It's fair time!

the first Sonoma County Fair was held on a warm October day in 18 55 town plaza. Santa Rosa was filled all day with people looking over displays of horses, cattle, wheat and saddles. In 18 79 fair moved to a 90 acre site that through the years

has been expanded into the presence. Sonoma County Fairgrounds in 1933 per mutual betting was legalized in California, providing financing for agricultural fairs. This led to the reorganization of the Sonoma County Fair in 1936 and the beginning of the fair as the spectacular annual event that it

is today. Every year, nearly 1/2 1,000,000 people enjoy the fairgrounds. During the off season, hardly a day goes by without some kind of recreational, agricultural or commercial attraction taking place in its 185 acres. But now the fairgrounds grew quiet. Carpenters and painters and gardeners have finished.

All is in readiness because now it's their time. From a one day abandon 18 55 today, Sonoma County fairs colorful 13 day exposition, traditionally opened with a spectacular display of fireworks. Every year, the big show draws nearly 1/2 1,000,000 visitors from every state in the union

and for many foreign countries into the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. They come all ages. All interest affair is a family oriented event with something for everybody. No fair could be complete without the color and excitement of the whole

time. Carnival, Midway, Sterling rides, lively shows and fun filled games of skill Cover almost seven acres at the Sonoma County Fair. I guess we're here. We don't really is your name. Really? What's your name? Right already? Okay, Only just variety. Watch this. How do you weigh?

I got looking over what? You wait. I dig your way about, uh, way too much. You only weigh about. Let's see. I think you weigh about maybe 44. 44. Waste 46. I got with too little power all the arty. All right, I'll give you consolation. Okay.

Oh, it's even works. It works. Always a highlight of fear for the kids is the organ grinder and his talented monkey. Look at those corns rolling. There's got to be money and monkey business between shows At his happy time circus happy The clown walks his amazing

invisible dog along the midway Happy circus featuring superbly trained dogs and talented ponies is a favorite with kids of all ages we owe. There's always plenty of action at the junior livestock auction youngsters in four H and Future Farmers of America workout year getting their surprise

animals ready for this event. No way. I think bidding is Lampley, and the auctioneers chant moves the place steadily higher. And now that your hard work is about to pay our way for Children, especially kids growing up in the city, one

of the best parts of the fair is a chance to see farm animals, those up and these air prize animals every year. Some 1200 awards were won by the top entries in the fair's livestock division. In all divisions livestock, agriculture, floriculture and others total entries come

to 14,000. Winning entries each year are worth nearly $100,000. In awards way round robin exhibitions air their place to watch superb animals skillfully trained by their four H and future farmer owners. Put through their paces. No Wonderland,

created inside the Hall of Flowers at the Sonoma County Fair, has been called the world's greatest flower show. The minute you step inside this enormous building. You know why this is the most popular attraction at the fair. Each year since 1957 designer and sculptor Will Forney

has transformed the hall into a place of breathtaking beauty. One year built Iran crumbling temple ruins from ancient Rome. Another year, based on a California mission team Ah feature of the flower show every year is water crystal streams, plunging waterfalls, graceful fountains, a lily covered lake

into this magnificent setting, Sonoma County florists and local garden clubs have placed lavish displays of growing plants, so the vivid color in lush beauty greet visitors wherever they strong for an exciting spectacle followed the crowds to the fair's big horse show.

Put on by the California State Horseman's Association, the four day show features competition in three divisions Western English and Gymkhana. Twice a day in the red with fitter, talented performers, entertained capacity crowds with a fast moving, fun filled vaudeville show. Favorite stars from top

rated television shows headline these popular reviews, which also featured polished professional singing groups, dancers and variety acts Racing the sport of kings draws enthusiastic fans to a daily programme of 12 races to quarter horse one Appaloosa and nine thoroughbred with daily

doubles and exact is during the run of the fair. Para mutual handle comes to almost $8 million. More than $400,000 is distributed in purses. The roar of the crowd, splendid thoroughbreds pounding down the stretch, happy owners

in the winner's circle, these air the thrills of a day at the races. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to have a couple of winning tickets to in the exhibit pavilions, the visitor will find attractive displays of agricultural products, arts and crafts, prize paintings and photographs, homemaking

arts and commercial boots and outstanding Jim Show, assembled by Sonoma County rock towns, is a popular feature way. Junior exhibit hall are interesting displays highlighting projects by local youth groups, such as four age Future Farmers of America. On a warm summer

day, what's more appealing than an old fashioned ice cream cone? MM good. Or how about a rich melt in your mouth? Chocolate fudge Slice fresh before your eyes say I'm working up an appetite way, A Z night falls over the fairgrounds. Chris Beck Arena is the

scene for a championship rodeo withdrawn. Fuster. Probable riding, cap probing and other thrilling feats that bring the Old West life. On other nights, the arena echoes with a roar of professional, short track motorcycle racing. Or you can watch daredevil drivers have it each other in a

bone crunching destruction derby Carnival, Midway is ablaze with color and activity until midnight every night. Test your courage of order. Speeding rocket ship. Test your talent at a game of skill. It's all part of the fun of fair time Sunday

that falls in the middle of the fairs run. The racing area is taken over one of the most popular events of the entire 13 days. Farmers Day. No, there is complete without a Queen Prize winning livestock parade along the

track with their proud owners. Ah, blue ribbon or a handsome trophy can make all those months of hard work melt into memory with the pride of a job well done. Louise Silva's famous clients Tales star in an exhibition of an art that is just about extinct.

It's driving with draft horses. These talented giants stop back up, even sidestep with all the grace and rhythm of a Broadway Chorus line. Greece poll is increased anymore, but sometimes it still takes a little help to get that prize. A good old fashioned tug award featuring

some high grade B that didn't win any blue ribbons ever try to hang onto a greased pig. This is a pretty tech way to bring home the bacon. Here's a solution to your transportation problems. Just climb aboard a hunting our night tied behind a fast horse

and you're off to the races. Another Farmers Day of and is an exhibition of sheep shearing. One of the most fascinating performances of the day is an exhibition of herding sheep by skilfully trained border Collins. These amazing sheepdogs seem almost human as they moved the flock

in response to their owners commands. It wouldn't be Farmers Day without some pretty boat mates With skill like this Iran, Who needs a milking machine? The climax of Farmers Day comes with past rugged, even requires youngsters toe run down and bulldog

a fast moving boy. It's been a long day. The biggest bargain around for family fun. That's the Sonoma County Fair ones through the admission gate. Most major attractions air free flower show, redwood theater, exhibit halls or show junior

livestock auction. Happy time, Circus Farmers Day. But now It's time to head for home, full of hot dogs and happy memories to start thinking of next year when it's their time way.