89th Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show
Sept 16, 17, 18

This story appears in the September issue of Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Packet. I’m pleased to use Debra Eloise’s photos to illuminate my words here and in the Packet. Each year this wonderful photographer focuses on a different part of the fair. Her photos are fantastic. ~MaryGo

The Mendocino County Fair and Apple show is the absolute best family entertainment for your dollar. Sheep dog trials, bucking broncs, apples, and apple pie. Farm animals, wine, and hard cider tastings, quilts, flowers, gardens, photos, paintings, sculptures, home arts. They all come together with a carnival, midway, food, and entertainment.

The 89th county fair is September 16, 17, and 18 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville. Mendocino County residents will display, demonstrate, perform and parade their agriculture, animals, floriculture, fine art, and home arts. The fair has something for all ages and interests. It’s a perfect family outing.

Children’s activities include – The exhibits and animals, Let’s Pretend Circus, Super Science, Friendly Farm Petting Zoo, Pony Rides. The Midway and Carnival have something for kids all ages.

Some of this year’s highlights – A Hard Cider competition is expected to draw 80 or more entrants. A Hard Cider tasting is planned for fairgoers. Everyone’s favorite, Sheep Dog Trial Finals, are on Sunday. Apple pies are available along with an apple tasting. A wine competition and tasting are always a big hit. The Ag Building has added several new categories to fruit and vegetable classes. The Floriculture Building will feature new ‘wheelbarrow’ gardens. The California Wool and Fiber Festival opens Friday in the Commercial Building. There you’ll see shearing and spinning demonstrations. You can buy wool yarn and handmade wool creations while learning many of the skills and crafts used to make them.

Friday night, the Apple Bowl is played between Booneville and Mendocino varsity football teams. Saturday night hosts the CCPRA Rodeo (California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association) in the Rodeo Arena. After the rodeo, McKenna Faith, headlines at the Rodeo Dance in Apple Hall. On Sunday afternoon watch the Highway 128 parade to the Rodeo Arena. The parade kicks off the CCPRA Rodeo Finals. Sunday, the Classic Car Show and judging happens in the Rodeo Parking Lot.

Some very special contests will take place each day of the fair. Friday afternoon, enter the Bean Spitting Contest. On Saturday, join the Bubble Gum Blowing Contest. On Sunday, compete in the Tortilla Tossing Contest. Ribbons are awarded to winners.

This year’s fair schedule includes entertainers performing throughout the day and evening. Fables of The West, an interactive comedy team, and Sadie the Balloon Lady, will roam the fairgrounds leaving laughs and smiles behind. Hypnotist, Kellie Karl, will mesmerize audiences twice each day on the Lawn Stage. Soloist, Andrea Pearson, will serenade fairgoers at the Lawn Stage two times each day.

The 89th Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show is September 16, 17, and 18 at the fairgrounds in Boonville, California. Gates open at 9 am each day and close at 1 am.

FAIR ADMISSION: Adults $9 – Teens 13-18 $7 – Kids 7-12 $6 – Children 6 and under free.

ADMISSION SPECIALS: Friday – Kids 12 and under are free. Friday – Seniors 65 and over $3 all day. 3-day pass for Seniors – $15 when purchased pre-fair at the Fair Office.

CARNIVAL SPECIALS: Pay-One-Price per day for unlimited carnival rides until 6 pm – $20 pre-fair, $30 during the fair.

PARKING: $5 per day.

PRE-SALE tickets and passes available at the Fair Office in Boonville, Lemon’s Market in Philo, Anderson Valley Elementary School in Boonville, and Home Town Shopper in Ukiah.

Find more information and a complete, hour-by-hour schedule of each day’s events and entertainment at www.mendocinocountyfair.com.

To see more of Debra’s work go to Debra Eloise.

Thanks for stopping by, MaryGo