An FMX rider performs a stunt at an event in June. (Contributed)

A group of freestyle motorcycle daredevils called FMX Ramp-Age is coming to the Santa Cruz County Fair for the first time this year, promising in its website an “adrenaline-fueled extravaganza like no other.”

The fair runs from Sept.10-14.

The show will be led by freestyle motocross (FMX) champion Adam Jones, a 6-time gold medalist in the X-games, an annual event that showcases extreme sports such as skateboarding, BMX and motocross.

According to a press release from Ramp-Age, attendees will witness, “jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking aerial maneuvers, and mind-blowing tricks performed by some of the world’s most talented FMX riders.”

Jones and his fellow riders, the press release states, will “push the limits of gravity and leave audiences on the edge of their seats.”

An additional ticket is required for the event. which takes place at the Ocean Speedway. 

“This is more than just a show–it’s an opportunity to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages,” Jones stated. “We’ve been hard at work crafting a performance that will leave a lasting impression, and we can’t wait to share it with the incredible fans in attendance.”

Also new this year is Pro Wrestling Revolution, a mixture of Lucha Libre and traditional wrestling that will be free to all attendees.

About 60 volunteers helped set the stage for this year’s fair by planting over 2,000 marigolds, petunias and State Fair zinnias around  the fairgrounds in July.

That same month, the fair welcomed Dori Rose Inda as its new Chief Executive Officer/Fair Manager. 

In the Fine Arts building, Donna Giubbini, chairman, said more than 600 artwork pieces including sculptures, photos, painting, and ceramics will be on display.

“Lady in Read” is a sculpture made of newsprint by Elizabeth Savoy that will be part of the art exhibit inside the Fine Arts Building in the upcoming Santa Cruz County Fair. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

In the Harvest Building judges wrapped up judging jams,  crochet, woodwork and jewelry entries Wednesday in the home arts division. 

“Radical” is a painting by Gregory Souza, 18, who has been entering artworks in the fair since he was 5. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)

Baked goods come next week, as well as entries in the floriculture building and the horticulture building.

The fair opens at noon on Sept. 10, with an opening ceremony starting at 11:45am, followed by the traditional ice cream social to welcome seniors. 

Then the standard opening day barbecue, put on by the Farm Bureau and Watsonville Firefighters, will be staged in Paddy Smith Park. Tickets can be purchased at the barbecue or in advance at the Farm Bureau. 

Meanwhile, Santa Cruz METRO is offering free bus rides to the fair, along with discounted fair tickets. 

METRO has created a special daily route 79F, and weekend-only route 79 (Sept.13-14) as well as daily ParaCruz service.

Bus rides will depart from the Watsonville Transit Center 35 minutes past the hour from 10:35am–9:35pm on weekdays and 8:35am–9:35pm on weekends. Return trips from the fair will depart on the hour from 11am–10pm on weekdays and 9am–10pm on weekends.

This crocheted hat was entered in the fair by Carrie Ehelar in the Home Arts division inside the Harvest Building. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)
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Tarmo Hannula has been the lead photographer with The Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville since 1997. More recently Good Times & Press Banner. He also reports on a wide range of topics, including police, fire, environment, schools, the arts and events. A fifth generation Californian, Tarmo was born in the Mother Lode of the Sierra (Columbia) and has lived in Santa Cruz County since the late 1970s. He earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz and has traveled to 33 countries.

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