76th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival gets underway

The 76th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is now underway for the next two weekends.

The festival returns with improvements, in addition to a variety of rides, food and musical entertainment.

Gates opened at 3 p.m. Friday immediately following the blessing of the dates ceremony that was held at 2:30 p.m. at Gate 1 of the Riverside County Fairground, 82-503 Highway 111, according to a statement from Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

"Growing up in Coachella, and coming to the fair all the time, every year with my family and friends, and continuing the tradition later on with my family, the fair has always been fun,'' Perez said in a statement. "There has been a lot of work done to make this even better and start another 75 years here! It should be a fun time, and I invite everyone to come out to the fair as well as the parade and other events!''  

Upon arrival, attendees can expect to see a new digital marquee and landscaping upgrades in front the fairgrounds, which is part of a $2 million project to beautify, upgrade and improve the fair experience for attendees, according to Perez. Other improvements include the restrooms, fresh paint on the barn and new decorative fencing.   

The 10-day festival will continue until Feb. 25 with several events planned to take place throughout, including the annual President's Day Grand Parade, a demo derby, rodeo and monster truck show.

More information about the fair can be found at datefest.org.