Animal exhibits and entertainment galore await visitors at Expo Ganadera, Chapala’s fourth annual livestock show, set to run Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 30 on the grounds of the Lienzo Charro J. González Gallo located on Avenida Madero, opposite the Pemex service station.
The ten-day, country-style shindig kicks off Friday evening with a equestrian parade departing from the gates of the arena around 6 p.m. to make a full loop along the main thoroughfare.
Admission to the fairgrounds will be free of charge that night, allowing visitors to meander through the exhibits of horses, cattle, sheep and other farm animals, turn small fries loose in the petting farm, hop on mechanical rides and savor typical vittles at assorted food stalls.
While nowhere near the magnitude of Guadalajara’s giant stock show held each October, the local version will bustle with crowds attracted by its family-oriented activities and the musical and cowpoke events happening in the main arena.
The grounds will also open on weekday mornings for school field trips, through which kindergarten and elementary students will learn basics about biology, animal care and dairy farm production.
Entertainment Program
Friday, April 21: Following the inaugural parade, 6 p.m., Banda Loma Santa will appear in the arena. Entry is free to all on opening night.
Saturday, April 22: 4 p.m., bull-riding (jaripeo) and dance party with live music alternating between Banda La Peña de Jalisco and La Teco de San Juan Tecomatlán, plus round one of the fair’s Caballos Bailadores (dancing horses) competition. Admission is 50 pesos for adults, and 15 for children.
Sunday, April 23: 4 p.m., jaripeo featuring Banda San Miguel, Banda Colegial, Banda NT and Singer Julio Haro. Admission 50 pesos, kids 15 pesos.
Monday, April 24: 4 p.m., Talentos de la Ribera with debut performances by budding local talents, plus the 3rd annual Express Arte show showcasing the area’s art and culture groups. Admission 35 pesos, kids 15 pesos.
Tuesday, April 25: At 7 p.m., Noche de Sonora y Carcajadas with the opening appearance of the Ballet Folclórico Ixtlacateotl, tropical tunes performed by La Mega Sonora dance band and featuring comedian Teo González as the headline act. Admission 70 pesos, or reserved seating in VIP zone 140 pesos.
Wednesday, April 26: A double feature at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. sees the Enanitos Toreros (midget matadors) from Chihuahua present back-to-back performances of their power stunts and comedy show. Admission 50 pesos, kids 30 pesos.
Thursday, April 27: 4 p.m., Maratón Artístico “Chapalatón” variety show with live entertainers and music by La Mega Sonora dance band. Admission 35 pesos, kids 15 pesos, with proceeds earmarked to benefit Programa Pro Niños Incapacitados del Lago for medical treatments of local children.
Friday, April 28: 7 p.m., gala performance by the Mariachi Sol de America, with an appearance from norteño band Grupo Agave. Admission 50 pesos, kids 15 pesos.
Saturday, April 29: 7 p.m., final round of the dancing horse competition and the Rodeo de Media Noche (midnight rodeo) show, with music by Banda El Pueblito and Banda Caramelo. Admission 50 pesos, kids 15 pesos.
Sunday, April 30. 4 p.m., closing day jaripeo bull wrangling and dance party, with feature performances by vocalists Bruno de Jesus and Ramón de la Torre. Admission 50 pesos, kids free.