The Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma Offers Good Old-Fashioned Fun

Every kid loves going to the fair, and a great many “young at heart” adults find it highly entertaining too. Really, what’s not to love about a fair? It’s a little slice of country life, served up in the middle of summer. And it’s a great, low-key way to kick back and enjoy a break from a world that’s increasing go-go, rush-rush.

At the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, you can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds while the enticing scent of corn dogs and waffle cones encourages you to abandon your boring diet, just for the day. You can marvel at the many agricultural exhibits, give suburban children an opportunity to see what cows and pigs really look like, take a wild spin on a carnival ride, enjoy continuous free entertainment (including bands that you thought broke up in the seventies but are amazingly still performing), and much more.

The 2006 Sonoma-Marin Fair takes place from Wednesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 25 at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. Admission prices are $14 for adults, $8 for seniors and $9 for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are admitted at no charge. And this year, your admission gets you all the free carnival rides your stomach can handle!

Here are just a few of the fun things you can see and do at the Sonoma-Marin Fair this year.

The infamous World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is back by popular demand. Contenders from as far away as New York are flying in to fill the void left by last year’s winner Li’l Sam, who recently passed away. (ahhh).

Craftspeople and artisans will show off their skills in one or more of the 116 different categories, including doll-making, ceramics, stained glass, scarecrow, shoe decorating, sewing, baking, gardens and photography.

Daily activities at the fair include: Clo’s Corner Kid Park, Brad’s World Reptiles, Ballonacy, Petting Zoo, Baby Farm Animals, Wine Tasting in the Garden, John Deere Kids Tractor Pull, XTreme Sports Show, IGX Interactive Video Games Experience, Technology Exhibits with robots, solar fountains and lots more!

Each day of the Sonoma-Marin Fair features a different concert, with something for everyone-from pop to jazz to country to rock. All headliner acts are included in the price of admission. Wannabe stars can compete in the annual Fair Talent Show, which is open to singers, comedians, dancers, magicians and musicians from ages 4 to 104.

Last but certainly not least, it wouldn’t be a country fair without the Baby Derby, where only 20 feet of straight crawling stands between babies and the fair Hall of Fame.

Don’t miss the Sonoma-Marin Fair, a family-friendly event where oodles of old-fashioned memories are made.