U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron fly T-38 Talons in formation for the 45th Freedom Flyer Reunion over Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, March 22, 2018. The Freedom Flyer Reunion is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible service of Air Force Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War, their honorable return, and their connection with the 12th Flying Training Wing during Operation Homecoming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James R. Crow)
Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14
Local high school students to perform, volunteer
By Allen D. Payton
A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.
The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.
The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.
On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.
Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street.
Source: De La Salle High School
Local High School Students Volunteer
This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.
De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.
Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.
Veterans Served Their Country — Now They Serve Their Communities
Join us for Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12–15, 2025 at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) in Antioch, presented by Delta Veterans Group.
Launched in 2023, our “Veterans Served Their Country — Veterans Serve Their Communities” program gives these honorable individuals a New Mission of Service — and you’re invited to join them.
These brave women and men served our nation. Now, they’re answering a new call — to serve the neighborhoods and communities they call home.
Saturday, September 13, 2025, is Community Service Day, when Veterans will serve every corner of Contra Costa County, helping everyone, not just fellow Veterans. ervices are open to everyone regardless if you are a veteran or not.
Veterans: Pre-register or walk in daily
Everyone else: Come volunteer, get connected, or lend support.
Over four days, we provide life-changing services to hundreds of Veterans:
Medical & Dental Care
Housing, Job Placement & Legal Support
Mental Health & Recovery Services
Meals, Clothing, Gear & More
Over 1,754 Veterans and families helped so far — and we’re just getting started.
Help us make 2025 the most impactful Stand Down yet.
The Delta Veterans Group brings Contra Costa County (CCC) “Stand Down on the Delta” a Homeless Veterans’ “Hand Up” event every other year (2015, 2017, 2019….) DVG is proud to bring Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12-15, to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.
This is a four-day event wherein U.S. military veterans receive services in Medical, Dental, Veterans Treatment Court, Housing, Job Placement, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.
To date the Stand Down on the Delta biennial event has helped thousands of veterans and their families, served thousands of meals, given away over 1,100 pairs of boots, over 1,500 sleeping bags, over 1,300 pairs of new jeans, $500,000 in dental care, taken over 200 veterans fishing on our Delta shores and helped many more find permanent housing.
We work with over 70 different organizations during our four day Stand Down on the Delta event. In September of 2019 over 850 Volunteers from around the State of California and even as far as South Carolina came to Antioch to help us provide these great services to our veterans.
About DVG
Delta Veterans Group is a 501(c)3 Veterans service non-profit that assists our Nation’s finest men and women with housing, employment, health, and education services. Founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG has now grown to provide services to surrounding Northern California areas including Alameda, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, San Francisco and Solano counties.
Come out on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14th at 11AM as the VFW will officially rename Antioch VFW Post 6435 in honor of John McMullen, a proud U.S. Army Veteran and lifelong Antioch resident who dedicated his life to this community — even helping build the very VFW building we’re naming after him!
And what better day than the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday to celebrate John’s legacy of service? We’re honored to welcome Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and other local officials for this special dedication. Let’s come together to celebrate John’s life, service, and the values that unite us. Don’t miss this powerful tribute to a true hometown hero!
We’re honored to have the support of Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill in Antioch as they recognize the hard work Delta Veterans Group is doing for our Bay Area community.
On Monday May 26 from11am- 9pm, 15% of the day’s food and beverage sales will be donated to Delta Veterans Group to assist their efforts to help our local veterans during the Stand Down on the Delta later this year.
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 Senior’s 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.
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.
