Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Amtrak to run special trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park 2025 Rededication Celebration, Oct. 11

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Photos: Amtrak San Joaquins and CA State Parks

Celebrating seven years of tradition, trains will once again bring visitors to honor site central to California’s African American history

Established in 1908, it was the state’s first self-governed Black township

By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, Amtrak San Joaquins

(Stockton, CA) – Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding its annual celebratory Rededication event on Saturday, October 11 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares.”

Travelers from Northern California, the Bay Area, or the Central Valley are invited to experience a scenic day trip aboard the Amtrak San Joaquins, arriving directly at the gates of this historic landmark and celebration. Attendees are encouraged to book now to secure their seats and to enjoy further savings by combining discounts, as detailed on the Amtrak San Joaquins Deals webpage.

Hosted by California State Parks, the Annual Rededication of Col. Allensworth State Historic Park honors the park’s original dedication in 1976. The event will feature food trucks, arts and crafts, guided tours of historic buildings, performances of music and dance, interactive experiences with time-period docents, and remarks from descendants of Colonel Allen Allensworth.

This year’s special Rededication train marks the seventh anniversary of Amtrak San Joaquins’ service to the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Rededication Celebration. Since that first ride in 2018, ridership to the event has grown dramatically, from just 97 passengers to more than 300 in 2024 and over 500 individuals traveling by train to the most recent Juneteenth 2025 Festival. Each year, more Californians are discovering the ease and joy of traveling by train to celebrate this historic community and the lasting impact it has had on the state’s heritage. With direct service and exclusive discounted fares, Amtrak San Joaquins is making it easier than ever for riders from across the state to be part of this meaningful celebration.

Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a former enslaved man, the town was designed to be a self-sustaining community where African Americans could live, work, and thrive. Today, you can witness the legacy of this trailblazing community come alive with captivating re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20th century buildings. Step into the Colonel’s house, walk through the halls of the historic schoolhouse and explore the church and library for an inspiring journey through a pivotal moment in history.

“California State Parks is proud to celebrate seven years of partnership with Amtrak San Joaquins in bringing visitors directly to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park,” said Lori Wear, California State Parks. “This special train service has helped thousands of Californians experience the rich history and enduring legacy of Colonel Allensworth in an accessible, affordable, and memorable way. We’re beyond excited for this year and continuing this progress into the future.”

The southbound trains running for the event include trains 702 (10:55am arrival), 710 (11:54am arrival), and 712 (2:54 arrival). Northbound trains include 713 (8:56am arrival), 715 (12:56pm arrival), 717 (2:56pm arrival). When purchasing train tickets, a discount will automatically be applied. If eligible, riders can then combine this reduced ticket with additional savings regularly available which include:

  • Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
  • Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
  • Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
  • Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
  • Disabled riders save 15% off
  • View deals

Visitors attending the Rededication Celebration via the Amtrak San Joaquins trains will arrive at the Allensworth station (CNL), which will serve as a special stop for this event. Upon arrival, a complimentary 35-passenger shuttle provided by Tulare County Area Transit will transport riders between the train platform and the historic schoolhouse. Typically, a whistle stop available only to pre-booked groups, the Allensworth station (CNL) will be fully activated for travelers on October 11, offering a rare and seamless opportunity to experience this historic park by rail.

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at the Colonel Allensworth landing page or contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at csetness@sjrrc.com.

About Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Boasting a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historical icon. In 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see http://www.sjjpa.com.

Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

13th Heart of Oakley Festival Saturday, Sept. 20

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Music, dance, food, vendor booths and more!

By City of Oakley Recreation Department

We are excited to celebrate our 13th Heart of Oakley Festival happening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11AM to 4PM in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Vintage Parkway to Norcross!

Heart of Oakley Festival is an annual open-air market that brings local makers, food trucks, non-profits, families, and community members together. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

This year Project 4 Band takes the stage with local dance groups throughout the day. The beer garden will be operated by local non-profit East County All Star Fundraising. Additionally, we will have a FREE trackless train, a mechanical bull, and an inflatable mini golf game for families to enjoy. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

Check out our stage schedule:

10:50am: Studio 55 Ukulele

11:05am: Jabris Rucker Children’s Dance

11:20am: Project 4 Band

12:05pm: Brentwood Blaze Cheer

12:20pm: Step 2 This Dance

12:35pm: Project 4 Band

1:30pm: Stepz Dance Fitness Studio

1:45pm: East County Performing Arts

2:00pm: Project 4 Band

3:00pm: Ballet Folklorico Jaracue

3:15pm: Hiphop-Natyam Dance Academy

3:30pm: Freedom High School Band

Wondering where to park for Heart of Oakley tomorrow?
Parking Lot #1 – Oakley Mercantile Lot
Parking Lot #2 – Oakley Elementary School Lot

Walnut Festival relocating to Contra Costa Event Park in Antioch

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October 16th-19th

The 89th Annual Walnut Festival is right around the corner!

Due to a large remodel of Heather Farm Park we’ve had to relocate for a few years while this is done, the festival has a NEW LOCATION! Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W 10th Street in Antioch.

This year’s festival will be held October 16th-19th.

Admission: $15/person

6yrs and younger, 65 years and older and Military with ID get in free
Parking: $10/car

All you can ride unlimited wristbands: $40/person – EVERYONE RIDING MUST HAVE A PAID WRISTBAND OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS. WITHOUT ONE OF THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE UP ON THE WEBSITE.

The Purpose of the Walnut Festival Association

​For the past 89 years, the non-profit Walnut Festival Association has attracted the most dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who join together to serve Contra Costa County by raising funds through community events. The money raised from these annual family entertainment events is donated back into the community to support recreational, charitable, and educational programs and facilities. The Walnut Festival Association events also provide a means for service and charitable groups to raise money to support their specific organizations.

It is the purpose of the Walnut Festival Association, a 501c non-profit corporation, to raise funds for distribution to educational, recreational, artistic, civic, and charitable causes.

  1. To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
  2. To produce quality events for the benefit of the residents of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

As Walnut Creek has grown, and suburban developments have replaced walnut groves, the Walnut Festival Association has maintained the tradition of producing fundraising events for the benefit of the community. Locations for the event have changed over the years from the center of town to Civic Park and finally, in 1976, to Heather Farm Park, where it has been held the third Thursday after the first Monday in September.

For more information visit www.Thewalnutfestival.org.

Happy Bear-thday, California! Celebrate 175 years of Statehood Sept. 6 & 9

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At the CA Museum, State Library and 175th Birthday Block Party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

By California Department of Parks and Recreation

As America nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, California is approaching its own significant milestone – 175 years of shaping the future. The State is hosting three events, one on Saturday, September 6 and two on Tuesday, September 9, all in Sacramento.

California Museum’s Statehood Celebration, Sept.  6

12PM-4PM

California Museum

1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Celebrate California’s 175th birthday with a free, fun-filled day at the California Museum! Explore rare historic artifacts—including the original 1849 California Constitution—enjoy live music, dance performances, hands-on crafts, a film screening.

Don’t miss this one-day-only event packed with family-friendly activities and special moments honoring the Golden State’s rick multicultural history. This event is free thanks to the success of our Big Day of Giving campaign­— thank you for your support!

Featuring:

  • Chance to see both the English and Spanish versions of the original 1849 California Constitution, displayed in partnership with the California State Archives
  • Access to all current exhibitions at the California Museum, including a limited-time display of historic documents and artifacts highlighting select signers of the 1849 Constitution, courtesy of the California State Archives and California State Library
  • A presentation by Professor Damien Bacich: “California’s Spanish-Mexican Roots: Life Before and After Statehood“
  • Live music by Los Californios and Renegade Orchestra
  • Dance class taught by Renegrade Orchestra
  • Screening of the short PBS SoCal film Borderlands
  • Complimentary “bear-thday” cupcakes
  • Family-friendly activites and crafts

Reserve your free admission ticket to guarantee access to the California Statehood Day Celebration at the California Museum.

Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. For more information visit California Statehood Day Celebration – California Museum.

State Library hosts California’s 175th Anniversary Celebration

11AM-1PM

Library and Courts Building

914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento 3rd Floor

Celebrate both the state’s and the State Library’s 175th anniversary with cake and tours.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California’s admission to the U.S. as the 31st state. But statehood wasn’t the beginning of the story. Celebrating California is a collection of 175+ stories that highlight California’s unique history and role in the world. The California State Library’s goal is to offer examples of California’s unique character and that of its residents, past and present. That means among the good there will be some bad. For every success story, there’s a failure, a tragedy, an injustice. It’s from these mistakes that we learn and grow stronger together.

Source: California State Library

The State Library is also highlighting books from their curated reading list, counting down to September 9th. You can see the list here or share a story with the State Library that helps define what California means to you.

Join us for a California 175th Anniversary Live Webinar Series with the California State Parks

Explore the diversity and resilience of California through watersheds, redwoods, salmon habitats, and the lifecycle of wildfires.

Join the California State Library and the California State Parks for a live webinar on salmon in the Smith River Watershed on Wednesday, September 17th at 12:00pm! 
Join Kyle Buchanan a California State Parks Interpreter at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for a live webinar exploring the inspiring voyage that salmon make within one of California’s most pristine areas, the Smith River Watershed. While following this wild journey we will further examine the unique role that these salmon play in fueling this Old Growth Redwood Forest. Kyle is an amazing interpreter who will have you packing your bags to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Join the Government Publications Section and the California State Parks for a live webinar on water courses at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park on Thursday, October 9th at 12:00pm! 
Join California State Parks Interpreters Brianna and Will to discover the majestic water courses of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Following the devastating 2003 Cedar Fire, this intricate watershed has been pivotal in the park’s ecological recovery. Healthy watersheds promote regrowth and jumpstarting the process of succession in the decades following large disturbances. Approximately 90% of Cuyamaca’s forests were destroyed in the 2003 Cedar Fire, which marked a new era of mega-fires in California. This will be a unique opportunity to view the landscape live as we discuss the dynamic watershed at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

These programs are free and open to all.

For more information about the State Library visit www.library.ca.gov or www.facebook.com/CAStateLibrary.

Celebrate the Golden State’s 175th Birthday Block Party with California State Parks

In front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO— Get ready for a celebration 175 years in the making! On Tuesday, Sept. 9, California State Parks is throwing a birthday block party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento to celebrate the historic anniversary of California becoming America’s 31st state in 1850.

From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a laser display 30 minutes after sunset as Californians come together to celebrate this historic milestone. Partygoers can enjoy free food truck fare, birthday cake, and California-grown treats (while supplies last).

“As we come together to protect rights and safeguard California’s future, we also do so to celebrate the past 175 years that have made this state the global leader that it is today.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

“As we celebrate 175 years of California, we honor the generations who shaped this great state and nurtured a culture of building dreams, innovating, and daring to imagine something better — for all of us! I’m filled with pride in California’s legacy and the enduring promise that our people and our spirit will continue to lead and inspire the world.” – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

State Parks staff and volunteers will be dressed in period attire and will engage with partygoers as they interpret the history of the Capitol Building, Admission Day and the state’s rich and diverse past. There will also be opportunities to learn more about California history through hands-on activities from the California State Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP), the State Indian Museum SHP and the Sacramento History Museum.

The block party will showcase the natural and cultural treasures and living history found in California’s 280 state parks, inspiring visitors throughout this 175th year of statehood and beyond. Additional state agencies and departments are expected to participate.

“At California State Parks, we help preserve and celebrate everything that makes the Golden State truly golden,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Throughout this 175th year of California statehood, I invite all Californians to explore the abundant and diverse places that make up the nation’s largest state park system. It’s all waiting just for you to foster a deep connection with nature, ignite a spirit of exploration, and inspire a passion for California’s shared landscapes, rich histories and enduring legacy.”

Find more events celebrating 175 golden years of statehood at Celebrate.ca.gov.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Oakley Summer Fest Saturday, June 28

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Enjoy a family-friendly festival of fun with rides, games, food trucks, vendors and live music by The Floorshakers and Special Guest Myron Edwins, plus, DJ Magic Matt of Wild 94.9!

By City of Oakley

We are so excited that Oakley Summer Fest is THIS SATURDAY! We’ll have a kids’ area equipped with inflatable jumpers, a giant slide, trampoline bounce, and more! Be sure to bring $5 cash to purchase a wristband at this event at the Oakley Recreation Tent next to City Hall.

Oakley Summer Fest will be in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Norcross to Vintage Parkway. This event is a daytime five-hour family-friendly festival. This event will have a wide range of activities for attendees – such as 40+ vendors, local food trucks, live music on stage, a giant kids’ zone equipped with rides and games & more!

Virtuous Voices Music Academy students open Brentwood’s Juneteenth Festival with uplifting performance

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Virtuous Voices Singers (left to right) Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva and Mya King perform at the Brentwood Juneteenth Festival June 19, 2025. Academy Founder, Tiffany Stewart with her students. Photos by Virtuous Voices

 

Antioch, CA – The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.

 

As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.

 

The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.

 

Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.

 

“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”

 

The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.

 

For more information about Virtuous Voices Music Academy, visit www.virtuousvoices.com.

“Let’s Go Country” at the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair in Antioch May 15-18

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Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17

Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now

Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)

Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)

SPECIAL DAYS

Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)

Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.

Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.

Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.

See complete schedule of daily events.

SPECIAL EVENT

Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.

DAILY ATTRACTIONS

Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.

BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.

Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.

Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.

Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.

Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway

Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.

Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.

Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.

Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.

Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.

Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.

Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.

Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.

Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.

Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.

EXHIBITS

Agriculture Pavilion

Arts Pavilion

Fur & Feathers Pavilion

Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)

Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.

LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring

Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM

Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM

Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM

Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM

Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM

Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM

LIVE MUSIC – Headliners

Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.

You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.

Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera

MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL

Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.

ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races

Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.

Tickets & More Info

Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale

Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale

Youth Season Pass – $25

Adult Season Pass – $35

Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily

Parking – $10

Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35

Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99

To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.

Chaperone Policy

The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.

All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.

Location

The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.

Source: CCCFair

Source: CCCFair

Contra Costa Event Park seeks applications for new CEO

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Home of the Contra Costa County Fair

ANTIOCH – The Board of Director of the Contra Costa Event Park, Home of the Contra Costa County Fair announce their search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Current CEO Joe Brengle announced that he would be retiring at the end of June 2025.

Under the Board’s guidance, the CEO plans, executes and manages the annual Contra Costa County Fair. In addition to the Annual Fair, the CEO leads the planning, organization, recruitment, and management of the Contra Costa Event Parks facility rental program (Interim Events), along with negotiating and facilitating long term rental agreements.

Current CEO Joe Brengle with a character during the 2024 Contra Costa County Fair. Photo: CC Event Park

The Monthly Salary Range for the position is $8,630 – $10,567. The salary will be based on the successful candidate’s qualifications with CalHR approval. An example of additional benefits include: State of California, Public Employment Retirement System (PERS), Vacation & Sick Leave, Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan and State Holidays.

A full description of the position and application process is available on the Fairs website CEO-Flyer.pdf, or can be picked up at the Fair Administration Office, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Contra Costa County Fair May 15 – 18, with the theme “Let’s Go Country”.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Lunar New Year Festival at DVC in Pleasant Hill Saturday, Feb. 8

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Celebrate the Year of the Snake!

Presented by the Contra Costa Chinese School and Diablo Valley College Community Education

This weekend celebrate the Lunar New Year with Diablo Valley College Community Education and the Contra Costa Chinese School with a Lunar New Year Festival, Feb 8 10am-3pm at DVC, 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill.

Experience food, cooking, and martial arts demonstrations, arts & crafts, as well as the Lion Dance Parade!
Scan the QR code in the graphic above to register. Questions? Email aanhpi@dvc.edu.