Lights, Camera, Fair!

Was that a pig racing down the red carpet? A Hitchcock movie-inspired floral exhibit? With this year’s theme – “Lights, Camera, Fair!” – the Sonoma County Fair gets a healthy dose of movie magic and promises to delight all ages with 15 days of entertainment and family fun, July 22 – August 7 (closed Mondays).

“We’re adding a little glitz and glam to the Fair with the cinematic theme, ‘Lights, Camera, Fair!,’” said Fair CEO Becky Bartling, “and whether you’re performing on stage, submitting movie-themed exhibit entries, or just getting star-struck by all the fun, there’s truly something for everyone.”

This year’s Hall of Flowers, the Fair’s flagship exhibit, celebrates iconic films shot in Sonoma County, which showcase the region’s rugged coast, scenic vineyards and picturesque towns. The “Sonoma Cinema” floral show challenges exhibitors to create gardens inspired by such iconic films as Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and “Shadow of a Doubt,” as well as “The Goonies,” “Bottle Shock” and more. 1950s Petaluma will be recreated, complete with vintage cars for the “American Graffiti” and “Peggy Sue Got Married” gardens. With a miniature movie theater showing many of these films, in addition to a cinematic beer and wine bar designed by award-winning set designer Greg Duncan, the “Sonoma Cinema” floral show is not to be missed.

A new Community Concert Series takes center stage with several exciting acts to be announced May 5th. This new concert series will be held in Community Theater and is FREE with Fair admission. Limited reserved seating and dinner packages will be available for purchase when tickets go on sale May 14th (for select shows). Community Theater will also be the place for all kinds of Fair themed fun during the day. Be sure to stop in and catch the plethora of community talent coming to the stage, including singers, dancers and other amazing performers.

Young fairgoers (ages 10 and under) can become actors in shows three times a day in the Kids Area, where the theme is “Let’s Put on a Show!” Put your Tinseltown Trivia to the test on the Barnyard Stage daily; and don’t miss the Pollywood Bird Show, featuring Nancy Riegler’s line-up of savvy performing birds, who’ve appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and many more.

Not to be outdone, Wine Country Horse Racing is one of the Fair’s biggest stars every year. Watch and wager to the pounding excitement of live horse racing July 28 – 31 and August 4 – 7; plus a “Bonus Week” of racing August 12 – 14 after Fair! On Sundays in between races, the hilarious Derby Dog Dash will entertain the crowd.

Elvis fans won’t want to miss “Elvis Days at the Fair” – TWO days of entertainment – on Saturday, July 30, and Saturday, August 6. This fabulously fun tribute to the King of Rock ’n Roll includes a musical Elvis Impersonation Contest (July 30), a performance by “El Vez” (August 6), plus Elvis Look-Alike, Elvis SCREAM, and a “Thank You Very Much” contest. Come dressed like Elvis or Priscilla, or show your love of classic rock and roll by dressing like characters from the movie “Grease.”

Looking for the best summer job ever? Temporary Fair jobs will be posted online May 2. Go to http://www.SonomaCountyFair.com/fair/jobs-volunteers.php for more information.

Movie magic abounds at the 2016 Sonoma County Fair, and the excitement is mounting for “Lights, Camera, Fair!” Get ready to be entertained from July 22 – August 7 (closed Mondays). Enjoy our new Community Concert Series, the thrill of live horse racing, a giant carnival, the “Sonoma Cinema” themed Hall of Flowers, live entertainment, delicious food, fun contests, games and more! For details, visit www.SonomaCountyFair.com or call (707) 545-4200. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the fun. See you at the Fair!