Head Straight to the Golden Gate at the 2012 Sonoma-Marin Fair
Summertime is fair time, and the first fair of the season is Petaluma's Sonoma-Marin Fair, which takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds from Wednesday June 20 through Sunday, June 24. The Sonoma-Marin Fair is not quite but almost a county fair, and offers a wide range of fun and exciting attractions, competitions, events, and activities for the entire family.
This year's Sonoma-Marin Fair theme is "Straight to the Golden Gate", in celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge's 75 anniversary. Celebrate this historic milestone with a 20-foot history wall, educational and informative exhibits, and event a 48-foot replica of the bridge.
You'll also see livestock shows, exhibits, chef demonstrations, K9 Kings flying dog show, a destruction derby, and even the famous World's Ugliest Dog Contest! Of course there are also traditional carnival rides, including a kiddie carnival for younger children.
And what would a fair be without live music? The Sonoma-Marin Fair has numerous musical acts on its schedule, including War, Night Ranger, Lonestar, and 38 Special.
As with most fairs, there's a ton of stuff to do and see, so check their website for a complete schedule of activities, concerts, events, and entertainment. Special days this season include:
- Wednesday, June 20: Everyone's a Kid Day—check out attractions specifically designed for kids and teens, and enjoy admission at the$10 kids' price for everyone before 5 pm.
- Thursday, June 21: Seniors' Day—$5 admission for seniors 65+
- Friday, June 22: World's Ugliest Dog Contest and Dog Lovers Festival—The World's Ugliest Dog Contest (hosted by Sonya Fitzpatrick, the Pet Psychic) and events for dog lovers take place all day
- Saturday, June 23: Farmers' Day—Special Farmers' Day events include a pig scramble, Marin vs. Sonoma tug-of-war, a wild cow milking contest, and more.
- Sunday, June 24: Family Day—Great music, activities, the destruction derby, and Fiesta Latina
Admission prices include all entertainment, concerts, and carnival rides (destruction derby admission extra). Admission at the gate is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4–12 and seniors 65+. If you order online in advance, you can get tickets at the discounted rate of $12 for adults, and $8 for children, and seniors (processing fees apply to online ticket purchases).
Fair hours are 1 to 11 pm on Wednesday, June 20 and Thursday, June 21, noon to midnight on Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23, and noon to 11 pm on Sunday, June 24. Gates close at 10 pm each evening. The Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds are located at 175 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma, off East Washington Street on the west side of Highway 101.
For more information on the Sonoma-Marin Fair, visit www.sonoma-marinfair.org or call (707) 283-FAIR.
