This year it’s
an animal
lover’s delight
By Saria Kraft
kraft@theacorn.com

CUDDLES-Alyssa Pasetta, 7, holds Powder Sugar, an Angora Giant rabbit, during the rabbit and guinea pig costume contest at the Ventura County Fair. Below, a Mini Rex bunny.

Themed "Hooray for Hollywood," the Ventura County Fair gained momentum throughout its opening weekend at Seaside Park. The extravaganza attracted 86,191 attendees from Fri., Aug. 6 through Sun., Aug 8, compared with 86,359 in 2003.

With a top admission price of $7 for adults, fairgoers were treated to all day entertainment at six venues.

"It’s the best bargain of the century," said Leah Lacayo, president of the fair board.

The Newbury Park resident, who was appointed to the board of directors by former Gov. Gray Davis, said this year’s theme has contributed much to the event’s success.

4-H club members from Simi Valley, Moorpark and the Conejo Valley played an active role in the fair.

On Saturday, the small livestock area near Uncle Leo’s Barn became the site of a Tinseltown premiere as the young competitors escorted their pets to the Rabbit and Cavy Division costume contest.

Rabbit and guinea pig entries, as well as their owners, were required to dress according to the fair’s Hollywood theme. Along with stellar imagination, the contest showcased the owners’ abilities to manage their animals.

Some pets squirmed and scampered over the smooth surface of the judging table. One plump guinea pig had trouble keeping its wig hat in place. Wearing full "Three Musketeers" regalia, Cody Berry, 15, of Moorpark and his bunny were masters of self-control.

But Berry, project leader for the Tierra Rejada 4-H Club, lost the Oscar to fellow club member Sarah Bobardt, 10, of Moorpark.

Both Bobardt and Muffin, a Holland Lop rabbit, sparkled in gowns of lavender and periwinkle. (No designer was credited.) The furry starlet remained poised on her red carpet platform, although a competitor did his best to distract her.

In a dashing tuxedo reminiscent of "An Affair to Remember," Selina Pasetta’s rabbit, Snickers, drew the spotlight on himself with multiple attempts to join Muffin on the red carpet.

"He can’t stay away from her," Bobardt said of the flirty Holland Lop. "He wants her."

Pasetta, also 10, of Simi Valley, and Snickers won second place at the event.

In addition to the costume contest, the Tierra Rejada club members placed first and second in the Rabbit Breed and Rabbit Showmanship categories and have entries in the poultry, lamb and swine divisions this week.

At the Youth Expo building, club members won prizes in the following categories: ceramics, needlepoint, scrapbooking, sewing, woodcarving, cowboy cookies, treasure cookies, cake decorating, canning gift basket, canned peaches, canned pears, canned grape juice, canned salsa, two-berry jam, bread and butter pickles, dehydrated herbs and home grown fruit and vegetables.

The Tierra Rejada 4-H Club, which is open to youth ages 5 to 18 in the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley and Moorpark, meets monthly at Madera School in Simi Valley. To learn more, visit www.tierrarejada4-H.com.

The Ventura County Fair continues through Sun., Aug. 15. For a list of attractions and Metrolink schedules from Moorpark and Simi Valley directly to the fairgrounds, visit www.coolfair.com or www.seasidepark.org/vcfair.