Alameda County Fairgrounds facts for kids
The Alameda County Fairgrounds is a big, 270-acre (about 109-hectare) area located in Pleasanton, California. It's famous for hosting the yearly Alameda County Fair, which has been happening since 1912! Many other events, like trade shows and community gatherings, also take place here.
Right on the fairgrounds, you'll find the Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack. This track was built way back in 1858, making it the oldest one-mile (1.6 km) horse racing track in the entire United States. Inside the track, there's even a 9-hole golf course and a large amphitheater with 3,000 seats for performances.
For model train fans, the Alameda County Central Railroad Society has a fantastic exhibit at the fairgrounds. They've been building it since 1959! It has grown into two huge layouts, each 15 feet by 100 feet, featuring trains in both O scale and HO scale.
Building J, also known as the Amador Pavilion, is a large building used for many different things. It's an arena where livestock events happen, and it can also host other activities.
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The Heathcote-MacKenzie House, sometimes called The Heritage House, was built around 1905 on the fairgrounds site. It was originally a place for wealthy horse owners from Canada to stay when they brought their horses to Pleasanton for the winter. Today, it's recognized as a historic place and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The annual fair has been cancelled a few times throughout history. This happened during 1917–18, 1942–45, and in 2020.
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Exciting Events at the Fairgrounds
Besides the popular annual fair, the Alameda County Fairgrounds hosts many other fun and interesting events regularly:
Scottish Highland Games
- The Scottish Highland Gathering and Games is a huge event that started in the 1860s. It's known as the biggest two-day Scottish gathering in North America! In 2015, it celebrated its 150th anniversary, bringing Scottish culture to life with music, dance, and athletic competitions.
Spooky Haunted House Fun
- If you like a good scare, the Pirates Of Emerson Haunted House is an annual attraction that transforms part of the fairgrounds into a spooky adventure.
Cool Car Shows
- Car enthusiasts love the several annual automobile shows put on by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. You can see all sorts of amazing custom cars and classic vehicles.
Night to Shine Prom
- The fairgrounds also hosts the Night to Shine prom, an unforgettable event for people with special needs, organized by Cornerstone Fellowship.
