Archive for the ‘Fairs & Festivals’ Category

Contra Costa County Fair Queen Scholarship Pageant seeks participants

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

Information meeting Jan. 24; application deadline Feb. 2

Contra Costa County Fair Queen serves as a role model for young women in our community.

The pageant is seeking young women who are intelligent, articulate, charming, talented, sincere and healthy (in mind and body) with warm outgoing personalities.

The winner and her court will reign for one year.

Closing date for Application is Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

Contestants must be between the ages of 17 – 21 years old, on the day of the pageant (May 16th, 2024).
Contestant must be female, single, have never been married nor is planning to be married until after her reign, and have never given birth to a child.

Pageant Information Meeting:

Wednesday, January 24th at 6pm, to assist and answer any questions regarding the pageant,

completing the application form and the required activities.

Location: Fair Administration Office

1201 West 10th Street, Antioch

For more information contact Devon Baldocchi, Pageant Director at office@ccfair.org or (925) 783-2275.

2024 Fair Queen Application

Visit www.contracostafair.com for Contra Costa County Fair updates on shows, exhibits, entertainers, fair-time sponsors, fair maps, promotions, ticket sales and more!

2024 Contra Costa County Fair to run May 16-19

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Exciting arena events, concert series, carnival rides, livestock, exhibits and more!

ANTIOCH – Save the date for the 2024 Contra Costa County FAIR happening May 16 – 19 at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

To FAIR and Beyond is the theme for a fun planned four-day event for fair-goers of all ages.  The Contra Costa County Fair is the perfect place to enjoy live entertainment, exciting arena events, delicious food, carnival rides, animals and hundreds of exhibits – all in a community-friendly environment at affordable prices! 

Main stage entertainment at our 2024 FAIR concert series is FREE with admission to the FAIR.

The Contra Costa Fairgrounds are located at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch.

Visit www.contracostafair.com for more information.

Antioch’s annual Holiday Delites Celebration, Parade in Rivertown Saturday, Dec. 2

Tuesday, November 21st, 2023

Sip & Shop Artisan Faire, Entertainment, Kids Crafts, Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting

Parade entry deadline Monday, Nov. 27th

Presented by City of Antioch and Celebrate Antioch Foundation

Visit Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown and experience our annual Holiday Delites Celebration taking place on Saturday, December 2nd. This event features our illustrious holiday parade filled with live performers and moving floats, family photo opportunities with Santa, cookie decorating and much more! Visit the Sip and Shop Artisian Faire on G street from 1:00pm-5:00pm hosted by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation. You and your family won’t want to miss this!

This event will be held on G Street. This family friendly event includes music, food, wine and beer, and over 30 artisan vendors! It’s a great way to knock out that Christmas shopping list while supporting local and handmade artisans.

To participate in the parade, applications are due by Monday, Nov. 27th.

Please Note: The evening parade and tree lighting is tentative based on weather. In case of heavy downpour on December 2nd, the event will be cancelled.

For more information visit Holiday Delites Celebration & Parade or

Amtrak to run discounted trains to 2023 rededication of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Oct. 14

Monday, October 2nd, 2023

San Joaquins trains will bring visitors to celebrate site unique to California’s African American history

By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory “re-dedication” event on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant park.  

The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.

The re-dedication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the re-dedication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”

The festival will feature historical re-enactments, storytelling, square dancing, food vendors, crafts, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner once again with Amtrak San Joaquins to reconnect Californians with the historic town of Allensworth,” stated FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “As a cornerstone of California’s rich history, Allensworth deserves to be experienced by all. Amtrak San Joaquins continues to provide a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable journey to this significant location. Mark your calendars for October 14th to partake in a day of historical immersion, as we recommit to preserving this invaluable site, all while traveling in the comfort and style that only Amtrak San Joaquins can offer.”

The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, and 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Riders can save an additional 50 percent on up to five companion tickets by using the Friends and Family Discount code (V302). Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes: 

  • 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 10% off 

Visitors attending the re-dedication will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park. 

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.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, and has 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 historic icon, and 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 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. 

Rivertown Fall Fest & BBQ Cook-Off Oct. 7

Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

7th Annual Rivertown Peddlers Faire September 9

Thursday, August 24th, 2023

Celebrate Antioch Foundation is proud to announce our 7th annual Rivertown Peddlers Faire! The Rivertown Peddlers Faire will be Saturday Sept 9th 9am – 3pm featuring over 75 vendors! Our street vendors will be selling an array of unique and eclectic items from furniture, home decor, vintage and collectable items, handmade and repurposed items, art and handmade crafts, plants and succulents, clothing and jewelry, bath and body products, hair products and make up, candles, gifts and so much more!

We are excited that we have 22 new vendors joining us this year! Live music performed by Horatio Monroe, food court featuring a handful of our Rivertown restaurants, and great, local wine and beer. All this in a fun, relaxed family friendly and pet friendly setting.

While you’re in historic, downtown Rivertown, stop in and support our local shops as they will be open with extra inventory for this day. The Rivertown Peddlers Faire offers a little something for everyone. 

For more information about Celebrate Antioch Foundation and this year’s events visit www.celebrateantioch.org.

Antioch attorney joins Contra Costa County Fair Board as newest member

Tuesday, August 15th, 2023
Richard Hobin. Source: Hobin & Hobin LLP Attorneys at Law

ANTIOCH – On Friday August 11, 2023 Governor Newsom appointed Richard Hobin of Antioch to the 23rd District Agricultural Association, Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors.

Hobin has been the owner and an attorney at Hobin & Hobin LLP since 1977. He served at the rank of O-3 in the U.S. Navy in 1974. Hobin is a member of the Lone Tree Golf Course Board of Directors, the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the California State Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the Rotary Club of the Delta.

He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.

Fair CEO Joe Brengle stated that he is excited to have Hobin as a Board Member.

The next Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2023. For noard meeting agendas visit the Fair’s website at www.contracostafair.com.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Contra Costa County Fair May 16 – 19, with the theme “To FAIR and Beyond”.

Summer Festival & Health Fair in Oakland Aug. 26

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023