A sea of lights, food stands and fairgoers fills the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds on Friday evening. The view from atop the fun house offered a sweeping look at the vibrant midway below. 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - What is it that makes the county fair so appealing? 

For some, it’s the games and adrenaline-fueled rides; for others, it’s the novelty entertainment acts or the selection of deep-fried delights. 

No matter your preferences, there’s an undeniable vibe at the county fair. 

“We haven’t been here in years but some friends gave us free tickets,” said Terri Howard. “I can’t believe how much it’s grown. It really makes me feel young again.” 

Speaking of young’uns, Friday was the Yuba-Sutter Fair’s Kids Day, with free admission for those 11 and under. It also happened to be the coolest day of the week, with temperatures peaking at just 80 degrees. Gates opened promptly at 4 p.m. and time-savvy thrill-seekers headed straight for the rides. 

A mask-wearing street performer brings laughs to the midway on Friday at the Yuba Sutter Fair

Even in the bright afternoon sun, rides such as “Freak Out,” “Zipper” and “Rock Star” had lengthy wait times but nothing compared to the gridlock rush hour of twilight. As the skies turned orange, the lines grew longer, dazzling riders in the rainbow glow of neon bulbs. 

“It’s just so beautiful,” said 11-year-old Alex Jones, describing his experience on the Zender ride. “You feel like you’re floating in this crazy dream and all the lights are swirling above and below you.” 

Those looking to escape the crowds could find solace among the show animals, many of whom were out for their evening stroll or getting packed up for the night. 

Logan Choate Foster walks his cow Gemini through the fairgrounds Friday evening

For rabbit exhibitors, Friday marked the end of their fair run, following final showmanship events that afternoon. Among them was young Stella Hunt, proudly showing off her Netherland Dwarf rabbit, “Sir Archie,” a rare, two-pound breed that isn’t often seen at local fairs. 

“He won first in his class,” said Hunt. “But he was also the only one in his class.”

While Sir Archie was considered a pet or breeder, other rabbits at the fair had a different fate. 

“If you look around and see multiple in a pen, those are probably meat. Solos are usually pets,” explained Hunt’s mother, Philipa.

“Sir Archie,” a Netherland Dwarf rabbit, peers out from his cage at the Yuba-Sutter Fair. His owner, Stella Hunt, said the petite breed was the only one of its class at the local fair. 

Over by the cattle pens, Logan Choate Foster was giving his cow, Gemini, a final evening walk. A Marysville Future Farmers of Ameria member, Choate Foster has been showing cows for four years but only recently began selling them. 

“Last year, I got eighth place in the carcass contest and I got Choice Plus,” he said. “Eating him (Gemini) would be like eating at a very fancy restaurant.” 

This year, he upped his game: Gemini placed third in Market and first in Commercial, with an estimated 70% yield of Choice Plus or Prime grade meat. 

Although the goodbye is bittersweet, Choate Foster focuses on the quality of life he has given his animal. 

“He’s had a good life,” he said. “(For Gemini), it’s like eating the best food you could ever have every single day of your life and being loved every single day of your life.” 

Riders soar face-first through the air aboard the “Cliff Hanger,” a popular hang-glider-style thrill ride.

As the evening rolled toward dinner hour, food stands came alive with hungry visitors. A new dumpling booth attracted curious customers with steaming pork buns and panda buns filled with sweet red bean paste. Nearby, caricature artists kept folks entertained while they waited. 

With warm plates in hand, many headed toward the picnic area beside the main stage. There, as golden hour hit, the Josh Day Band made their debut, bringing energy and classic rock vibes with covers such as “Simple Man” and others that had the crowd swaying along. 

Several fairgoers complimented lead singer Josh Day’s clean, strong vocals, calling it the perfect end to another memorable night at the Yuba-Sutter Fair.