How to attend What: Best of the Central Valley Expo When: 9:30 to 5 p.m. June 4 Where: Visalia Convention Center Tickets: $6 for adults. Children younger than 18 are admitted free with an adult. Those older than 62 will be admitted free from 9-10 a.m. and at half price throughout the day. Information: 740-4230

Patrons can expect to see Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, musical performance selections from the Tulare County Office of Education's recent production of "Suessical: The Musical" and its upcoming production of "Beauty and the Beast," and performances by Mariachi Nueva Generacion.

Besides the day long entertainment, the expo will feature a health-and-fitness fair, displays of appreciation for teachers and senior citizens, cooking demonstrations, an outdoor and recreation show and a furniture-making seminar.

The Office of Education's programs -- including the Nutrition Network, dedicated to supporting healthful eating and physical exercise for students across the county -- will be on display. Visitors can also learn about the Character Counts ethics-training program and other efforts.

La Sierra Military Academy's climbing wall, used to promote confidence, also will be available at the expo. Award-winning art from students throughout Tulare County will be displayed.

College of the Sequoias will join with Fresno Pacific University to promote higher education and the important role that parents can play in the equation.

For those new to the Central Valley lifestyle, the Expo provides information on products and services and will connect them with the best our region has to offer, including restaurants.

For car and motorcycle lovers, vintage vehicles will be on display. And if you are hungry, food -- including hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, cheeses and chocolates -- will be available.

Speaking of grub, the Tulare County Farm Bureau will offer a display on the bounty of fruits and vegetables grown in the Central Valley. Visitors can enjoy displays by the California Rare Fruit Growers and learn garden techniques from Master Gardeners from the University of California Extension.

The Kaweah Fly Fishermen will be tying flies and answering questions about their favorite pastime. In close proximity will be the Virtual Fishing exhibit, where participants can try their hand at catching and landing a 45-pound salmon. Also, the Army Core of Engineers will be present to talk about Kaweah and Success lakes.

Visitors can also find expert advice in banking, fashion, home improvement and arranging funerals.

For children, ImagineU Children's Museum has a full-day of activities planned, including a puppet show.

Originally published Friday, May 27, 2005