San Bernardino County Fair returns to Victorville with Sunland Ford Concert Series

The 76th San Bernardino County Fair in Victorville is on three-day hiatus before returning Friday with three days of carnival rides, vendors, attractions, fair food, and the Sunland Ford Concert Series.

This year’s fair theme is “A Place Where Everyone Comes Together," according to the 28th District Agricultural Association Board President Patrick Kahler and fair organizers. 

The fair will continue offering shopping opportunities, highlighting local artists and small businesses. Also, interactive animal exhibits and traditional competitive exhibits, ranging from crafts and fine art to food and gardening. 

The fair livestock will offer its traditional showing opportunities, with the Junior Livestock Auction being held at the fair and virtually starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. 

“The (San Bernardino County) Fair Board, team, and myself always look forward to the annual fair, and this year is no exception,” said Fair CEO Jennifer Morgan. “This is our time to provide entertainment and showcase the future farmers and talents of our community. We’ve worked very hard to bring new and exciting things this year.”

Helm and Sons Amusements, the county fair’s longtime carnival partner, will provide a wide variety of attractions for children and adults, including popular rides like the Giant Wheel, Alpine Slide, Zipper, and Super Shot. 

“We are excited to be debuting our new ride Medusa for the first time,” said Helm and Sons General Manager Tom Kay before the start of the fair. “And for the first time at the (San Bernardino County) Fair, the Grand Prix Roller Coaster.”

Sunland Ford Concert Series

The three-day Sunland Ford Concert Series will feature Mexican singer Ana Bárbara and country singer Michael Ray, whose shows require a separate ticket purchase. 

The Night of Faith Concert with Contemporary Christian artist Crowder is free with fair admission.

Award-winning singer and actress Bárbara, one of the leading women in Mexican music today, will open the music series with Latin Night on Friday.

Born Altagracia Ugalde Motta, Bárbara is the first regional Mexican female songwriter. BMI has granted an award recognizing her nearly three-decade-long career in the music industry, according to Variety. 

Bárbara's music style is often categorized as ranchera, which includes elements of Latin pop and Norteño, regional music from northern Mexico. 

On Saturday, Country Night will feature singer-songwriter Ray, known for bringing vintage sounds to modern country and has four No. 1 songs, including “Whiskey and Rain” and “Think a Little Less.”

Earlier this year, Ray announced a batch of tour dates for 2023, which began in February and runs through the summer.

"I want y'all to come out to see us this year, hear some NEW MUSIC and know that my band and I will take great care of that time because it means so much to us!! See y’all very soon!!" said Ray in a press release.

In addition to the tour, Ray said he has been working on new music with producer Michael Knox. The country singer released his last full-length album, Amos, in June 2018.

He followed up the album with a seven-track EP called Higher Education in August 2021, according to Taste of Country. 

Crowder will close out the concert series during a Night of Faith concert on Sunday. David Crowder is known for his wide-ranging fusion of pop, rock, folk, electronic, bluegrass, and hip-hop. He’s sold 3 million records, has three Grammy nominations, and has received numerous Dove Awards.

Crowder rose to success in the early 2000s as the worship group David Crowder Band leader. Over the next decade, his band racked up numerous Dove Awards for their inspirational rock sound.

They released popular albums like Illuminate in 2003, Remedy in 2007, and Give Us Rest in 2012.

Opening weekend

In 2012, he rebranded as Crowder, with the singer launching a successful solo career with 2014's Top Ten-charting Neon Steeple.

The San Bernardino County Fair kicked off on Saturday with all attractions, rides, fair food, and the three-day Dirt Series, which included Monster Truck Mayhem. On Sunday, vehicles in the Demolition Derby crashed and smashed for dominance.

The Bull Riding event, held on Memorial Day, included cowboys and cowgirls of all ages hanging on as they mutton busted and bull rode to the sound of cheering fans.

The SBC Fair will open from 2 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Grandstand gates for all three concerts open at 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets to the fair and the Sunland Ford Concert Series are available at sbcfair.com or onsite.

General admission at the gate is $10. Children two years and younger are free. Parking is $5 cash only onsite. Unlimited carnival ride wristbands and fast passes are available to purchase online and onsite. 

The San Bernardino County Fair is located at 14800 7th Street in Victorville. For more information, visit the fair’s website or call 760-951-2200.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.