Kern County Fair

"Kern County Fair No 1" 2016

I only attended two county fairs in California this year. Their dates and my schedule did not jive. But I did end up shooting the first and last county fairs in the state. The Riverside County Fair and International Date Festival occurred in February. The early date helped fair goers avoid the blistering heat of the desert later in the year. While Kern County ended the fair season at the beginning of October.

Although technically it was Autumn, the summer sun was unrelenting and the harsh light was hard to escape. This is the first time I had revisited a specific county fair, as I wanted to round out the collection of images I had captured of the Kern County Fair back in 2013.

What captured my eye this time around was the BMX Pros and their tricks on their bikes. They reminded me of all the skaters I used to hand out with in Walnut Creek: fearless, crazy and fun. The little kids were in awe of their theatrics and I enjoyed a new generation of punks making a living out of something they love.

I also had a long talk with the local park ranger about the state of our National Parks as well as his canvas tent from the 50's which was sturdy and still viable. It made me wonder how many of those nylon tents we have now a days will still be around in 60 years.

Little girls were running around in their leotard getting ready for their "Dance, dance" routine to be judged and dreaming of a blue ribbon. They showed me some of their moves and I was amazed how the little ones were perfectly in step with their older companions.

My love of photographing mannequins outside of department stores was satiated with a row of them acting as a block agains free throws in basketball, a hit in baseball, a kick in soccer and a hail mary in the football prize booths.

It still is a dream of mine to photograph every county fair in California. With 58 counties throughout California, I realize I have given myself a task that will perhaps take a decade to complete. But I know when it is done I will have a better perspective of all Californians and will have captured us all in time enjoying ourselves at the local county fair.

Julie Green
November 19, 2016

"Kern County Fair No 2" 2016

"Kern County Fair No 3" 2016

"Kern County Fair No 9" 2016

"Kern County Fair No 11" 2016