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From gold mining to brick making to a trip around the world, the activities abound at one of the hottest spots at the 2004 L.A. County Fair. California’s Heritage Square, one of the Fair’s 11 fun-filled “neighborhoods,” will have visitors take a step back in time and experience life in California’s early days. New this year, California’s Heritage Square will also host America’s Kids/Ed Expo, an exhibit geared toward youngsters and school-aged children. The Fair runs Sept. 10-26.
This is the place where history comes alive. Visit a real 100-year-old Riverside County Farmhouse, covered wagon display, blacksmith shop and smokehouse. See the tall tales of California’s history come alive as costumed pioneers re-enact famous events. Discover the rich traditions of the state’s first Native American and Spanish inhabitants. You’ll see why so many people in the 1800s shouted, “California, here I come!” California’s Heritage Square is presented by The Gas Company.
The Trading Post Stage is the place to be for Fair After Dark entertainment with country and swing bands. Meet Basket Moon, Bear, Red Weisel and Dancing Elk and learn crafts, weaving, arrowhead and bead making at the Native American Village.
Jack Davis, the copper spinner, will fascinate with his incredible art of metal spinning. Davis spins as it was done 250 years ago. He can spin metals into everything from bowls to bed frames. Trappers William Wolfskill and Mike Brokenrod will head Mountain Men Rendezvous.
Docents from the Old Oak Glen School house will take guests on tours of the Little Red School House. Kids can play in the old-fashioned play yard.
Caring For The Land, the forestry exhibit, turns into Camp Wilderness where Fairguests can explore lush forests and meet friendly woodland creatures. The area features Camp Wilderness Village (for hiking and trekking), Wilderness Lodge where visitors can get a photo taken with Smokey Bear and Creature Canyon, which is filled with real critters that live in the forest like frogs, bugs, prairie dogs and crawdads.
New to California’s Heritage Square’s neighborhood is America’s Kids/Ed Expo, now located in its new home in Fairplex 7A and presented by Bank of America. The theme for 2004 is “Passport to the World.” This exhibit will take kids across the globe to discover fascinating cultures from various countries. Once in the door, guests will be submerged in the sights and sounds of a cultural celebration everywhere they turn. This year’s exhibit will encourage cultural awareness and respect for all people of the world. Walk down the streets of a quaint Mexican Village. Trek through cherry blossom and lotus trees as you see Japan. Play African musical instruments as you visit Africa, then float through the canals of Venice, Italy. Finally, this vacation takes you to the pyramids of Egypt and the rainforests of South America. Special events will be held throughout the Fair, including a Parade of Nations kids’ fashion show and free cooking classes.
From California’s early history to the rich traditions of countries throughout the world, California’s Heritage Square is a must-see at this year’s L.A. County Fair. For more information on the country’s largest county fair, visit the Web site at www.lacountyfair.com or call (909) 623-3111. r
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