OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Alameda County Fair opened Wednesday night and one ride in particular is getting a lot of attention. It was once owned by Michael Jackson.

It's called "The Balloon Samba" and at one time it was one of rides at Jackson's Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara.

Jean Barnes of Union City says she thinks of the ride as a gift from the famed singer. "It makes me kind of sad when I look at to think that he had so much fun riding on it and now he's no longer here with us, but that all these people can enjoy it now," says Barnes.

The ride and four others from Neverland were purchased by Butler amusements. The company's owner, Earl "Butch" Butler, who met Jackson, is offering free rides this weekend as a tribute to the late singer.

"Michael had so much talent, I saw him there, I saw him on the rides, interacting with people and he was enjoying it and it was a wonderful situation for kids, he brought up in busloads to go on them and enjoy them. I have a soft spot for that," says Butler.

Music is very much a part of the Alameda County Fair as there are concerts every night. The Charlie Daniels Band performed on Wednesday evening to a packed audience.

The fair also maintains the traditions of bringing farm animals to urban centers. Seventeen year old Mariah Volk is hoping for a blue ribbon for her Nubian goats.

"I think it's important to know where your food comes from and that's part of 4-H and I really like the goats, they're kind of puppies," says Volk.

Fair officials expect 400,000 people to attend.

The Alameda County Fair will run until July 19th. A reminder: it is closed on Mondays.