their ride pass was last used. And, if you lose your ride pass, but have your receipt, it can be used to deactivate the lost pass so you can receive a new one.
Avoid long waits. Bags will be searched, so travel lightly.
Thursdays and weekends are the busiest days. Upgrade your ride purchase by $20 to a "fast pass" on these days to get on the rides faster.
Avoid peak traffic time and lines by arriving at the fair by 2 p.m.
Wanna leave and come back? Get your hand stamped so you don't have to pay again.
Download the app. It's called Pima County Fair Deep Fried Fun and it's free. You'll find all the info you need, including maps, entertainment schedule, featured attractions, discounts and more. You can even use it to find your car at the end of the day.
Need a ride? Go to Guest Services or any of the fair's beer gardens for help getting a cab. Or call VIP Taxi at 300-3000 and get $5 off your cab ride to and from the fairgrounds.
The fair on a budget
Even though there are lots of free things to do, it can be hard to resist the rides and the food. With a little planning, you can do it all on the cheap.
Here are some ideas.
- Kids — kindergarten through eighth grade — can earn three free carnival rides by reading three books and writing a brief summary. Go online to pimacountyfair.com to download the forms. To receive ride passes, bring the filled out form to guest services.
- Hit up the Dominos Pizza stands for $5 mega slices of pizza for food. It's quite a bit cheaper than some of the other stands.
- Share food or eat a meal before going and splurge on a dessert or snack.
Discount days
- Sunday, April 17: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
- Monday, April 18: $2 parking and $2 admission
- Tuesday, April 19: $2 rides, games and menu items from 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 20: Free admission until 5:30 p.m. with Dominos Pizza delivery coupon. Plus $2 food and drink items from 4-6 p.m.
- Friday, April 22: $2 admission with military ID. Free Grand Wheel rides with coupon from the Tucson Weekly.
- Sunday, April 24: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
For the kiddos
If you have small children, the fair has designed special areas for them and their parents to enjoy. There are many things for little ones to see and do — and we're not just talking the agriculture area, although that's fun, too.
Kiddie Land Carnival: Pint-sized roller coasters, rides and fun houses are located near the main entrance.
Kiddie Kingdom: Located at the east end of Pima Hall, this area will make the kids feel like royalty as they encounter fairies, dragons and imagination stations. For children ages 7 and under.
Mother's Convenience Area: Also in Pima Hall, this area includes comfortable furniture, nap space, changing tables and baby wipes, as well as a curtained section for privacy.
Interactive Science Center and Agriculture Activity Center: These exhibits are designed for hands-on fun for children ages 10 and under. Both are in Old Pueblo Hall.
Q&A with Ratt drummer, Bobby Blotzer
The 1980s introduced some of the world's most popular metal bands, giving us hits like "Wanted Man," "Round and Round" and "Lack of Communication" by RATT.
Those hits — and many others — will be heard once again at the Pima County Fair, as RATT headlines the KLPX Rock Fest on Saturday, April 16. Opening acts include Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult.
Bobby Blotzer, who's been the band's drummer since 1982 and is the only original touring member, spoke to us in a phone interview from his Valencia, California home, while laying in bed, drinking coffee and "doing RATT business."
Have you always been a musician? "I've always been a musician...I've always known how music is put together. I've always gotten it. As a kid in the 60's, when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, I was only like 6, but I knew what was going on. I got it. My sister jumped around like a maniac and we loved it. The Beatles are still my favorite band of all time. I love catchy, hook heavy songs. That's what Ratt is all about. All of our songs are really catchy. I want people to listen to the songs we write and stay with them and think of good times of the past."
What is the band's energy like? "My band is like Ratt was in 1984. They're young. They're hungry. We sound just like the records...They're such great players. We don't fight or argue. They're so talented. It's just amazing. We put on a great show."
How has the rock music scene changed over the years? "It's gone from a lot of fun and a lot of bands to, you know, a lot of disgraceful things happening in the business...It's not like it was where you can put a band together, establish a following, get somebody down from a record company and get a deal...I don't see the funness, unless it's some little kid band like One Direction. They seem to be having fun and their audiences are having a good time. But, rock bands..I'll look at some internet sites and they all look like prison gangs or something, ghouls from the Walking Dead. And I'm just like what the (bleep). We tried to look good. Girls loved the band. It was sexy for the chicks, but looked rocked up enough for the dudes. We tried to have a broad appeal. When I say this people think 'oh your parents were saying the same thing' and I guess that's true to a degree, but it is what it is."
How many stops are you making on this tour? "We're gonna do 60 dates, domestically and we'll probably do another 20 around the world. We are very excited. We are playing a lot of festivals and arenas. A lot of dates with Bret Michaels. We sold out an arena in Toledo last week and it was amazing."
How many times have you played Tucson? "A million. I love Arizona. I love being in Arizona. I love playing Arizona...Arizona is a gorgeous state...We're gonna come and kick some ass. I can't wait to get there."
If you go
What: The Pima County Fair
When: April 14-24
Where: 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 6 to 10 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Parking is $5.
Hours: Gates open at 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends.
Info: pimacountyfair.com
There’s only one time a year when you can go on carnival rides, check out exhibits, see concerts and 4-H livestock shows, watch a rodeo and eat just about any type of fried food imaginable, all in one place.
That time is now and that place is the Pima County Fair, which runs April 14-24.
There is so much to see and do at the fair that you could go and have a blast on the cheap, says Launa Rabago, the fair’s entertainment and marketing manager.
“Fairgoers will be able to enjoy the fair for up to five hours just on free entertainment,” Rabago says. “The fair is more affordable than a regularly priced movie ticket.”
That’s what we love about the fair — aside from the funnel cake. There are plenty of ways to spend money, but you don’t have to drain your bank account to have a good time.
Concerts
From rock to country to rap, there’s something on the concert lineup for everyone.
“One family may be interested in attending a country music concert while another family is interested in a rap concert and another family doesn’t care about concerts at all,” Rabago said. “The fair really puts a lot of thought into the talent selection with the goal of reaching different audiences.”
Rock lovers will be happy to know that the 96.1 KLPX Fest, dubbed “Beers, Bands, Bikes and Babes,” has returned for its second year, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. The lineup includes Ratt, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot and the AC/DC cover band, Noise Pollution.
Get there early and check out the Zapatistas MC AZ Invitational Show and Shine, where you can vote for your favorite motorcycle.
More of a country fan? No worries. Grab your cowboy boots and head to the fair on April 23 for “Boots, Beer, Bulls and Rockin Country.” The day starts with the rodeo at 1 p.m. Local country bands take the stage at 4, followed by Nashville duo LoCash at 6:30 and Texas country singer Clay Walker at 8.
That’s not all.
Rap and hip-hop fans can catch Nelly on stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14.
Add a little Salt-N-Pepa to your fair experience. They’ll perform some of their best jams at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17.
Fans of Kalin and Myles will not want to miss their 3 p.m. show at the fair on April 24. The duo recently announced that they are disbanding “to focus on individual aspirations.” Read their full statement on kalinandmyles.com
Exhibits
What would the fair be without the exhibits and vendors? There’s art, animals, souvenirs, tractor pulls, car shows and more.
In addition to the traditional exhibits, the fair will often add an educational or socially relevant exhibit, Rabago said.
This year, to raise bullying awareness, the Pima County Fair is working with Family Diversity Projects, a non-profit organization that creates traveling exhibits to educate people about diversity. The group will showcase seven of its traveling photo-text exhibits about the diversity of family life in the United States.
“Love Makes a Family,” includes exhibits with portraits that include multiracial, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with their families, along with people with disabilities and mental illness.
“Our message for families coming to the fair is simple: Respect every person no matter who they are,” said Peggy Gillespie, co-director of Family Diversity Projects. “We are all part of the vast and beautiful array of diversity, and there is no reason to hate anyone. We hope all people will leave the exhibit remembering that kindness, curiosity, and compassion toward all people is what can make this planet a more peaceful place.”
Each of the seven exhibits are available to travel to schools, colleges, libraries, and more, Gillespie said. Go online to familydiv.org for more information.
Food
The mingling aromas of funnel cake, barbecue and so much more, are the first things that greet you in the fair parking lot. And, we must admit, it’s always fun to see what’s new in the land of the deep-fried.
Deep-fried nachos are hitting the scene this year. The nachos are battered and fried until they are golden and crispy on the outside with gooey cheese on the inside. They are then topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Also new on the food front are Oreo funnel cakes and Oreo churros, deep fried mints, pork belly on a stick, spiral cut hot dogs and pickle fries.
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of classics like roasted corn, turkey legs and curly fries.
Beer Fest
Beer Fest, which benefits the Centurion Foundation, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina Bar and Grill. In addition to beers from Arizona breweries such as Mother Road Brewing from Flagstaff and Four Peaks Brewing from Tempe, the event includes music, games, prizes and a souvenir cup.
It costs $15 for 10 tastes while supplies last.
Rides
Some people are fine skipping the fair rides.
The ones who love rides, love the whole experience — the bright lights, colorful facades, the clicking sound of a roller coaster going uphill and the screams of fellow passengers as it speeds down the other side.
Ferris wheel fans can see the city lights from 110 feet in the air on the fair’s new “Grand Wheel,” which is making its debut in Tucson.
It features 24 gondolas that accommodate six riders each, and hosts a state-of-the-art LED lighting package with brighter and more vibrant color patterns than the fair’s previous wheel. It will cost 10 tickets to ride.
The “Grand Wheel” comes to the U.S. from the Netherlands. It took four trucks, each hauling a 53-foot trailer, to transport the ride from Houston, Texas.
“We are very excited to be premiering these new rides here in Tucson,” said Chris Lopez, vice president of Ray Cammack Shows. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner or better guests than here in Tucson.”
Here are some other highlights for each day of the fair:
April 14: Wristband Day. Get unlimited access to carnival rides for a $30 wristband. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get a $5 discount.
April 15: Grupo Control and Banda machos starts at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
4-H Horse and Livestock events start early. Enter at the Brekke Gate at 9 a.m.
April 16: Power from the Past will host a silent auction from noon to 4 p.m. at the steam engine display.
The Pima Cup horse show is today and tomorrow.
April 17: Check out the Freak Show, the new Aussie Kingdom and the Blacksmith Shop.
Stylistics AZ Low Rider Car show takes place until 4 p.m. along the west side of the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
Tucson Model A Car Show takes place until 3 p.m. at Central Park.
April 18: Firefall plays at 4 and 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 19: Learn about the dangers of cyber abuse at the Stalker Experience located in Pima Hall (parental guidance encouraged). While you're there, visit the Butterfly Exhibit, The Pharaohs of Egypt and Wildlife Experience.
April 20: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
TobyMac plays at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 21: Wristband Day. Bring an unopened 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew to get one for $25.
Post Malone plays at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
April 22: P.O.D., Hoobastank and Alien Ant Farm play, starting at 8 p.m.
April 23: The GCPRA Rodeo starts at 1 p.m. in Manny's Arena.
Adopt a pet in Central Park until 2 p.m.
The Door Slammers Car Club Show and Shine takes place until 4 p.m. at the Bud Light Sunset Cantina.
April 24: Kalin and Myles play at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Robert Tapia will play at 7:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage.
Helpful hints
Save your carnival receipts. If you get separated from family members, it can be used to track where their ride pass was last used. And, if you lose your ride pass, but have your receipt, it can be used to deactivate the lost pass so you can receive a new one.
Avoid long waits. Bags will be searched, so travel lightly.
Thursdays and weekends are the busiest days. Upgrade your ride purchase by $20 to a "fast pass" on these days to get on the rides faster.
Avoid peak traffic time and lines by arriving at the fair by 2 p.m.
Wanna leave and come back? Get your hand stamped so you don't have to pay again.
Download the app. It's called Pima County Fair Deep Fried Fun and it's free. You'll find all the info you need, including maps, entertainment schedule, featured attractions, discounts and more. You can even use it to find your car at the end of the day.
Need a ride? Go to Guest Services or any of the fair's beer gardens for help getting a cab. Or call VIP Taxi at 300-3000 and get $5 off your cab ride to and from the fairgrounds.
The fair on a budget
Even though there are lots of free things to do, it can be hard to resist the rides and the food. With a little planning, you can do it all on the cheap.
Here are some ideas.
- Kids — kindergarten through eighth grade — can earn three free carnival rides by reading three books and writing a brief summary. Go online to pimacountyfair.com to download the forms. To receive ride passes, bring the filled out form to guest services.
- Hit up the Dominos Pizza stands for $5 mega slices of pizza for food. It's quite a bit cheaper than some of the other stands.
- Share food or eat a meal before going and splurge on a dessert or snack.
Discount days
- Sunday, April 17: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
- Monday, April 18: $2 parking and $2 admission
- Tuesday, April 19: $2 rides, games and menu items from 4-6 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 20: Free admission until 5:30 p.m. with Dominos Pizza delivery coupon. Plus $2 food and drink items from 4-6 p.m.
- Friday, April 22: $2 admission with military ID. Free Grand Wheel rides with coupon from the Tucson Weekly.
- Sunday, April 24: Free admission until noon with two cans of food.
For the kiddos
If you have small children, the fair has designed special areas for them and their parents to enjoy. There are many things for little ones to see and do — and we're not just talking the agriculture area, although that's fun, too.
Kiddie Land Carnival: Pint-sized roller coasters, rides and fun houses are located near the main entrance.
Kiddie Kingdom: Located at the east end of Pima Hall, this area will make the kids feel like royalty as they encounter fairies, dragons and imagination stations. For children ages 7 and under.
Mother's Convenience Area: Also in Pima Hall, this area includes comfortable furniture, nap space, changing tables and baby wipes, as well as a curtained section for privacy.
Interactive Science Center and Agriculture Activity Center: These exhibits are designed for hands-on fun for children ages 10 and under. Both are in Old Pueblo Hall.
Q&A with Ratt drummer, Bobby Blotzer
The 1980s introduced some of the world's most popular metal bands, giving us hits like "Wanted Man," "Round and Round" and "Lack of Communication" by RATT.
Those hits — and many others — will be heard once again at the Pima County Fair, as RATT headlines the KLPX Rock Fest on Saturday, April 16. Opening acts include Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult.
Bobby Blotzer, who's been the band's drummer since 1982 and is the only original touring member, spoke to us in a phone interview from his Valencia, California home, while laying in bed, drinking coffee and "doing RATT business."
Have you always been a musician? "I've always been a musician...I've always known how music is put together. I've always gotten it. As a kid in the 60's, when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, I was only like 6, but I knew what was going on. I got it. My sister jumped around like a maniac and we loved it. The Beatles are still my favorite band of all time. I love catchy, hook heavy songs. That's what Ratt is all about. All of our songs are really catchy. I want people to listen to the songs we write and stay with them and think of good times of the past."
What is the band's energy like? "My band is like Ratt was in 1984. They're young. They're hungry. We sound just like the records...They're such great players. We don't fight or argue. They're so talented. It's just amazing. We put on a great show."
How has the rock music scene changed over the years? "It's gone from a lot of fun and a lot of bands to, you know, a lot of disgraceful things happening in the business...It's not like it was where you can put a band together, establish a following, get somebody down from a record company and get a deal...I don't see the funness, unless it's some little kid band like One Direction. They seem to be having fun and their audiences are having a good time. But, rock bands..I'll look at some internet sites and they all look like prison gangs or something, ghouls from the Walking Dead. And I'm just like what the (bleep). We tried to look good. Girls loved the band. It was sexy for the chicks, but looked rocked up enough for the dudes. We tried to have a broad appeal. When I say this people think 'oh your parents were saying the same thing' and I guess that's true to a degree, but it is what it is."
How many stops are you making on this tour? "We're gonna do 60 dates, domestically and we'll probably do another 20 around the world. We are very excited. We are playing a lot of festivals and arenas. A lot of dates with Bret Michaels. We sold out an arena in Toledo last week and it was amazing."
How many times have you played Tucson? "A million. I love Arizona. I love being in Arizona. I love playing Arizona...Arizona is a gorgeous state...We're gonna come and kick some ass. I can't wait to get there."
If you go
What: The Pima County Fair
When: April 14-24
Where: 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 6 to 10 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Parking is $5.
Hours: Gates open at 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends.
Info: pimacountyfair.com
As featured on
Expect the unexpected when duo hits the stage at Pima County Fair.
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