Ideal weather, attendees staying close to home and efforts to offer more entertainment while keeping the admission low to attract budget-conscious locals all seem to be working in favor of this year's Kings Fair, officials said Saturday.

The fair drew nearly 10,000 visitors during the first two days, according to Angie Avila, fair manager.

Some 4,400 people flocked to the fairgrounds on Thursday and 5,585 on Friday, Avila said, adding that the Thursday's attendance was up 21 percent from last year's and Friday's, 14 percent.

"I know a couple of concessionaires were up 100 percent on their food sales over last year's," Avila said on Saturday. "So far, so good."

All of the planning and promotion for this year's fair was based on the current economy, said Sara Mendez, fair spokeswoman. Knowing the time is difficult, fair officials made sure to maintain the $6-per-adult admission fees while opening up the speedway and concerts free with admission so that people can get more out of the fair for less, she said.

"In light of the economy, we did a lot of extra things because we really want you to come out and have a good time," Mendez said. "And people seem to be responding really well to that."

The 2009 Kings Fair kicked off its four-day run Friday evening under the theme "Cows, Critters, and Cowpokes."

Fair officials say the event is all about keeping that same old family-friendly atmosphere.

Livestock exhibits, the hypnotist, the carnival, the food, the pony rides -- people can still get what they can expect of the county fair. But the fair also brings new attractions each year.

Freak-show elements this year includes a 14-foot-long Florida alligator, a 1,000-pound pig as well as the "GASCAR" crazy animal race.

The idea was to attract those "stay-cationers" out there who are looking for family fun on a budget, Mendez said. It might have worked for Kings Fair, but other entertainment venues aren't so fortunate, she said.

"Not everybody, including fairs, are up this year. Even with stay-cationers, we're hearing a lot of people are experiencing declining number in attendance. you really can't avoid that," Sara.

Long lines formed in front of carnival rides and snack booths.

Traffic was beginning to back up on south 10th Avenue after 6 p.m. -- a sure sign of an anxious crowd.

Sunday is the final day for the Kings Fair. The gate opens at noon today and closes at midnight.

The cultural day theme will be celebrated through a line-up of Hispanic artists who will perform at Outdoor Theatre in the evening.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

Today's Kings Fair schedule

l Outdoor Theatre: Grupo Ternura (7 p.m.), Liliana (8 p.m.), Los Herrantes (9 p.m.), La Ley de Michoacan (10:15 p.m.), free w/fair admission

l Valley Toyota Stage: The Next Big Thing/Hypnotist

l Wine Garden Stage: Fantasy

l Midway, daily fair entertainment attractions

(July 11, 2009)