CAMEL RIDES/DIAPER DERBY & TODDLER CONTEST

Fair visitors usually walk over to the livestock area expecting to see pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and other familiar fair animals. And perhaps to enjoy a guilty pleasure, a milkshake at the clover deli. But camels? Returning to the Santa Cruz County Fair, visitors will have the chance to ride a camel, which isn’t exactly something you get to do often if ever at all!

The camel ride track will be located between the Pig Races and the Livestock Show Arena, two or three people can ride one of the camels at a time, depending on the amount of spaces available in the saddle. Rider weight isn’t really a factor for these large animals as they can carry over half of their own weight.

The rides will be atop Dromedary camels, meaning that they have only one hump. Two humped camels are known as Bactrians. The camels you will ride were obtained from domestic breeders in the United States, as camels are no longer allowed to be imported into the U.S.

These camels are taken care of to the highest of ethical standards and are treated with much love. The camels enjoy a diet similar to what many horses eat; grass, hay, and grain. All the camels are extremely docile and enjoy being around people.

Contrary to what many people think, the humps of the camels are not filled with water. Instead, the humps are filled with dense fat. This fat can hold water for up to three weeks, which allows camels to survive for long periods of time without water in the desert. In addition, camels do no spit or bite like many people believe… llamas do that.

The opportunity to ride camels is one more reason why the Fair is unique and has something fun for the entire family.

If it’s been some time since you have had a little one in the house or that is something you have yet to experience, you might want to plan on being in Paddy Smith Park on Saturday, September 17, during the Fair. The Diaper Derby/Toddler Contest kicks off, or rather crawls off, starting at 1 PM.

These slow motion races for the prize begin orderly enough but as soon as the whistle blows an entertaining chaos breaks out. The kids are cute and their parents are entertaining. Some of the competitors head straight for the finish line, at least in the beginning, but most wander off when they spot something far more interesting than dad jiggling the car keys on the other side of the mat.

The derby has its roots in the celebrations held in pioneer communities and was a part of the Santa Cruz Fair in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Fair Board of Director Loretta Estrada brought the event back to the Fair and it grows in popularity each year.

While the Kentucky Derby calls itself the fastest two minutes in sport, the Fair Diaper Derby is the slowest two minutes. But way more fun!

Santa Cruz Fair Diaper Derby Saturday, September 17 1 PM Toddler Contest follows the derby Registration prior to the 1 PM Derby start Paddy Smith Park