The Alameda County Fair, known for decades of excellent agricultural exhibits, is adding something new this year: Technology Adventures, with 21st century displays of the latest technological innovations. For the three weeks of the fair, this 6,000 sq. ft. exhibit will showcase the wide range of Alameda County technology businesses. It's an adventure for everyone in the family, especially the children, and an opportunity for local businesses to get involved.

The Technology Adventures buildings will be brimming with 6,000 square feet of fascinating exhibits, vendors with displays of hardware, software, games, and website and Internet components. There will be demonstrations along with speakers, special events, contests, seminars, and career information.

If your kids are computer and Internet whizzes and can't get enough of the new technology, then they will thoroughly enjoy this high-tech event that will be held from June 23 through July 9. There is no charge with paid fair admission, and return ticket discounts will allow visits to the other weeks' exhibits.

"The Alameda County Fair is making a transition from agriculture into technology," says Robert Chew, the event's assistant coordinator. "Tech Adventures shows ways to bring technology into educational settings and the work environment. It's a way to get people of all ages interested in technology so they can see how it works everyday in their lives.

"What I like best is that this is a community display from places throughout the Bay Area."

Chew is also the organizer of the young inventors events that will highlight the creativity of young people during the fair's second week. Chew believes strongly in the potential and ability of youth- so strongly, in fact, that he co-founded in 1997 the Just Say Yes (Young Entrepreneurial Spirit) Foundation, which has a web site at www.justsayyes.org. The foundation identifies, supports and mentors youth of all ages as well as funding their entrepreneurial endeavors.

The first week of the Adventures Technology Fair, June 23-29, features "edutainment" exhibits for young people, elementary through high school. The second week, June 30 to July 5, shows the World of Tomorrow, a display of 25 patented student inventions that have not yet gone to market. The theme for July 6-9 is People & Technology, showing how new technology makes life easier and helps people to live better.

Chew said that Technology Adventures is enthusiastically drawing on community support including sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, and advisors. If you or your company are interested in participating, call Robert Chew at (510) 232-7277.

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