There is definitely magic in the air around the Porterville Fairgrounds as workers and fair organizers work fervently in preparation for Wednesday's opening day of the 60th annual Porterville Fair.

With "There's Magic in the Air" as the 2008 fair theme, Susie Godfrey, consultant to the board of directors, said the theme fits perfect in more ways than one. Not only will there be magical and illusionist acts, but the entire fairgrounds - from the animal stalls to the local talent competition - will sparkle.

"Our crown jewel is our carnival. This is one to die for - something we have never had before in Porterville," Godfrey said. "We shopped and traveled and looked everywhere for the right carnival to bring out and when I saw this one, I knew this was the one."

The Midway, by Butler Amusement, will bring 160 full-time employees with them and can handle 700 people an hour, Godfrey said. And for the first time ever, they are offering an unlimited-ride bracelet. For $20 advance sale or $25 at the fair, a person can ride on all of the appropriate-age rides as many times as they wish.

"The old way you had to buy tickets at $1 each and it would take four or five tickets a ride," Godfrey said. "Now, when you buy a wristband, it's worth every penny. You don't leave feeling you didn't get your money's worth."

The shiny bright colors of the rides could be seen as they were getting installed on Thursday.

"This is a very respectable company. There won't be any old rides or rides breaking down," Godfrey said. "I looked at everything from bumper cars to trash cans to their shops and clothes. Everything is well-maintained."

Godfrey said she and a fair board member traveled to Indio to see the carnival in action.

"When I saw it, I knew that was it. I don't want to do this again. It was a lot of work finding the right one but now that I've found it, we want to keep it. If we grow, they have the capacity to grow with us."

But there is more exciting news, she said.

"They're setting up a roller coaster. That's very exciting for us. We've never had a roller coaster," Godfrey said. "It is called the ‘Giant Pole' and is 55-feet high with individual cars that hold four people. The individual cars run on tracks and spin completely around."

But that is not the only new addition to the fair.

Godfrey said she is constantly looking for something new to add to the lineup.

"We've seen it all and have done it all, so if something out there can get my attention, I know it is good," Godfrey said.

That is how she found Turbo Bob - a 10-foot-tall walking, talking, interactive robot that will hang out around the children's section.

"Kiddie land" has been moved to the west side of the fairgrounds to the "Fun Zone" - an area filled with everything a young child would love in a fair. Also in the area will be Critter Corner and Farmyard Follies, including Fiona No-No - a very naughty donkey that gets into everything, Godfrey said.

Their "GASCAR" area will feature a multi-species animal race.

"It's not just piglets. We will have pigs, llamas and chickens - all in the same race," Godfrey said.

In addition, the Fun Zone will have special clown-mouth trash cans to encourage kids to dispose of garbage properly, skill-appropriate kiddie games, pony rides, and the "Great American Petting Zoo"

"I feel like a little kid, I'm so excited," said John Rankin, an eight-year board member. "I attended the very first Porterville Fair when it was held at Porterville High School. But every year, I get just as excited."

-- Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047 or eavila@portervillerecorder.com.