Solano County Fair returns with 'Stars, Stripes, and Carnival Lights'

Patriotism is alive at this year's Solano County Fair, sporting its strong new theme: "Stars, Stripes, and Carnival Lights."

While the theme may vary from year to year, for the fair's annual frequenters, there are always a few well-received constants - fried foods in all shapes, sizes, and sugary garnishes, culinary competitions composed of locally-made chili and fudge, pig races, and, of course, squeaky carnival rides.

While this year's fair promises all the same indulgences packed into a four-day stint, there are a few notable new additions.

For starters, opening day on Thursday continues its tradition of discounted admission for "Family AG" (agriculture) Day. This year, admission is three dollars for all ages.

The kickoff event is a day dedicated to livestock, from meet-and-greets with local farmers, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits, where participants can get up close and personal with furry friends ranging from llamas to 200-pound pigs.

"Pee Wee Stampede," a returning attraction from last year, will be a part of Family AG Day.

It blends all the entertainment and thrill of a rodeo, except it's designed for smaller kids. "They have hobby horses, and they teach you how to rope against these little plastic bulls - it's really darling and very heartwarming to watch," said Thomas Keaney, Chief Executive Officer of Solano County Fair Association.

On Friday morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, a "Super Friends Day" will take place - another lovely fair tradition that opens the grounds exclusively to Solano County's special needs community by invitation and registration only. At noon, the gates are set to reopen to the public and resume festival festivities.

Throughout the weekend, roaming entertainment will include Salsa Steel Drums, an all-new "over the top" stilt character, and an entertainer named "Sterling the Bubblesmith."

Taking the Bay Stage for the first time this year is also Petaluma comedy hypnotist Chris Mabrey.

And have no fear, returning to the McCormack Lawn are resident favorites "Dinosaur Kingdom," and "Cook's Racing Pigs."

The destruction derby returns, this time for a single night on Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. with the purchase of a separate ticket.

Saturday's all-day musical entertainment is also expected to be "off the charts," as described by Keaney.

Live music will begin, hosted by Sway Calloway at the Arena starting at 2 p.m. with Raquel Ramirez, until almost closing, at 8:45 p.m. with Tierra Legacy.

Keaney also shared excitement over the all-new Expo Hall attraction titled "Game of Lore," a 14,000 square foot show that brings a life-sized maze along with 30-foot inflatable set pieces.

"As you go through, you have all these adventures based on what you choose to do, and you come up with a different outcome every time," he said. "It's going to be very exciting."

This year's theme, "Stars, Stripes, and Carnival Lights," also brings an added patriotic element to the fairgrounds, with decorations heavy on a lot of red and blue. Special programming will also honor local service members, community groups, and the spirit of Solano County.

"It's kind of our way of doing this salute to the country's 250th anniversary, and a 175th state anniversary," said Keaney. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

In its off-season - although the fairgrounds are famously known for hosting frequent events - Keany says that he and his team have continued to beautify the fairgrounds in an effort to "take care of this treasure that we have been lent for the years that we are here," he said.

Fair organizers are also making an additional effort this year to improve the fairgrounds signage and maps for first-time visitors.

"One of the things that's always been convincing is that our fairgrounds are just big enough for people not to know where things are," Keany joked. "So we've increased the signage this year, and we're going to have a big, beautiful full-color map for the guests to orient themselves better."

For more information on event scheduling, offerings, or to purchase tickets, visit the Solano County Fairgrounds official site at scfair.org.

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