Early Buyers Offered Ride Package for Fair

Organizers of the 1997 Ventura County Fair are urging all those who love swooshing down roller coasters, tumbling upside down or relaxing atop the Ferris wheel to save some money and purchase tickets early.

Until Tuesday, county residents will be able to purchase a special $20-for-20-rides package at the Seaside Park administration office.

After that tickets will cost 60 cents and, according to fair organizers, rides cost three to five tickets.

Additionally, there will be a special ride wristband available for $14, which allows wearers to ride as many of the attractions as they want between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Discount coupons for the wristbands worth $5 are available at most area Target stores.

The fair, which begins Wednesday and runs through Aug. 24, will also feature several special appreciation days, with free or discounted admission for the day’s honorees.

On Wednesday, families with coupons from Pepsi can gain admission to the fair for $10.

On Thursday, Military Appreciation Day, all military personnel with valid identification will gain free admission to the fair.

On Youth Day on Aug. 15, children 12 and younger will be allowed in free.

On Aug. 19, Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Day, those 55 and older and those living with a disability will enjoy a free day at the park.

The fair opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 10 p.m. The carnival and its bounty of gut-wrenching rides opens at noon. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12 years old and seniors 55 and older. Children younger than 5 are admitted free.

Season tickets are also available to enjoy all 12 days of the fair. They cost $45 for adults and $20 for children and seniors.