L.A. fair reaches 85th year

The Los Angeles County Fair, America’s largest, marked its 85th anniversary Friday, opening its gates to crowds that organizers hope will eventually top last year’s 1,427,656.

The fair, held at Fairplex in Pomona, is open Wednesdays through Sundays until Sept. 30.

Just days after the recent heat wave in Southern California, this year’s event features a “Winter Wonderland,” complete with an ice-skating rink and a snow area for sledding.

The fair also has an ecology exhibit called “Eco Now! A Planet Saving Adventure,” where children can learn to make recycled paper and participate in other “green” learning activities.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers will construct houses for two Pomona families, and children will be encouraged to help in the building of playhouses to go with the homes.

More traditional entertainment includes a junior livestock competition and horse shows, cooking demonstrations (among them, the Perfect Mexican Meal, the Creative Lunchbox Contest and Dips and Chips for All Occasions), professional bull riding, arts and crafts exhibits and a giant carnival with 70 rides and 40 games.

Eleven concerts in various musical genres, including performances by the party band the B-52’s, Mariachi USA Fiesta and the soul-jazz-funk group Earth, Wind & Fire, are spaced throughout the fair’s run.

The fair is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The fair is free for children age 5 and younger. Admission for those ages 6 to 12 is $6 on weekdays and $10 on weekends, or $20 for a regular season pass; for those 13 and older, the cost is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, or $45 for a season pass. Senior rates are available.

Fairplex is two blocks north of the 10 Freeway in Pomona and is reachable from Fairplex Drive, White Avenue and Garey Avenue exits. More information is available at www.lacountyfair.com.

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james.ricci@latimes.com