A little more than a month before the Ventura County Fair launches its 12-day run, emergency work is expected to begin soon on a deteriorated storm drainpipe system that officials worry could possibly compromise asphalt in the fairgrounds’ carnival area.
The goal is to complete the project about two weeks before the fair’s opening day on July 29, CEO Heidi Ortiz said after a fairgrounds board of directors meeting on June 23. The fairgrounds board approved the emergency project in a special meeting earlier this month and contractors will soon submit estimated costs in an accelerated bidding process.
“I’m hoping we’ll be able to break ground next week. That’s the goal. We want it done by July 15,” Ortiz said.
The deteriorated pipe system came to light when pipelines were cleaned after an event at the Ventura beachside fairgrounds. Though its possible the carnival area could survive the damage for years, it’s also possible continued deterioration could cause asphalt above the pipes to fail, Ortiz said.
“It could possibly cause a safety concern,” she said.
Costs of the project are still unknown, but Ortiz said initial estimates are about $100,000. The project is expected to be completed before the fair begins. If delays emerge, it appears work could be done to safely stabilize the area and the remainder of the repairs could be finished after the fair.
When is this year’s Ventura County Fair?
The fair runs from July 29 to Aug. 9. Attractions include a new daily dog show on a fairgrounds stage, three days of rodeo, a future of agriculture project and a Beerfest that will be held the final day of the fair.
Grandstand entertainment includes Bush, Ashanti, Iration and Jake Owen among others. Food items include delicacies like udon noodle bowls, jalapeño cheddar sausages dipped in churro batter, tiramisu cinnamon rolls, roasted chile relleno on-a-stick and an array of fries that include spam fries, cheesy hot pastrami fries, teriyaki chicken fries and loaded funnel cake fries.
Ortiz said at the fairgrounds board meeting on June 23 that in addition to the main parking lot, a lot across Figueroa Street from the fairgrounds will be used for overflow parking. Other transportation will include free shuttle service from offsite parking lots.
Fair tickets through the end of June are priced at $16.45 for adults, including fees and $11.45 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and younger are free. For more information, go to VCFair.org.
Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Emergency pipe repair work set to start as Ventura County Fair approaches
Reporting by Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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By Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star | USA TODAY Network
