Expo Center spruces up for fair

"We're trying to get to a more first-class location," said Chris Carpenter, general manager of the Expo Center.

Before the new paint, the different buildings varied in colors, with different colored awnings. The landscaping was full of overgrown juniper bushes with trash hidden below.

"A color specialist came in to help decide which colors would be best for the new look. The older buildings now sport a wheat color with black trim," Carpenter said.

Close to $250,000 was spent on landscaping, tearing out the old and bringing in new plants, a new irrigation system, some warm-colored bark and decorative posts that can hold signs, banners or even potted plants were added for ambiance. The parking lots were patched, sealed and repainted.

While these changes might be the easiest to notice, the biggest changes are with the updated technology now offered at the Expo Center. With a new riser system with 2,000 seats, the Expo Center has almost doubled its seating capacity for shows. It also allows the Expo Center a wider range of possibilities to the types of events it can host.

"From business meetings, to children's shows and even events in the round, the risers will allow the Expo Center the mobility to change the stage around to fit the event," Carpenter said. "Pretty soon some of the venues will be wireless, allowing those using the facilities to have Webcasting capabilities."

Helping make these performance venues a bit more maleable to different events, was the purchase of 700 feet of theatrical drapes, 700 feet of theatrical trussing and chain motors to move it all. The chain motors can also be used with the lighting and sound, making these areas better for concerts.

The San Mateo County Fair will be the first event to use these updated facilities.

"(In previous years the fair) booked more young, up-and-coming acts that are still affordable," said fair manager Geoff Hinds. "Some people won't know who they are and it won't overcrowd the fair. Or bands from the '70s or '80s that people know and have been around but have been through several times and don't get huge crowds."

Now they can book acts with a bigger draw.

"We have higher quality entertainment now ... with the higher quality theater," Hinds said.

Most of the improvements are finished, but the Expo Cafe, the area all the food will be, is still being worked on.

"We'll open it probably five minutes before the fair begins," Carpenter said.

After all the improvements are finished, the Expo Center will still have about $250,000 left over. The money hasn't been directed toward anything specific yet, but will be used after the fair wraps.

This year's fair, running Aug. 12 through Aug. 21, will feature pig races, a dive show, a bungee jump and mechanical bull. A rock and roll museum will be featured throughout the fair featuring memorbilia from Neil Young and old programs and posters from Bill Graham Presents. Performances this year will feature Double Funk Crunch, The Donnas, Night Ranger, Smash Mouth, Tower of Power, Bo Diddley, Carrot Top, Sugar Ray and Dia De La Feria Preciosa.

For more information visit www.sanmateocountyfair.com.

Fair Facts

· The first Ferris wheel was designed by George W. Ferris for the 1893 World's Fair as a way to feature structural steel. The center axle of the wheel weighed more than 142,031 pounds and carried more than 2,000 people at a time.

· The carousel originated in Europe during the late 1800s. It was inspired by tournaments held in the 16th century in France where saddle makers, tailors, jewelers and wig makers created extravagant costumes for both horses and riders.

· Corn dogs were created in 1942 for the Texas State Fair by Neil Fletcher.

· The 1893 World's Fair introduced many things to the American public including: Aunt Jemima Syrup, Cracker Jacks, diet carbonated soda, shredded wheat, the hamburger and the first commemorative stamp set.

· Some say that William Morrison and John Wharton, candy makers from Nashville, Tenn. invented cotton candy in 1897. They originally callled it "Fairy Floss."

· This will be the 71st San Mateo County Fair.

· The overall economic impact of the San Mateo County Fair on the county is more than $34 million, generating more than $8 million in personal income for San Mateo County residents.

· The livestock auction which is both a fund-raiser for 4-H and Future Farmers of America groups and members not only gives valuable life and business lessons but generates over $85,000 annually during its one-day sale.

· Fairs are funded through the Department of Agriculture as a way to educate the people about agriculture, livestock and the products they produce. Agriculture is one of the largest commodities in California, and is a $280 million a year industry in San Mateo County alone.

· The largest crop in San Mateo County is flowers.

· The carnival will give out more than two semitrucks full of stuffed animals and uses enough electricity to power a small city, around 25,000 residents, all generated on site.