Michael Jacksons, Samba at Kern County Fair

County fair opens Wednesday - Tehachapi News - Tehachapi News.

larger view A children's ride that previously operated at Michael Jackson's Neverland will be part of the kiddie carnival at the 2009 Kern County Fair, which opens Wed., Sept. 23. The ride, The Balloon Samba, seats 32 children in six “hot air balloon” carriages. Fluffy white cloud cutouts and smiling suns decorate the safety barrier and give riders the illusion of floating in the sky. Butler Amusements, the operator presenting the carnival at Kern County Fair, purchased the ride late last year. Butler is also bringing to the fair the new Wind Surfer, in which riders control the wings so the seat flies up and down, simulating the swooping action of wind surfing on open waves. Other rides include the U-Toob Funhouse in which patrons see clips of amusing home movies while negotiating obstacles. The Spin Out, made in England, takes passengers up, down and around. The Spin Out at the Kern County Fair is one of only eight traveling with carnivals in the United States. In addition to the Opening Day parade, Seniors Day, the Little Miss Kern County Beauty Pageant and the livestock and still exhibits, a star-studded lineup of performers is booked into the Fair venues. • In the Budweiser Pavilion: Phil Vassar, Tower of Power, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, SKYNNYN LYNNYRD Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band, Crystal Gayle, Hanson, Rick Springfield, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Salvador, Grand Funk Railroad, The Spinners and Carmen Jara. • Grandstand entertainment: Digger Helm Short Track, Lucha Libre, PRCA Rodeo and Fiesta Rodeo.