The Alameda County Fair is bringing an authentic cattle drive through Main Street in Pleasanton Friday, June 16 to kick off its Opening Day celebration. Fair officials believe the cowboys, horses and steers will feel "right at home" in the city once known as the “most desperate town in the West."
The cattle drive will start at the First Street and Stanley Boulevard intersection in Pleasanton (see map), where cowboys and cowgirls will guide a herd of cattle through the center of town down Main Street and Bernal Avenue and into the fairgrounds. The event starts at 10:30 a.m. and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Police say Main Street will be closed between Bernal Avenue and Del Valle during the event, while side streets will implement rolling closures to keep traffic moving. Teams will clean up after the animals.
No parking will be allowed on the following streets from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.:
- Main Street between Bernal Avenue and Del Valle. (CLOSED FOR EVENT)
- Rose Avenue between Gate 9 and Rose Avenue
- Fair Street between Rose Avenue and Division Street
- Division Street between Fair Street and Pleasanton Avenue
- St. Mary between Pleasanton Avenue and Peters Street
- Peters Street between St. Mary and St. John
- St. John between Peters and Main Street
“This is a first for Alameda County Fair and Downtown Pleasanton,” said Jerome Hoban, the Fair’s CEO. “After months of planning, we are excited to bring a real, western experience to our community. A hundred and fifty head of cattle forging their way through downtown will be a fun and unforgettable sight for kids and grown-ups alike. Bring your family and friends -- you won’t want to miss this one. ”
Many downtown businesses will offer free Fair tickets to customers on opening day while supplies last, and the Museum on Main will host fun, themed activities and crafts for kids. Participating businesses will be listed on the Fair’s website.
The Alameda County Fair runs June 16 to July 9 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Visit alamedacountyfair.com for schedule, map and event updates.
