Summer starts with the Sonoma-Marin Fair

June 14, 2006

The first day of summer in Petaluma means the opening day of the Sonoma-Marin Fair.

The fair runs June 21-25 from noon to midnight daily. With the price of admission, fairgoers can enjoy unlimited carnival rides, headline musical concerts, four buildings of exhibits, contests and animals.

The fair opens with Everyone's a Kid day, when everyone is admitted for the kids' price of $9 before 5 p.m. The fair offers more than 100 different attractions for kids from Clo's Corner Kid Park to Brad's World Reptiles.

Animal lovers can tour the agricultural barns and visit the baby farm animals or the Exotic Petting Zoo. The John Deere Kids' Tractor Pull and the new Toddlers' Driving Games provide driving experience for the underaged.

This year, in honor of the fair theme "Come on Down to River Town," the fair will bring in the world's largest traveling aquarium demonstration tank, where kids 12 and under can practice catch-and-release fishing. The Giant Bicycle Stunt Show showcases a team of award-winning riders performing choreographed stunts, both on the ground and in the air.

New to the fair this year is the Pitch-Hit-Run Fun event with Dolf Hes for boys and girls ages 6 to 13, set for June 23. Co-sponsored by the University of Sports, kids will be admitted to the fair early for the clinic 10 to noon, a lunch and all day at the fair for $12. Tickets are sold online only at www.yourfair.org.

This year's musical headliners include Triple Threat featuring three country rock bands: Little Texas, Blackhawk, and Restless Heart on June 21. Country favorite Tracy Lawrence will appear on June 22 and Uncle Kracker will perform June 23. Grand Funk Railroad plays June 24. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Bud Light Stage.

On June 25, the Jazz and Blues Festival will feature Craig Chaquico and the Peter Welker Sextet. The Latino Music Festival will host Mike Diaz and the groups El Miagro and Grupo Reventon. The Destruction Derby will close the fair. The Derby costs $5 and may be purchased in combination with fair tickets online at www.yourfair.org.

Other fair highlights include the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, now in its 18th year, the annual Talent Show and the Diaper Derby.

Gold medal wines from the Savor Magazine North of the Gate Competition are available to taste at the Wine Garden. Local chefs will be giving demonstrations daily. The In-Box Pavilion will feature the latest technology and inventions.

FAIR AT A GLANCE

What: The 67th annual Sonoma-Marin Fair

When: June 21 to 25, noon to midnight daily (gates close at 10 p.m.)

Where: Petaluma Fairgrounds (East Washington and Payran streets, west of Highway 101)

Tickets: One-price ticket includes unlimited carnival rides and admission to all concert performances. $14 adults (13 and up), $9 juniors (ages 4 to 12), $8 seniors (65 and older) and under 4 are free.

Tickets available online at www.yourfair.org at a discount pre-fair.

Information: Phone 283-FAIR (3247) or visit www.yourfair.org.