Fair Admission to Rise by $1

The Ventura County Fair Board will raise admission prices by a dollar this summer--its first increase in a decade--in hopes of defraying rising costs.

“This is the cost of doing business,” said Roger Gibbs, board general manager. “The biggest thing that I can tell people is that for the price of admission, you’re getting all these entertainment and educational programs.”

The adult ticket price will increase from $6 to $7. Children younger than 12 and senior citizens will pay $4 instead of $3. Children under 5 will continue to get in for free.

The fair board is a nonprofit organization and makes no money from the events.

“We make $2 million, and we spend $2 million,” Gibbs said. “We’re just trying to break even.”

Grandstand performances, exhibits and the rodeo remain free with the price of admission.

This year’s fair runs Aug. 2-13, two days longer than last year. The carnival will not be open during the first two days because the Orange County Fair closes three days earlier, and the operators won’t have time to set up the rides and game booths before Ventura County’s opening day, Gibbs said.

Gibbs said the board decided to keep the fair open on the first two days because it believes people would still be interested in seeing the livestock, floral and other exhibitions.