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Step through the doors of America’s Kids at the L.A. County Fair and you’ll step back to A Time Long Ago…when kings and queens ruled, knights engaged in chivalrous acts, fairy tales were born and people wore really funny hats.
Ever wonder what it was like to live in Europe during the Middle Ages? Stop by America’s Kids and find out. This intriguing era of nearly 1,000 years was a time of great contrasts between noble people and peasants. Experience history around every corner, from the castle to the town to the peasant village (with a stop at an enchanted forest, of course). Discover what medieval life was like. How have castles withstood the test of time? Why did they have moats and drawbridges? How was the castle run? Find out through our interactive exhibits.
Did you know that royal families often served exotic foods like peacocks or oxen? Try our medieval castle kitchen and imagine what it was like to prepare huge feasts without microwave ovens or electric mixers. Discover what noble families did for fun, what games they played and what music they listened to. You may even be lucky enough to hear the majestic sound of a live trumpet fanfare!
The sons of many noble families were trained as knights to protect the castles and villages. Do you have what it takes to become a knight? Enroll in Knight School where you’ll discover how knights were trained, what they wore and if they really lived by a code of chivalry.
No castle would be complete without a collection of art. Our castle walls will be filled with the art, ceramic and photography competition entries from kids throughout Southern California.
Of course, not everybody lived within the castle walls. Most people lived and worked in towns and villages. On your way to visit America’s Kids village, you’ll pass through the Enchanted Forest where fairies, dragons, wizards and other characters dwell. Many fairy tales that we enjoy today were inspired by the mythical creatures and magical images from medieval times. But...can someone really climb a rope of hair? Can a wolf really swallow a whole person? Explore the science behind some of the most famous fairy tales ever written.
In the village, you’ll notice a vast difference in lifestyle from what you experienced in the castle. Here, the peasants wear simple clothing and work very hard. Through fun, hands-on exhibits, you’ll discover how the villagers worked, lived and played. Dance around a maypole, try your hand at weaving, play simple games, listen to medieval music, learn how to use a sundial...and more!
Attend a medieval fair where goods are traded and musicians, jugglers and jesters stroll. The colorful flags and banners across from the village mark the entrance to America’s Kids’ Country Fair highlighted by an educational and visually delightful medieval stage show for school groups and families of all ages. Stop by the artisan’s tent where you can make a paper plate swan, magic stone, pipe cleaner frog or other make-and-take crafts. Keep your eyes and ears open for the occasional strolling musician or juggler.
Throughout America’s Kids you’ll find competition entries such as stained glass art, build-a-knight, castle banners, medieval character dolls, castle coloring contest, write your own fairy tale, sock dragons and more.
The L.A. County Fair opens Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 – 6 and then Wednesday – Sunday, Sept. 8 – Oct. 3, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Live thoroughbred horse racing at Fairplex Park will be Sept. 9 – Sept. 27, dark Mondays Sept. 13, 20 and Tuesdays.
For more information, visit lacountyfair.com.
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Under the direction of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, Fairplex is home to the L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in the world, as well as The Learning Centers which encompasses Fairtime Learning, The Child Development Center, The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), the Junior Fair Board, and the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts. Fairplex also operates a diverse hospitality business with the Sheraton Fairplex, McKinley’s Grille, KOA RV Park, Finish Line Sports Grill, Cornucopia Foods, and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center (opening 2011). The campus is also home to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona; horse-racing and Barretts Equine Limited; as well as the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. For more information, please visit www.fairplex.com.
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