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SOUTH COUNTY — Come to the Fall Carnival at the fairgrounds in King City, Sept. 20-23, to celebrate the harvest and fall season with family fun, all while helping to raise funds for local K-8 schools, the Salinas Valley Fair and other non-profit organizations.
This year’s event will feature carnival rides, games and food from Midway of Fun. In addition to the carnival rides, guests at the event can check out the Hay Maze, watch blacksmith demonstrations, purchase pumpkins from a local 4-H Club, create at the “Makers Space,” explore farm-themed play areas and shop from local vendors. Admission to the Fall Carnival is free.
“This is our second year hosting a carnival, in the fall, at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds,” said TJ Plew, CEO of the Salinas Valley Fair. “This year we added music, hands-on activities for kids and opportunities for non-profits to fundraise, all in response to feedback provided by last year’s attendees.”
New this year, Midway of Fun and the Salinas Valley Fair are donating proceeds of ride coupons sold at participating schools to the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. The coupons are available for $20 in advance at King City Arts Magnet, Santa Lucia Elementary School, Del Rey Elementary School and Chalone Peaks Middle School. A limited number of coupons are available at school sites.
When they are sold out, additional tickets will be sold at the Salinas Valley Fair Office through Sept. 19 at the discounted price. All day ride passes will be sold at the carnival for $30.
To kick off the Fall Carnival, the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will host a Community Resource Fair and Wine Tasting in the Orradre Building on Thursday, Sept. 20.
Friday night features the judging of the decorated Hay Bale Contest with DJ Moises in the Entertainment Pavilion with lively tunes for the entire family. On Saturday, enjoy old-fashioned contests throughout the day and musical performances from the Tommy Moon Band and The Counters. Sunday will wrap up the carnival with a Flea Market and more music from local groups in the Pavilion.
Food and drink will be available from participating non-profit organizations. King City Knights of Columbus will be selling a Swiss sausage meal, King City Lions Club will have a chicken barbecue and the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation is serving its famous margaritas and cheladas for those 21 and older.
All proceeds from the sales of these booths will benefit the local non-profits.
The Fall Carnival opens Thursday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 23. Parking is free Thursday and Friday and $5 on Saturday and Sunday.
Volunteers and vendors are still needed. Call 831-385-3243 or email [email protected] for information.
Event schedule, vendor list and other details are available online at www.KingCityFallCarnival.com.
