|
“We have more going on than we’ve ever had in the spring,” said Desert Empire Fair CEO Mike Thomas, speaking of this year’s High Desert Spring Festival. Thomas promised constant fun and entertainment for all ages, with arena events Friday, Saturday and Sunday and more rides than at fall Desert Empire Fair. Thursday the fair will open at 6 p.m., with the carnival, crafters, vendors, food and a variety of entertainment options such as “Lights, Camera, Animals,” a show featuring animal trainer Kevin Keith and his famous baboons, and Rocket’s K-9 Comets Frisbee Dog Show. These shows, along with the Bonura Blue Grass Band and an art fair for the youngsters will entertain fairgoers through Sunday. Returning to this year’s fair will also be the Free Catch and Release Kid’s Trout Pond, where kids of all ages can try their hand at catching some of the 300 pounds of trout available. “This was a tremendous hit last time it was here,” said Thomas. The Mesquite Child Care Center, with the help of sponsors Continental Labor and Pro-Tech, will again host the Toddler Driving School, where children can earn their very own drivers’ licenses. Friday will feature music from the Burners, and the ever-popular Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. “We are expecting 20 cars at the event,” said David Hazlewood of the High Desert Demolition Derby Association. The derby will feature two new divisions, a mid-size division and an iron car division, a rough ’n’ ready event that “includes previously run derby cars which have been welded up and reinforced that are expected to hit bone-crunching hard. It should become an instant crowd favorite,” said Hazlewood. Those planning on attending are encouraged to purchase advance tickets at the fairgrounds office or after 5 p.m. at the gate. Seating is limited, and reserved seating assignments are first come first serve. Tickets are $15 each. Proceeds from the derby will be used by the High Desert Demolition Derby Association to continue making improvements at the Steven R. Lovern Arena. The group has already installed one new set of bleachers, adding 162 seats, and plans to use this event’s proceeds to purchase and install a new PA system. Saturday the fair will be open from noon to midnight and will feature live music from Drivin’ 395 and four exciting divisions of open-wheel racing in the arena. Gates will open for the Arena Sprint Car Shoot Out at 6 p.m., with races starting at 7 p.m. Racers ranging from 5 to 50 years old will drive their motorcycle-engine-powered sprint cars at speeds of up to 45 mph. Race tickets will be available for $6 per adult and $4 per child at the arena entrance. Sunday will be Equestrian Day, with gates open from noon to 9 p.m, Fairgoers will have a large variety of equestrian events, displays and vendors to enjoy. The Bureau of Land Management will be on hand with a major wild horse and burro display. In the livestock area will be a used-tack swap meet. General admission is $6 per adult, $3 per child age 5-12 and per senior 65 and over, and $4 for active military. Children 4 and younger are free. Pre-sale wrist bands are available for $16 at the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce and various other locations. Wrist bands include fair admission and unlimited rides for any one day. For information call 375-8000. |