Expo Ganadera, Chapala’s first-ever stock show, opens Saturday, April 26 for a ten-day run featuring exhibitions of horses, cattle and other farm animals, special entertainment events and plenty of family-oriented activity.
The event will take place on the grounds of the Lienzo Charro J. González Gallo (charro arena), located at the north end of Avenida Madero, across the road from the Pemex gas station. Gates open daily at 4 p.m., with admission set at 30 pesos for adults and 15 pesos for children. All tickets include a free pass to catch a flick at Cinemas del Lago, plus one free mechanical ride for kids and no-cost access to Wifi at the fairgrounds.
The entry fee allows visitors to freely roam the venue to view livestock, buy food and merchandise at vendor stalls, take kids into a petting farm, enjoy the thrills of mechanical rides and take in live entertainment events in the arena.
The rollicking opening day entertainment program brings together six live banda style musical groups for back-to-back appearances in the Guerra de Bandas (battle of the bands), firing up the first of three typical Jaripeo bull-riding and dance parties listed on the agenda.
A dancing horse competition coupled with an equestrian spectacle head the slate for Monday, April 28. Joaquin Nieto, a titled judge on Mexico’s Caballo Bailador circuit, will provide running commentary on official scoring criteria as riders representing four top breeders put fine examples of Friesians, Andalusians, Aztecas and Quarter Horses through their graceful paces. The program will also showcase equines and costumed dancers performing together against a backdrop of varied ethnic musical themes.
Another special attraction is golden oldies rock and roll show featuring La Maquina del Tiempo, booked for Thursday, May 1 in the VIP lounge run by Wings Army Ajijic. Seating is available with payment of 100 pesos applicable to bills for consumption of food and drinks. On other dates, entry to the VIP zone will cost 50 pesos on the same upfront basis.
The program for May 3 offers another break from the brassy banda sounds with a show featuring mariachi songs by Los Galleros de Dany Rey and sensuous cumbia tunes by Sonora Dinamita.
Entertainment Program
The day-by-day rundown on the Expo’s entertainment agenda is as follows:
Saturday, April 26, 4 p.m. – Jaripeo and Guerra de Bandas (battle of the bands)
Sunday, April 27, 4 p.m. – Jaripeo with two banda groups.
Monday, April 28, 6 p.m. – Open-air circus and dancing horse competition and equestrian show, with one banda group.
Tuesday, April 29, 6 p.m. – Open-air circus, comedy show and impersonator of famous Mexican singers.
Wednesday, April 30, 5 p.m. – Children’s Day festival featuring clown show and midget bullfighters.
Thursday, May 1, 6 p.m. – Open-air circus; DJ Octavio and rock band La Maquina del Tiempo in the Wings Army VIP zone.
Friday, May 2, 6 p.m. – Open-air circus and rodeo show with two banda groups.
Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. – Mariachi Los Galleros de Dany Rey and cumbia band Sonora Dinamita.
Sunday, May 4, 4 p.m. – Jaripeo with two banda groups and a Norteño style band.
Monday, May 3, 4 p.m. – Closing day surprise event.