Celebrating Tradition: The 2025 California Mid-Winter Fair Begins with Opening Day Celebration

The 2025 California Mid-Winter Fair is here! Yesterday afternoon, the California Mid-Winter Fair held its opening ceremony at the entrance of the fair gates. Imperial Valley Fairgrounds staff delivered inspiring speeches to the fairgoers in line, setting the tone for the festivities ahead. As the crowd stood in line waiting for the gate to open, a local community member sang the national anthem, accompanied by a ceremonial color guard performance. Prior to the ceremony, a performer entertained those waiting in line with a display of juggling and magic tricks, adding an extra touch of excitement to the fair’s grand opening. As the night progressed, fairgoers were able to witness the first live mini muralist painting by Elizabeth Ibarra. There were also performances by Michael Walker, the Zumba Divas and Yachty by Nature that were held throughout yesterday night.

There are many new things to look forward to at this year’s fair, including the addition of more than 7 new rides which are spread across Kiddieland and the main park area. “We have the Star Fighter, the Conjuring, the Plur, the Diamond Observation Wheel, which is the largest observation wheel that we’ve ever had in the Imperial Valley and more,” said Stevie Dub Wilkins, the Entertainment Coordinator for Helm and Sons. 

Another change to this year’s fair is a new schedule which extends the fair for a third weekend. “We traded Mondays and Tuesdays, our worst attended days, to gain another weekend which are always our most attended days. It gives people an opportunity to be here for longer and a better opportunity for our vendors to gain more business,” elaborated Alan Phillips, Imperial Valley Fairgrounds Chief Executive Officer. 

Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez and his team were also in attendance at the fair yesterday afternoon. “I am excited to be here at the Imperial County Fairgrounds to not only eat all of the great food, but experience all of what Imperial County has to offer. I’m gonna go try out some food right now, but of course, as your Assemblyman, its only right that I taste as much as I possibly can. I’m here to see family, friends and enjoy all of the great activities, newly elected Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez told 760 News Media.

Fairgoer Carolina Antunez excitedly stood in line with her daughter and grandson prior to the opening of the gates. “I’m looking forward to the food as always, I love the corn dogs. I’m not a huge fan of the rides, I just come to look at everything else like the livestock animals, I also enjoy playing games and getting to enjoy the day with my grandson and daughter,” said Carolina. 

John Hernandez, a member of the Brawley “Get Together Senior Citizen Club” was one of the first people to enter the fairgrounds along with other members of his club. “On the first day of the fair it’s great that they have a free day for the seniors and that the Imperial Valley Transportation Commission provides a bus for us to come out here, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to. It’s great to come out here for a couple of hours, we can’t stay as long as other people, but there is a need for us to get out and expose ourselves to the fair and see what’s going on in the community and have a good time for a couple of hours,” said John.

Yesterday, admission was free not only for senior fairgoers, but also for veterans. Sandy and her husband Dave, who is a veteran, were grateful to receive free entrance to the fair. “We came today since it is Veterans Day at the fair. Our favorite food here is the corn dogs, we also like to go on the bumper cars. We are really happy, because there are so few people here right now. Everything looks wonderful and is so nicely done this year,” said Sandy and Dave.

Raymond Salcido, drove all the way from Arizona where he currently resides with his girlfriend and kids, to attend the first day of the fair. “I’m from Imperial originally, I moved to Arizona about ten years ago so we decided to come here for the first day since we’re all off as a family. I’m most looking forward to the charbroiled burgers along with the beer and the Wahlburgers I saw just popped up,” said Raymond. 

Over the course of the next 3 weekends, fairgoers will be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment ranging from tribute bands, local musicians, live muralist paintings, livestock shows, etc. There will also be several racing and dirt events including dirt kart racing, the demolition derby, USAC CRA Sprint Cars and USAC Midgets racing, etc. Competitive and Commercial Exhibits including floriculture, baked goods, clothing, photography entries and more will also be open for viewing. This year’s High School Madness event will be held on Wednesday. March 5th. 

Aside from entertainment, fairgoers will get to enjoy all of the classic fair foods, including corn dogs, funnel cakes, and spiral fries. They’ll also have the chance to explore four new food stands offering Mac & Cheese, tamales, freeze-dried sweets, and coffee. There will also be several local vendors in the Casa De Mañana building selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, and so much more.

For more information regarding what’s to come at this year’s California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta, check out the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds website at https://www.ivfairgrounds.com/