A Fair Deal in Northridge

The San Fernando Valley Fair takes over the North Campus of Cal State Northridge this weekend, with an attempt to recapture the sense of country life BVF (Before the Ventura Freeway). Sort of a scaled-down version of the county fair, the events include carnival rides, concerts, animal exhibits and a rare rodent show.

The California Paper Aeronautic Invitational--a paper airplane contest, in plain English--begins at 11 a.m. today and offers $1,000 in prize money. All children are encouraged to enter.

Families can also head for the livestock shows, where local 4-H’ers will be exhibiting their prize pigs, sheep and goats. And a petting zoo will offer the soft touch for tiny hands.

Magicians, jugglers and stilt walkers will meander the fairgrounds, and the continuous entertainment on three stages will include rock bands, country bands and puppet shows.

Highlights on Sunday’s schedule are a bicycle race, which expected to draw cyclists from around the world, and a mice-and-rat show, which will draw local breeders proudly showing their rare rodents.

Rounding out the festivities are 45 food booths (“everything imaginable you can put on a stick”), crafts demonstrations and a chili cook-off.

Tonight’s concert features Blood, Sweat and Tears. Sunday’s show stars Asleep at the Wheel. Concerts are included in the fair admission: $4 for adults, $1.50 for children 6-12.

The North Campus is on Devonshire between Zelzah and Lindley. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Information: (818) 368-6202.