A fair bet for summer deals

<p>For some, a stroll down the midway at one of Sonoma County’s two summer fairs might be out of the question this year. </p><p>Money is tight and the festivals in Petaluma and Santa Rosa honoring the region’s agricultural past each have raised their admission.</p><p>On the other hand, the Sonoma-Marin Fair, which opens Wednesday, and the Sonoma County Fair, starting July 28, could present a cash-saving opportunity, organizers said. </p><p>Rather than shelling out big bucks for that road trip to the Grand Canyon, families can entertain themselves close to home on a “staycation” for a relatively low price.</p><p>“I think people are going to realize they can spend a lot of money on gas and go on vacation, or stay local and enjoy things here, including the county fair,” said Tawny Tesconi, Sonoma County fair director. “I think we will fill a void.”</p><p>The bright outlook comes as fair season kicks off in Petaluma. </p><p>Despite the adult admission increase from $14 to $15 and the lingering recession, the five-day event ending Sunday is expected to draw 65,000 people — about the same as last year.</p><p>Vicki DeArmon, marketing director, said going to the fair is a tradition in the onetime farming town. People recognize it as a good deal. Neither the gate increase nor the economic gloom is enough to chase anyone away, she said.</p><p>As always, the price includes unlimited carnival rides, access to livestock shows and concert entrance.</p><p>This year, the fair has “American Idol” star Josh Gracin, the Charlie Daniels Band and Night Ranger in addition to signature events such as the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest and a destruction derby.</p><p>DeArmon said nothing has been downsized, although some ugly dogs who usually show up from out of state have chosen not to come because of costs. For the most part, they have been replaced with California dogs, she said.</p><p>“Where else can a family of five have fun for $50?” she said. “I think this will be a banner year.”</p><p>The optimism was shared among organizers of the 13-day Sonoma County Fair. </p><p>Spokeswoman Marlina Harrison said it could draw from 300,000 to 350,000 people.</p><p>Admission is $9, up from $7, to cover declining revenue from building rentals, concession sales, horse racing and satellite wagering.</p><p>Unlike Petaluma, the price does not include carnival ride tickets. A wristband for unlimited rides is $25.</p><p>Some free seats are available for headline entertainment, including musicians Nat & Alex Wolff, Jason Michael Carroll, the Wailing Souls and the Village People. Reserve seating is $8.</p><p>But Tesconi said the cost is still low-priced fun. To help out in the recession, the fair is offering free passes to people who volunteer for four hours. Applications are online.</p><p>“People might feel because of the economic times, it’s too challenging,” Tesconi said. “But we have many free opportunities. Someone who plans ahead really is going to get a great value.”</p><p>Whether the two fairs will be as popular as predicted remains to be seen.</p><p>Jim Moore, who was director of the Sonoma County Fair for 20 years, said it makes sense to expect a decline. Every other industry is off, he said, and gross sales have been on a general downward trend as the county becomes more urban.</p><p>“I hope they do well,” said Moore, who retired first in 2005. “You’d think the recession is going to have an effect on everything. I don’t know how they can avoid it.”</p><p>Businessman Willie Benedetti, who has been selling turkey drumsticks and other food at the Santa Rosa fair for years, said the shortened schedule alone will hurt sales. The fair will run one less day this year because the California Horse Racing Board has limited its racing schedule.</p><p>Still, Benedetti said he hasn’t raised the prices on his popular drumsticks. Each year, he sells about 12,000 of the barbecued legs for $8 or $9, depending on size. </p><p>“I think the fair will be off 5percent,” Benedetti said. “It’s one day short and that last day was a really good day for us. It’s got to have an effect.”</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 762-7297 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com.</p>