Santa Barbara Fair & Expo offers double the thrills and double the fun

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – People lined up to get discount admission and ride tickets to the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo on Wednesday, and this year they have three more days than usual to enjoy.

For the first time, the fair will be in town for two long weekends.

The fair opens Thursday April 28 and will operate Thursday through Sunday this week and then Friday through Sunday May 3-5 next week.

That's why the poster art says "Double Thrill Double Fun."

Christ Ligrano plans to bring his kids to the fair for the first time and has it all planned out with rides and fair food.

"Sometimes you get like the deep fried ice cream or the really weird things. Funnel cake was a big one, right? Yeah," said Ligrano.

"This one really wants to do the drop," said Ligrano, referring to his daughter. "So we'll probably do the drop."

Ara Anderson enjoyed the rides with her friends Tyler Rothschild and Brooks Firestone.

"It's really fun and I think people will really enjoy coming both weekends," said Anderson.

Rothschild liked the Spaceship ride the best, while Firestone, liked the Hawaiian Express.

From the top of the Giant Wheel, Ferris wheel riders can take in a view and check out all the things they may want to do.

There are plenty of games a try that give people a chance to win all kinds of stuffed animals.

Concessions Manager Jacob Rarick carried bags full of prized to the games along the midway.

"Well, what I would recommend about the carnival is to pick the game you know you're going to win. Especially here in the Crowe's Nest, you guys come take a seat. You'll definitely win."

There is an area for kids to little to ride the big rides.

But you don't have to be a kid to feel like one at the fair.

The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is hosting Senior Free Days on Saturdays April 27 & May 4 from 11 am. to 4 p.m.

Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague soaked it all in during the preview on the even of the fairs opening day.

"I mean why wouldn't you do this twice if you've got the opportunity. I just hope that the happy screams adults, kids like rides. Everybody's having a good time. That's what it's all about," said Sprague.

Kids enjoying cotton candy agree that you may want to rides the dizzying rides before you eat your favorite fair treats.

For more information visit https://earlwarren.com .

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