Celebrating Traditions at the Sonoma-Marin Fair

As June draws to a close, the Ferris wheel rises once again at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, amid a sea of rides, decadent food stands, show animals and other carnival events. It's fair time in Petaluma once again.

This year, the Sonoma-Marin Fair is celebrating the theme of "Preserve the Tradition," with many returning attractions and a focus on crafts — everything from the kitchen to the sewing room.

Fairgoers will be able to find events suitable to just about anybody: There's facepainting, pie-eating contests, live music galore, a wine competition, and livestock showcases, just to name a few events.

The first Sonoma Marin fair was held at the current location just off Washington Street in Petaluma in 1936 and has run every year since, with the exception of 1943 to 1945.

The fair has many traditions, including the "Worlds Ugliest Dog Contest," concerts and an opening kid's day celebration. through Sunday, June 26.

Gates open at  noon and  close at 11 p.m.  Sunday and midnight Friday and Saturday.

While every day of the fair is filled with events such as kids pedal tractor pulls, pig races and funnel cake eating contest — each day also has its themes and highlights. Here's a brief rundown of selected events. View the entire schedule here;
click here to purchase tickets online.

Friday, June 24: Ag day

6 p.m. "Worlds Ugliest Dog Contest" and the "Beauty and the Beast Rescue Walk" on the Kiwanis stage.

8 p.m. The Charlie Daniels Band in concert on the main stage.

Saturday, June 25: Farmers' Day

2 p.m. Chef demonstration with John Stewart and Duskie Estes, from The Prince and Princess of Porc.

3 p.m. "Dancers of the Desert," a community dance troop, will be on the Kiwanis stage.

3:30 p.m. Learn the art of watercolor painting with a make and go art project in the Community Building.

6 p.m. Hillside Fire rocks the Kiwanis stage.

6:30 p.m. Foghat and Blue Oyster Cult take over the main stage with opening act the Pat Jordan Band.

Sunday June 26 Family Day

2 p.m. Junior livestock awards in the dairy cattle show ring.

4 p.m. Fiesta Latina begins on the main stage; events include performances from Los Freddys, la Señal de Tierra Caliente and Banda BM.

7 p.m. Destruction Derby comes to the grandstands — admission is $5 in addition to fair entry.