Ludacris, Vanilla Ice, head fair's grandstand schedule; surprise still coming

Country rocker Brantley Gilbert will perform at this year's 12-day Ventura County Fair, joining a grandstand lineup that includes rapper Ludacris, Vanilla Ice and ska alternative rock group Sublime with Rome.

As part of a series of daily announcements about musical acts at the grandstand, fair officials said Tuesday Gilbert will play at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. He's a high-energy performer who has toured with stars as diverse as Toby Keith and Nickelback. His hits include "Bottoms Up," "You Don't Know Her Like I Do" and "Country Must Be Country Wide."

The fair runs from July 31 to Aug. 11 and is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Tuesday's announcement means the grandstand lineup currently looks like this:

• Wednesday, July 31 – I Love the 90’s Tour (with Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Sugarhill Gang, C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams)

• Tuesday, Aug. 1 – Brantley Gilbert

• Friday, Aug. 2 – Sublime with Rome

• Saturday, Aug. 3 – Dustin Lynch

• Tuesday, Aug. 6 – Ludacris

• Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Gary Allan

Another top-of-the-line performer will be revealed in June in a surprise announcement, Fair CEO Jen McGuire told the fair board in a meeting Tuesday. The fair also plans three days of rodeo in the grandstand and its annual Dia de La Familia event.

What is the VIP ticket program?

Concerts are free with admission to the fair though leaders have also introduced a new VIP ticket program that starts at $39, not including fair entrance. Buyers get amenities such as seats closer to the stage, a separate selection of food for purchase including catered items and a full bar. The area also has its own restrooms.

Fair spokesperson Megan Hook said a changed layout of the grandstand area has produced a larger stage and a bigger venue, increasing the number of good seats for fairgoers with and without the VIP tickets.

“The majority of the seating is still free,” she said. “We’ve also taken the entertainment up a notch.”

How much will tickets cost?

Admission tickets are $15 in early online sales that begin at 8 a.m. Thursday with the fair covering fees for purchases made until June 30. Early online tickets for seniors and children are $10. Hook said VIP tickets will go on sale Thursday morning too and are expected to go fast.

Fair admission will be $20 for most adults at the gate and $15 for children and seniors. For the rodeo, tickets range from $8 to $10.

On the fair's opening day, tickets will be sold to all ages for $3 at the gate before 3 p.m. Youth day will be Aug. 2 with children 12 and younger admitted for free.

On Aug. 5's 805 Day, all fairgoers will be admitted for $5 before 5 p.m. Seniors and disabled people will be admitted free on Aug. 6 with gates opening at 11 a.m. For disabled people, one caretaker will also be admitted without charge.

First responders and members of the military will be admitted for free on Aug. 8. A valid ID is required. Members of the Ventura County Credit Union receive $4 off on admission through 6 p.m. on Aug. 7.

What are the fair hours?

The fair will be open from noon to midnight.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, go to www.venturacountyfair.org.

Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ludacris, Vanilla Ice head VC Fair's schedule; surprise still coming