Atmospheric River: Alameda County Fair Reopens After Storm Knocks Down Trees, Damages Booths

PLEASANTON (CBS SF) – The Alameda County Fair reopened Monday afternoon after cleaning up damage from Sunday's major storm that struck the Bay Area over the weekend.

Organizers shared pictures with KPIX 5 which showed tree branches and signs knocked down, along with booths damaged by the wind and heavy rain that passed through the area. The storm also drenched stuffed animals in the carnival area and knocked over tents.

Fair organizers announced on Saturday that the event would not be open Sunday due to safety concerns.

On Monday morning, crews were busy cleaning up the damage. "The show must go on," a fair worker told KPIX 5.

The Tri-Valley was not spared from heavy rainfall and strong winds in Sunday's storm, with the National Weather Service reporting that more than 4 inches of rain fell at the Livermore Airport over a 24-hour span.

Sally Taser told KPIX 5 she was inside her Livermore home when a tree came down. "My husband roped it off just in case, cause it was still really windy when we found it," she said.

Guests who planned to attend the fair on Sunday can use their tickets for any other day of the event, organizers said. Meanwhile, guests who had tickets for the concert or wine tasting events on Sunday will be notified by email for additional information.

Normally held in summer, the fair reopened on Friday for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, after a hiatus that stretched more than two years.

On Thursday, crews were busy conducting finishing touches to the rollercoaster, along with stocking last-minute items and prizes at the game booths.

"Here we are! We are glad we are back," said Trudy West.

The carnival employee told KPIX 5 that it's nice to be working again after a pandemic brought things to a halt. "We were all off a whole year, we didn't do anything.  I'm from Texas, so we just kind of sat around and gained weight," West said.

Visitors can expect traditional fair favorites such as the carnival rides and fair food, along with live concerts.

The fair continues through Halloween. Ticket information can be found by visiting the fairgrounds website.

Juliette Goodrich contributed to this report.