TIJUANA Billed "Livelier than ever," the annual Tijuana Fair begins Thursday and stretches for 25 days of rides and games, concerts, exhibits and of course, food, lots of it.
Organizers lowered the price of admission compared to last year, to $4 for adults, making the fair one of the best entertainment values around.
What's more, on Tuesdays, fairgoers will be given a bracelet or "pulsera" that will allow them to go on all the rides for free with only the price of admission.
The fair's director, Javier Orantes Juárez, said in a statement that the organizers had enhanced security "because our families deserved it."
Entertainment will be presented in two stages, Teatro del Pueblo, where youth and family-oriented acts will be presented; and the Palenque, where top-name artists are to perform.
These include Vicente Fernández, Jenni Rivera, Edith Márquez, OV7, La Original Banda El Limón, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, Reyli, Julión Álvarez, María José, Roberto Tapia and Espinoza Paz
Among the artists to perform in the Teatro del Pueblo are José "El Coyote" Ledezma and Ricardo "Cepillín" González.
Like its north-of-the-border cousin, the fair is divided into various zones, including an arts and crafts area, a food pavilion, a children's area, two musical stages, a zone with 30 mechanical rides and an ice rink.
The director said a record number of fairgoers was expected from both sides of the border this year, given the lower ticket prices and the strong entertainment line-up.
Fair facts
The Tijuana Fair is being held next to Morelos Park, on the city's east side from Aug. 25 to Sept. 18. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Concerts in the Palenque begin at 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m.
Admission to the fair is 50 pesos for adults (about $4) and 20 pesos ($1.60) for children.
There is an additional charge for concerts in the Palenque, with tickets costing from 150 pesos ($12) to 1,500 pesos ($120).
Tickets are available at the fair box office. Additional information and a complete calendar is available at www.feriatijuana2011.com
