While the summer may mean triple-digit temperatures, it also means the return of the beloved Yolo County Fair.
The Yolo County Fair will kick off with the annual Opening Night Gala on the first evening of the fair on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This year, an extra half-hour has been added to the event to allow guests more time to mingle, sample the delicious food and enjoy the live music. The theme for this year's fair is "Over the Moon."
"We are truly over the moon to be back celebrating the Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala and showcasing the bounty of Yolo County!" said a press release from Monique Garcia, gala event coordinator. "The Yolo County Fair is very excited to present this wonderful event. It's such a fun way to kick off the fair, and fairgoers will not want to miss out on this unique experience to sample much of Yolo County's bounty."
Since 2006, the Gala has made a name for itself as the place to be with its vast showcase of the county's finest agricultural goodies.
"The Gala is my favorite kind of event," said Elaine Yamaguchi, Yolo County Fair Board member. "It isn't a fancy affair; people come as they are, sample some of the best of Yolo County's products and chat with old and new friends. It's a great way to start the fair, and I look forward to it every year."
The evening will feature local wines, beers, honey, margaritas, olive oil, flavored vinegar, organic produce, fresh baked goods, jams, meats and delicious treats from some of the top local restaurants. While grazing on the local fare, guests will also be entertained by the live acoustic music stylings of local band Little Wing.
"The Yolo County Fair Heritage Foundation is happy to be a sponsor of the Gala, it has become an important part of keeping the local communities of the county present at the Yolo County Fair," said Darlene Thomsen, volunteer executive director of the Yolo County Fair Heritage Foundation. "Fairs were originally designed for the members of local communities to come together and share their skills both in their hobbies and their essential works that kept things going and growing."
Tickets will be $35 each, on sale along with all of the fair's featured events on July 8, online at https://www.yolocountyfair.net/p/tickets and available at the fairgrounds office. The event sells out every year, so get your tickets early.
"It has been a true honor to coordinate the Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala," Garcia shared. "This event started by the nonprofit Capay Valley Vision and Capay Valley Grown was created to showcase agriculture in Yolo County, and we have truly taken that to heart and continue to elevate the event every year. The local businesses being showcased are utilizing amazing local products or producing superior products right here, in Yolo County!
"We are thrilled to be back with our fabulous participants who have supported the gala over the years. We are utilizing a much larger space at the fairgrounds this year and are seeking additional local businesses to join us this year, in hopes of making this year's event the biggest yet!"
Some of the businesses set to appear at the Gala include: Blue Note Brewing, Capay Hills Orchard, El Rey Chile Company, Great Bear Vineyards, Grumpy Goats Farm, Honeybee's Homestead, Jackrabbit Brewing, Party Time Photo Booth, Séka Hills, The HIVE, Upper Crust Baking, Winters Breeze and many more.
If you'd like your local business to participate in this year's event, please email Garcia at yolocountyfairgala@gmail.com.
Then on Thursday, Aug. 15 residents are invited to attend the first annual Yolo County Fair Beer and Wine Showcase.
"We are excited to showcase the finest locally brewed beers, exquisite wines and masterly hand-crafted spirits that Yolo County has to offer!" the press release said.
The Yolo County Fair Beer and Wine Showcase will be held in the newest and coolest event venue, the Olive Plaza, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Attendees will experience an unforgettable evening amongst the prized Ag & Floral Cut Flower Entries while enjoying the sounds of local musicians and indulging in the finest local beers, wines and spirits of Yolo County. Guests will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorites in every category.
"You won't want to miss being a part of all the fun and hearing the announcement of the BEST of the Yolo County Fair Beer & Wine Showcase of 2024," the press release continued. "Don't miss out on this must-attend event—come for the drinks, stay for the fun and make some unforgettable memories!"
Tickets are limited and will be on sale for $35 beginning July 8 along with the rest of the featured events of the fair. Tickets are available online at https://www.yolocountyfair.net/p/tickets and at the fairgrounds office.
Check out the fair's website at https://www.yolocountyfair.net/ for more updates and program information.
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