Historic photos show decades of Sonoma County Fair fun

Before heading to the Sonoma County Fair, take a look at photos from its colorful past.|
JANET BALICKI WEBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Throughout its 83-year history, the Sonoma County Fair has hosted a number of humorous and unconventional events to draw visitors.

From the greased candy pole to the Flying Elvi, these high jinks have showcased the talent of locals and foreigners alike. They’ve also celebrated the region’s agricultural diversity, through livestock auctions, milk maid contests, stick horse competitions and other wacky games.

This year’s fair begins Aug. 1 and runs through Aug. 11. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and older ($12 if purchased before July 31), $7 for kids ages 7-12, and free for those 6 and younger. Special pricing applies to the annual Destruction Derby, Monster Truck Rally and other events.

For details, call 707-545-4200 or visit sonomacountyfair.com.

Click through the gallery above to see some of the wild, wacky and unforgettable happenings over the fair's eight decades in Santa Rosa.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.
Send a letter to the editor