SOLANO COUNTY FAIR, PRESENTED BY TEAM CHEVROLET, INTRODUCES “FUNFEST 2005” JULY 15-24
Diverse Lineup Ranges From the ‘Sippy Cups’ Grand Parade to The Waybacks, California Cowboys and Box Set Duo
VALLEJO, CA – There’s something magical about the experience of a County Fair. The smells, the sounds and the sense of anticipation all blend together to make a sensory experience for fairgoers of any age. This year, the Solano Fair, sponsored by Team Chevrolet, goes back to its roots of good old County Fair offerings with Funfest, July 15-24, designed to entertain and amuse the entire family. From the moment people enter the fairgrounds, they’ll notice a new and inviting entryway, created to pique curiosity and anticipate surprises as the wonderful world of Funfest unfolds. Kids will revel in the youth circus, explore a pirate ship, ride in a horse drawn trolley, encounter a hypnotizing dog, play farm games and more. Adults can experience the all new heritage farm and heirloom garden or join the kids for the lure of the midway and the smell – and taste -- of irresistible fair food. There will be competitive exhibits, livestock shows including llamas, goats and sheep, and a host of talent to bring everyone to their feet, presented on the Jamba Juice Bay Stage and the KRON 4 Delta Stage. And, for 11 days, July 13-17 and 20-25, the Solano County Fair will again offer the excitement of mixed breed horse racing. Gates open at 11AM and close at 11 PM. Fair prices are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and seniors 60+, and all children 5 and under are free. Military Personnel with active duty card $4: free in uniform. Parking is $6 per car or take public transit to the fairgrounds. For more information log on to www.scfair.com or please call 707-551-2000. Solano County Fair Release/page 2
"We're changing our focus this year to bring back elements of an old-fashioned County Fair and at the same time to bring in new and fresh programming and talent,” said Fair Manager, Joe Barkett. “We want our fairgoers to appreciate what they have in their own backyard, from a diverse lineup of local bands to the best in local competitions, our farm heritage and much, much more. Our hope is to make this a County Fair for the community, not only as fairgoers but as fair participants. It’s a Funfest for all members of the family.” The Funfest also features special days, honoring Solano County cities, unique local and imported products, delicious ethnic and regional foods, local competitions for jams, jellies, quilts, crafts, photography and art, to name just a few. And, everyone is invited to visit the wide-ranging exhibits appealing to all ages, a fur and feathers display, barn tours led by Solano County 4-H clubs, and an entire entertainment stage just for kids.
ENTERTAINMENT The Bay Area has long been fertile ground for entertainers who have made it to the ‘show.’ From Huey Lewis and the News to Carlos Santana, Jefferson Starship to the Grateful Dead, Smashmouth to you name them…this is where these household names got their start. This year, Funfest will give fairgoers daily entertainment with the sounds of established local acts and up and coming groups, all from the Bay Area’s hippest clubs and hot music scene. And, for a special treat for the entire family, the Solano County Fair presents The Sippy Cups on July 16 and 23, 12 Noon and 3 p.m., who play cover songs of classic psychedelic rock from 1967-71…for kids, with a wacky Grand Parade where everyone joins in! All performances will be held on both the Jamba Juice Bay Stage and the KRON 4 Delta Stage. The 10-day lineup offers 26 shows throughout each day, including feature evening performances as follows: Friday, July 15 – Opening Day/Seniors Day Corinne West and the Posse; Las Pesadillas Saturday, July 16 – Hyim; O-Maya Sunday, July 17 – Global Celebration Day, Bat Makumba; Gardenia Azul Solano County Fair Release/page 3 Monday, July 18 – Kids Day California Cowboys; Mumbo Gumbo Tuesday, July 19 – Special Friends Day Mary Youngblood; The Waybacks Wednesday, July 20 – Aphrodesia; Tea Leaf Green Thursday, July 21 – ALO; London Street Friday, July 22 – Box Set Duo; Tempest Saturday, July 23 – Sippy Cups Grand Parade; Chuck Prophet; Solano Stars Sunday, July 24 – Solano Stars; Cabaret Diosa; Samantha Stollenwerck and the Ritual WHAT’S NEW AT FUNFEST 2005? EVERYTHING!! As the saying goes, “Everything that’s old is new again!” And so it goes with Funfest 2005…the old time County Fair feeling is back but with a host of new attractions, exhibits and sights. Heritage Farm – The 2005 Solano County Fair, presented by Team Chevrolet, will feature its very own farm – the Solano Heritage Farm – complete with a living fence of sunflowers, corn, wildflowers and radishes planted by Solano County schoolchildren during Ag Day 2005. Complete with a big red barn, the Solano General Store with local farm produce and products, a chicken coop, blacksmith, agricultural displays, farm shed, pony rides, draft horses and fun activities for children including contests, calf roping, pear-picking, a hay pyramid and more. Demonstrations of traditional farm arts will be featured each day, along with artifacts and antique farm equipment from Solano County farms. Heirloom Garden – Solano County boasts a wonderful climate for gardeners and it’s no wonder that bedding plants are one of the top 5 agricultural crops in the County. Neighbor to the Heritage Farm, the new Heirloom Garden is a live and growing testament to the bounty a Solano County gardener can grow in their own backyard. The Fair’s Heirloom Garden is designed to encourage and inspire seasoned, budding and ‘wanna-be’ gardeners while providing information on resources and learning opportunities in the region. Solano County Fair Release/page 4 PetFest – David Letterman’s Pet Tricks have NOTHING over Solano County Fair. Pet skills, tricks and antics will delight pet lovers each day, along with agility, training methods and healthy pet resources provided by local trainers, specialists and advocacy groups. Science at the Fair – McCormack Hall will house a hands-on scientific scene to help educate about the wonders of our environment and planet. From California’s Academy of Sciences interactive to reptiles, demonstrations of the power of gravity in our solar system to the power of earthworms – fair visitors will find this exhibit inspiring and educational. Meet Your Best Friend at the Fair – July 24, 11am-7pm – Animal rescue organizations will be on-site with dogs, cats, rabbits and other domesticated animals available for adoption. Stage Shows – More ways to have fun in 10 days then you could possibly imagine! Terrance B & Hypno Dog -- North America’s favorite comedic hypnotist and North America’s only Hypnotizing Dog – Terrance B & Hypno Dog – is doggone funny! No bones about it. Grinn & Barrett – These Masters of Mayhem bring together the perfect blend of breathtaking feats of skill and hilarious comedy routines. They have shared the stage with Natalie Cole, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and others, creating a frenzy of laughter wherever they go. Monster Shop Bump’n – Contemporary urban music and dance entertainment featuring monster moves by a youth troupe of professional dancers from the Bay Area and beyond. The Pirate’s Parrot Show – Bird Trainer and career pirate Chris Biro will bring his 40’ ship Neskia all the way from the Pacific Northwest with a fleet of free-flying parrots from far-off native lands. Conures to Macaws, to enchant and educate with parrot lore. Splash Circus Theatre – Circus kids provide the wow with tumbling, juggling, clowning and more in three daily shows along with circus skills workshops for fairgoers of all ages. Solano County Fair Release/page 5 The Godfrey Magic Show – A combination of spellbinding magic tricks and situation comedy with a high level of audience participation and levitation. Rocket’s K-9 Comets – Pup close and personal performances of sensational canines who will amaze the crowds with flying acrobatics and the famous “Double Dog” challenge! The human star, “Rocket” Hoskins, has three World and six National Frisbee championship titles among his extensive credentials – and the dogs are talented too! The Village Blacksmith – Master blacksmith Michel Olson with his wife and Masterful Storyteller Christy Horne together bring the rich lore, legends and contributions of this craft to life, delighting young and old alike. Professional Performing Artists – Night time is the right time to enjoy all the great talent Northern California is famous for – from the City by the Bay all the way to Sacramento – the region is home to the best! The Jamba Juice Bay Stage and the KRON 4 Delta Stage will feature nearly every genre of popular music, from traditional country to alternative country, progressive rock to funk, Afro-Caribbean to local soul, Native American to fusion swing. Have we left anything out? Solano Stars – Solano singers will compete for the title of “Solano Stars” at the 2005 Fair through a stage competition on two nights. Everyone can enter but only one will win this regional talent championship, with the winner going on to compete with other Northern California Idol-style winners at the Gold Country Fair in September with cash prizes awarded during the summer-long competition at county fairs throughout the region.
HORSE RACING FEATURED DURING FUNFEST 2005!
They’re handicapping the handicappers as the Solano County Fair captures all the excitement and drama of horse racing Wednesday, July 13 through July17 and July 20 through Monday, July 25. The racing features pari-mutuel wagering on Thoroughbred, Arabian, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa and Mule Races. Ten races will be offered on weekdays and twelve races on weekends. Gates open each day at 11am and post time is 12:45pm. Admission to the Racing Grandstand is free with paid admission to the Solano County Fair. For patrons who want to learn more about the racing phenomenon and the art of pari-mutuel betting, informative Handicap Seminars are presented free at 11am each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The seminars, held in the Racing Grandstand, are hosted by John McGary, the track announcer and “guest experts,” who will talk about the upcoming races, history and facts about the day’s entries. Again, the seminars are free with admission to the Fair. Returning to the horse racing menu is the popular Win Place Show promotion offering the racing patron to share in prize money each day of live racing. The Win Place Show payoff will be $100, $50 and $25 based on the order of finish on the designated race. NO FAIR IS COMPLETE WITHOUT THE MIDWAY… It’s an integral part of every County Fair – the midway, with its flashing neon lights, luring games of chance and skill and fabulously fattening foods and snacks. This year, The Solano County Fair, presented by Team Chevrolet, welcomes the Midway of Fun. This California-based amusement company offers a complete selection of rides for kids and adults, from ferris wheels to carousels. Again, The Solano County Fair will offer fairgoers a special wristband promotion Monday-Thursday and on the final Sunday. Wristbands are available for $18.00 per band and entitle the wearer to all-day, full access to all midway rides. They are sold from the time the gates open til 8 pm, all available dates of the promotion. The 2005 Solano County Fair is presented by Team Chevrolet and the entertainment stages are sponsored by Jamba Juice and KRON 4. Other sponsors include Best Western, Budweiser, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Foster Lumber, Holiday Inn, SBC, Times Herald and Waste Management. Founded in 1946, the Solano County Fair Association is a long-standing community tradition. The fair association is a non-profit organization established to conduct the annual fair and provide a multi-purpose, year-round venue that celebrates the wide variety of resources and activities available to our diverse communities. The fair association is supported by self-generated revenues and by license fees from the California horse racing industry. The Fair does not receive tax funds from state or local sources.
