It’s that time again: One of Yolo County’s most popular traditions, the Yolo County Fair, makes its grand return Wednesday through Sunday.
With temperatures expected to reach 95 degrees—as opposed to the usual sweltering conditions of mid-August—this year’s fair, held at the usual fairgrounds at 1250 E. Gum Ave., promises to be one of the most pleasant in recent years.
Not only will the temperatures and climate be impeccable, but also all the new events that the fair has to offer.
“I am very excited that this is my first Yolo County Fair,” said Sarah Pelle, CEO of the Yolo County Fair. “I have a lot of experience with the entire network of California fairs, but this is my first time working on a local level. I love the opportunity to engage with the community and make the Yolo County Fair the best it can be with everyone involved.”
The highlight of the fair’s opening night is the return of the Opening Gala, which begins at 6:30pm on Wednesday and runs until 9pm. This year, the event has been extended by half an hour to give guests more time to mingle, sample the delicious food and enjoy the live music. The theme of this year’s fair is “Over the Moon.”
Before the gala, a ceremonial ribbon cutting will mark the official start of the 88th Yolo County Fair.
Since 2006, the gala has been the hottest meeting place with its comprehensive presentation of the country’s best agricultural products.
“The gala is my favorite event,” said Elaine Yamaguchi, Yolo County Fair Board member. “It’s not a fancy event; people come as they are, sample some of Yolo County’s best products and mingle with friends old and new. It’s a great way to kick off the fair and I look forward to it every year.”
This year, the gala will not only utilize a larger space, but will also feature local wines, beers, honey, margaritas, olive oil, flavored vinegars, organic produce, fresh baked goods, jams, meats, and delicious treats from some of the area’s finest restaurants. While guests enjoy the local delicacies, they will also be entertained by live acoustic music from local band Little Wing.
Other opening day festivities include the hog show, which begins at 8 a.m. in the Livestock Auction Ring, various other 4-H and FFA show events, and hog racing, which runs through Saturday.
On Thursday, the festivities begin early again in the morning. The sheep show begins at 8 a.m. Senior Day activities also begin an hour later at 9 a.m. More animal shows will take place throughout the day in the livestock area around 4 p.m.
Later in the evening, starting at 6 p.m., the fairgrounds’ newest and coolest venue, Olive Plaza, will host the Yolo County Fair’s first-ever Beer and Wine Show.
“I wanted to showcase what the county has to offer,” Pelle said. “We’ll have breweries, wineries and a distillery that will really showcase what Yolo County is.”
The Vocal Showcase also returns to the main stage at 6:30 p.m.
The Beef and Cattle Show starts on Friday morning at 9 a.m. in the Beef Show Ring. At 5.30 p.m. the Kids Day begins with a raffle on the main stage. At 7 p.m. the main event of the evening really gets going, because on the first evening of the Demolition Derby, cars from the 80s and newer will rock the grounds.
“We are known for the demolition derby,” said Pelle. “Because admission is free, we rely on ticketed events and the demolition derby is an important part of this show. We are fortunate to have a volunteer A-team that puts on the show for us.”
Pelle said the fair will partner with Yolo Bus and Woodland Community College to provide free parking on Saturday. Those interested can park at WCC and take a shuttle to the Gibson Street gate to avoid parking. BeeLine also offers rides to the fair.
This morning, the Junior Livestock Auction begins at 9 a.m. in the Livestock Auction Ring. After a day of events, demos and shows, the second night of the Demolition Derby begins at 7 p.m. with Standard Stock Cars.
On Sunday, the last day of the fair, the festivities begin at 11am and another great program of shows, performances and events continues until midnight. At 2:30pm, the Kids Power Wheels Derby takes place, where competitors must pop the other cars’ balloons to win.
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