Fresno is the best little city in California for a reason and this month is sure to remind you how the title was earned, with the Big Fresno Fair. The Big Fresno Fair is the annual spectacle of Fresno. It is a time of celebration of all things pop culture, food, and fun. The place is so large and bustling, that it is very easy to get lost in the electrifying atmosphere of the event. 

The Big Fresno Fair has something to keep anyone entertained, and its has been that way from the beginning. The history of this cultural sensation, from its humble beginnings all the way to the present day is fascinating, and its hold on the collective attention of the city is striking. 

Now, believe it or not, this smash-hit sensation of an event had humble beginnings. It all started when a group of local ranchers and businessmen formed the “Fresno Fair Grounds Association” all the way back in February of 1883. The main attraction was a horse racetrack made in 1884. As you can rightly assume, horse racing is one of the fair’s longest-standing attractions. The other attraction here was showcases of various livestock, another one of the Fair’s oldest places. Aside from that, it was a little barren and a far cry from what it is today. The fair only had the racetrack until 1888, which was when the grandstand and pavilion were made. Horse betting became a huge hit here until the great depression, when the grounds were listed for sale. 

(Shown here: The racetrack grandstands. Taken in 1888.) 

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however. Fresno County bought the fairgrounds in 1901, and after some reluctance, developed enough growth to catch the attention of Hiram Johnson, the 23rd Governer of California. The fair would continue to perform well, with events such as races, and marathons, among others. While the fairgrounds would continue to be used for the county fair, they have not always been used for fun and games. During the Second World War, the fairgrounds were used as a temporary internment camp for 90,000 Japanese Americans. 

Through all the years, good and bad, the fairgrounds now serve as the staging area for one of Fresno’s biggest attractions. Who could’ve guessed that Spider-Man of all people would be a mainstay feature of the fair during its conception? Who could have guessed the giant carnival, delicious food, and several displays of culture would be as huge as it has become? 

Last year alone was an amazing time for the fair. If you didn’t attend the Ice Cube concert, there were still many things to check out, including the Anime Gaming Expo. So many souvenirs, trinkets, posters, and even video game consoles! You could buy the katana your favorite protagonist wielded in anime, buy a fancy poster of a game you liked, or maybe take in some impressive cosplay, before kicking your friend’s butt in Mario Kart! 

Some key things to look forward to this year are the live concerts, such as The Offspring, Chainz, The Beach Boys. Anime fans and gamers should also keep an eye out for the Pop! Culture experience, a showcase of gaming’s finest games. Duke it out in King of Fighters XV, Guilty Gear –STRIVE-, or Melty Blood. Or perhaps you want to feel the adrenaline of sports in Madden 23’? The choice is all yours. 

What are you most excited about this year? Leave a comment and share your response.