What’s New at the Sonoma County Fair This Year?
Carol, our Brown Swiss cow who’s been expecting her calf since around August 1, gave birth Sunday around 12:30 p.m. Here’s Carol and her beautiful bull calf at about 4 hours old.
Dinosaur Island!
Explore our primeval past on Dinosaur Island at the Fair this summer—you’ll be able to dig for dinosaur "bones", brave the Lost World Obstacle Course, and build your own volcano. You can even paint on our huge (really—as big as a billboard!) mural.
Beginning on opening day, Sandscapes will start creating a 35-ton dinosaur sand sculpture, which they expect to complete in 8 days. You can try making your own sand sculpture in our big sandbox nearby.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the Sonoma County Fair unless we had some unique contests for you. Start practicing now to win in our "Name That Dinosaur!" and "Dinosaur Imitation" contests.
Click here to learn more about all our contests and games.
Then get ready for an up-close and personal experience with Descendants of Dinosaurs, a hands-on reptile exhibit with turtles, lizards, alligators and more.
Dinosaur Imaginarea
Our popular Kids Area, just inside the Brookwood Gate, has been transformed into the Dinsoaur Imaginarea. Designed especially for kids 10 and under, there’ll be contests, crafts, games, and Dinosaur Dan juggling and performing magic tricks.
Click here to find out more about the Kids Area.
Fido 500 Mini Dog Races
What’s more fun than a cute little dog? A whole pack of cute little dogs racing for the snacks! A dozen adorable pups, all 15 pounds or smaller, will compete in the Big Race of Tiny Champions each day. This free show is sure to be a hit with every member of the family, and after the show is over, you’ll get to meet the stars in the Puppy Party Play Pen.
Click here to see all the shows at the 2009 Sonoma County Fair.
Pork Chop Revue
Brand new to our livestock area, these are the most talented hogs you’ll ever meet. The star of the show is OINK, the world’s only professional singing pig. You can see them daily out by the swine barns-- and, like so much at the Sonoma County Fair, the show is free with your Fair admission!
Click here to learn more about the many activities in our livestock area.
Bull Riding!
Al Christenson,
Freelance Photographer
The biggest bulls and the best bull riders in the West will meet up at the Fair on Sat. Aug. 1 in Chris Beck Arena. The PRCA Rodeo will take place the previous evening, Fri. July 31.
Click here to find our more about our PRCA Rodeo, Bull Riding and the Mexican Charreada.
Youth Crafters Workshops
Create a work of art right here at the Fair. On eight different days, you can sign up to participate in the new Youth Crafter Workshops at 2 p.m. in Finley Hall. Better yet, register before July 15 and get free admission to the Fair. Find details in our Entry Guidebook, available at the fairgrounds and at county libraries May 1. You also can download the Entry Book beginning May 1 on the Competitive Exhibits page.
Click here to go to our Competitive Exhibits page.
Carnival Pay One Price on Fridays
Now you can enjoy Pay One Price wristband pricing on Fridays as well as Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. It’s just $20 for a half-day, and you get to choose to purchase a wristband for either the day session (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or evening session (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.). You can exchange a Carnival Pre-Sale coupon for a wristband. If you’d like wristbands for both Friday sessions, you can turn in your daytime wristband and show your Friday hand stamp to get $5 off on the evening wristband.
Click here to go to the Carnival page. Click here to find out about all our Fair Discounts.
Clydesdales Return to the Fair!
The Budweiser Clydesdales will be on display and performing during the Sonoma County Fair! You'll find the Clydesdale tent right next to the Pork Chop Revue stage, just west of Chris Beck Arena.
Scheduled performances include:
July 31 7:30 - 9 p.m. at the CCPRA Rodeo
Aug. 1 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at Farmers' Day in Chris Beck Arena
Aug. 2 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. with an appearance at Wine Country Racing
The Clydesdales have a day off on Monday, Aug. 3
Aug. 4 - 9 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. daily
Typically the hitching begins about 30 minutes prior to the Clydesdales' appearances, and you're welcome to watch this fascinating process out at the tent.
Wiener Dog Nationals on Sat. August 8
Enjoy races of a whole different variety when the Northern California Wiener Nationals come to the Sonoma County Fair August 8. Sponsored by Wienerschnitzel, the Wiener Nationals feature daschunds racing in between races.
Enter Your Dachshund!
Calling all speedy Wiener Dogs! Click here for your entry form to enter the Wiener Nationals.
We have the perfect venue for your event, with 6 halls, 2 arenas, a fully-equipped restaurant and much more. Click here for details.
Photo by Cygnus Studios
