June 28, 2002

San Joaquin Fair

I've been to county fairs before, but not this particular one, and not on opening day. The fair opened at noon and we got there about an hour later. I'm not used to seeing metal detectors at fair entrances, but this fair is located in an area of Stockton, Calif. that is prone to gang activity. I decided the metal detectors were a good idea when I saw security guards refuse to admit two men who were carrying pocketknives; those aren't things people need to carry at county fairs.

I wasn't sure how much activity I would find at a fair an hour after it opened, but I was mistaken. While there weren't crowds of people moving slowly along the paths, I did see other things I haven't encountered before. Seeing a sheep getting sheared was a new thing, and it looked a bit uncomfortable. Then I talked to a girl who was washing her cow, and I realized I've never thought about cows needing to be cleaned.

And then I saw the horse races. Much of the fair attendance revolves around the races, and people from all walks gather to watch and place bets. Women pushed strollers while their husbands intently studied programs, men in cowboy hats and cups of beer stood in the shade, and others sat in the stands, obviously there for the duration. The races start every 20 minutes and last long enough for a small bit of excitement, but I found the people much more interesting. Some just go to watch the races, but others go because they are addicted to gambling. I talked to one couple whose betting styles were very different. He studied the program and the horses' histories, while she made her picks by the numbers. Their horses both fared the same, and neither gained back the few dollars they had spent.

Overall, the horse races represented the fair quite accurately. Fair attendees ranged from sunburnt carnival workers to young mothers to vendors selling T-shirts with American flags on them.

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