9 ways to see the Sonoma County Fair early

The Sonoma County Fair is coming up July 25 – August 12, 2012, which seems like a long ways away since we’re still in June. But with the way summertime has been passing by, it will actually be here before you know it.

Like starting next week.

As a new and popular tradition, the Sonoma County Fair is holding the Traveling Fair – an array of Fairtime features that celebrates the local and festive happenings that go on during their 2-week affair. Traveling to 9 different places in Sonoma County, the Traveling Fair will be filled with favorites like 4-H exhibitors and their animals, special displays, mini carnival games, free popcorn, balloons, and more. There is also going to be a spin-to-win wheel with great prizes, including Fair Admission tickets.

The Traveling Fair is free, so mark your calendar for one of these special events near you:

Windsor – Independence Day Celebration in Keiser Park, Tuesday, July 3, 6pm – 10pm.

Sebastopol – Downtown at the ToyWorks, Saturday, July 7, 12pm – 4pm.

Sonoma – In the Plaza near City Hall, Tuesday, July 10, 12pm – 3pm.

Petaluma – Downtown Farmer’s Market, Wednesday, July 11, 4:30pm – 8pm.

County Center – At Fiscal & Administration Drives in Santa Rosa, Thursday, July 12, 10am – 1pm.

Rohnert Park – City Center Plaza at the Farmer’s Market, Friday, July 13, 5pm – 8pm.

Healdsburg – Memorial Beach Water Carnival, Saturday, July 14, 11am – 3pm.

Santa Rosa – Midway Drive in Montgomery Village, Sunday, July 15, 11am – 3pm.

Santa Rosa – Wednesday Night Market in Courthouse Square, July 18, 5pm – 8:30pm.

The Traveling Fair serves as a fantastic preview for what’s to come at this year’s Sonoma County Fair. With a theme of “Cruise on In”, you can expect many auto-inspired fun – from the elaborate Hall of Flowers to exhibits and activities. New features include DIY craft sessions at Inspiration Stations, Lucha Libre wrestling, the 3D Creature Feature Experience, as well as time-tested favorites like the PRCA Rodeo, Destruction Derby, Wine Country Racing, and more.  Plus, the Chris Beck Arena will host a Summer Concert Series featuring Martina McBride, Third Eye Blind, Miranda Cosgrove and Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts band.

The 2012 Sonoma County Fair runs from July 25 – August 12, 2012, closed on Mondays. Tickets are currently on sale both at the box office and online, with pre-sale savings available until July 24. For details, go to www.sonomacountyfair.com or call (707) 545-4200. You can also find “Sonoma County Fairgrounds” on Facebook.