Top 10 Things To Do at the 2012 Sonoma County Fair

SANTA ROSA, Calif.  – July 5, 2012 – The 2012 Sonoma County Fair starts soon, Wednesday, July 25, and this year’s Top 10 list includes both new and familiar attractions. The Fair will be open every day except Mondays through August 12, and pre-sale admission savings are available through July 24. Mark your calendars now and look forward to 17 days of fun, including:

Hall of Flowers

1.    The Hall of Flowers  
Nothing compares to the Hall of Flowers, which annually offers one of the country’s largest and most stunning floral shows. This year’s garden exhibits, which will be designed around the theme “Ports of Call”, are sure to be spectacular. As Fairgoers stroll through the hall, they will visit exotic cities like Sorrento, Cozumel, Mykonos and St. Thomas. For those who would like a sneak preview of the show, tickets to the Bon Voyage Party, which is the Hall of Flowers Grand Opening celebration, are available for $25. This event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 24 and proceeds fund scholarships for agriculture students.

 2.    Wine Country Racing  
The Sonoma County Fairgrounds is home to one of California’s most beautiful tracks, and fans will enjoy races on both dirt and turf. Bet on the ponies every Wednesday through Sunday of Fair; the first post time is 1:15 pm. Ground level entry is free with Fair admission. Grandstand seats are $3; box seats are $5. Be sure to catch the free racing seminars held each race day at 11:30 am in Shade Park and learn from the experts on how to increase your odds of winning. Every Sunday, racing fans will also get to watch the Derby Dog Dash. This crowd-pleasing event features small breed dogs and mixes racing each other for the finish line on the actual dirt track. And for all of you fashionable ladies, save the date for Ladies’ Hat Day, July 28 and enjoy an afternoon of elegance and socializing. Tickets are $50 per person and include Fair Admission, race seats, a live auction, hat competition, wine, hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. Proceeds benefit the Sonoma County Fair Foundation.