With an historic “Colonial Crossroads” living history area, a flower show depicting the seasons of New England, patriotic contests, and a host of new features including a diving dog show, the 2008 Sonoma County Fair will be a two-week long celebration of American fun, tradition and ingenuity, opening July 22 and continuing through August 4 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.
“We’re celebrating everything that’s wonderful about America,” said Fair Manager Tawny Tesconi. “The Fair is where we all come together—to enjoy entertainment, see our neighbors’ work in the exhibit halls, and recognize good old American know-how.”
See Seasons of New England in “Red, White & Blooms”
A major feature of the Fair is its flower show, the largest themed flower show in the U.S. Show designer Greg Duncan will bring the birthplace of American freedom to life, with a dozen gardens depicting the picturesque seasons of New England, right down to the covered bridge and Cape Cod beaches.
Splash Dogs!
Participation has long been central to the success of the popular fair, which is among the ten largest in the state, and the 2008 Fair will offer more ways to participate than ever, with even the family dog getting into the act. “Splash Dogs”, the fun new competition where water-loving dogs leap into a 25-foot pool, makes its debut this year. Locals can find out how to prepare their pets for the daily show by visiting www.SonomaCountyFair.com and selecting “What’s New”.
Living American History
Fairgoers will also be able to step into the past at the new Colonial Crossroads exhibit, complete with a village blacksmith and a glass harp player who would make Ben Franklin proud. Families will be able to not only watch but try candle-making, spinning, weaving, music-making and a host of other activities that will vary daily.
Sonoma County’s Top Tech Junkie
American ingenuity continues in the tradition of Edison, Burbank and Bell. The Fair’s Top Tech Junkie contests salutes this tradition, asking the most connected of the techies to come join the Fair for two weeks. Cash prize is $2500; deadline is July 1.
Text 2 Win
And if you’d like to get in on the prizes—including 50 Bluetooth® headsets—sign up to receive text messages with trivia questions, contest announcements and more by texting FAIRFUN to 35350. More details are at www.SonomaCountyFair.com.
Going Green is Not Only Do-able—It’s Fun
The new Sustainable Sonoma County exhibit will focus on the current ingenuity of America as we train our sites on reducing our carbon footprint. This all new exhibit, centrally located between Grace Pavilion and the Racing Grandstand, will help you save money and energy in every aspect of your life. Local food producers will offer tastings, speakers and workshops will provide practical tips, and a wide selection of eco-friendly new products and interactive displays will educate, entertain and inspire.
Melting Pot of Musical Entertainment
The glorious melting pot that is America will be truly represented in the Fair’s entertainment lineup, with country stars Clay Walker and Heidi Newfield, the cutting-edge multi-ethnic sound of Ozomatli, rock favorite Three Dog Night, an all-new version of Menudo, and action-packed shows including two night of Freestyle Motocross, two nights of Destruction Derby, two nights of PRCA Rodeo plus the Mexican Rodeo. Long-standing favorites, like the all-day Blues Festival and Fiesta Day will also return this year. Schedules for headliners and all the acts on the Shade Park Stage, plus links to order on-line, are on the Entertainment & Concerts page at www.SonomaCountyFair.com.
More Discount Days Than Ever
In keeping with the American tradition of community service, special discount days have been added to encourage civic involvement while saving on Fair admission. On Food Bank Fridays, fairgoers can save $2 per adult admission with a two-item donation to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Support Our Schools Wednesdays will offer attendees a $2-off discount when they arrive with two packages of school supplies to donate.
Also back by popular demand are the Fair’s Tortilla Tuesdays. Look for $2-off coupons on packages of La Tortilla Factory tortillas. Need more details? See the Group Discounts page at www.SonomaCountyFair.com.
VIP Tent Trackside & Group Discounts for the Races
The Fair also has more packages for groups this year, including the popular new VIP tent near the racetrack that can be reserved for groups of 50 or more. Groups in the VIP tent receive a catered buffet and a trackside view plus lots of options, like having a Fair celebrity to entertain guests, group seating for Fair shows, carnival tickets and more.
Have 30 people in your group? Why not enjoy a named race, with the name of your honoree or group announced at the races and in the program—even a photo of six of you with the winning horse in the Winners’ Circle!
Just have 10 in your group? You can still save $3 per person by ordering tickets by July 21. Details are on the Group Discounts page at www.SonomaCountyFair.com.
Pre-Sale Discounts End July 21
All pre-sale discount opportunities—for the carnival, Fair admission, and horse racing in the Wine country—continue only through July 21. Tickets can be purchased on-line, by mail, in person at the fairgrounds office at 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa, at any Mary’s Pizza Shack location in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa Plaza, and Coddingtown Mall.
More information is available at www.SonomaCountyFair.com or by calling the Sonoma County Fair office at 7078-545-4200.
