El Dorado County Fair, Let the Countdown Begin!

Fair Board, June 7, 2012

  Stacks of entry forms, excited exhibitors coming in with finished projects, volunteers flooding the fairgrounds…it must be Fairtime! The El Dorado County Fair is looking forward to bringing fun and lasting memories to the community as they present “The Grapest Show on Earth” 2012 El Dorado County Fair on June 14-17.

As you walk into the Fair office, the exhilaration is contagious. CEO, Jody Gray says, “It’s amazing to see the months of planning come together in a just a few days. With the Fair just a week away, the final countdown has begun!”

1. Live Band Karaoke
For the first time ever, the El Dorado County Fair presents Karaoke Rockstarz on Saturday and Sunday. If you’ve ever wanted a chance to feel like a rock star and sing along with a real, live band, here’s your chance! Live band karaoke is exactly what the name describes. Combining the best of karaoke with the dynamic energy of a cover band, Fair goers can choose from one of the two hundred songs the band has to offer, wait for their name to be called, and then take the stage to perform in front of the enthusiastic audience!

2. Sea Lions
The ocean is brought to you this summer! Sea Lion Splash will have you up close and personal with one of the most comedic and entertaining marine animals—the sea lion! Performing three times each day in the Plaza, visitors can watch the sea lions catch and retrieve objects, perform handstands, dance, sing and interact with the audience. Trainers, Marco and Kathi Peters, do an amazing job bringing out the natural behaviors of these animals while educating the audience on their habits and the problems they face in nature today.

3. Tattoo Competition
Don’t forget to stop by the Tiki Bar area to see the 1st Annual Tattoo Competition. Presented by Hangtown Tattoo of Placerville, the Tattoo Show is a competition where tattoo parlors from around the area compete for the People’s Choice “Best Tattoo Parlor” award by showcasing their best work on photo boards during all four days of Fair. Come vote for your favorite board, and while you’re in the area don’t forget to buy a couple $1 raffle tickets where you will be entered to win any of the eight $50 gift cards good towards a tattoo or body piercing at Hangtown Tattoo.

4. Paperback Writer – The Beatles Experience
With the Los Angeles Times writing that this band was “sensational for all ages” and the San Francisco Chronicle declaring the show was “spectacular” and “spot on,” you do not want to miss this Beatles tribute band take the Budweiser Stage on Friday, June 15 at 8pm. Be transported back in time as Paperback Writer – The Beatles Experience brings back the Beatles’ most memorable hits such as “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Hey Jude,” and “She Loves You.” With an extravagant Ed Sullivan stage set, a colorful rendition of the Sgt. Pepper years, and recreating the rooftops of “Let It Be,” these guys are the real deal!

5. Classic Car Show
Running all four days of Fair, Kniesel’s Collsion Center Classic Car Show will have all car enthusiasts drooling over the beauties on display in the Main Lawn area. Fair goers can vote on their favorite vehicle, and the People’s Choice Award will be presented at the end of each day’s competition. Have a car of your own you would like to show off at Fair? Spots are still available! Entry forms are available on the El Dorado County Fair website (http://www.eldoradocountyfair.org/contest.html) or the Fair office, a $10 entry fee is required.

6. I “Like” It Photo Contest
Finally a logical reason for you to be on your smart phone at Fair! Capture the fun and excitement of the El Dorado County Fair on your smart phone or digital camera, upload the picture to the El Dorado County Fair Facebook page, and then encourage your friends to “Like” your photo! The photo with the most “Likes” wins! First place wins a $25 cash prize and second place wins a 4-pack of tickets to this year’s Fourth of July Family Blast celebration on the El Dorado Fairgrounds!

7. The Food!
Come hungry because there are so many delicious options, it is unlikely you will be able to settle on just one! Looking for some unique eats? Check out the amazing concoctions Sweet & Savory Crepes will be serving, their barbeque pulled pork crepe became legendary at the Orange County Fair last year! Forget ice cream - try the gelato from Colossal Gelato! Whether you’re a chocolate lover or prefer a fruity flavor, this cold dessert is the perfect treat on any summer day. Craving traditional fair food? There will be plenty of deep fried and battered food to choose from! Corn dogs, deep fried vegetables, funnel cakes… the list goes on forever! If you’re looking for a snack, grab a warm bag of kettle corn from What’s Poppin’ or fresh off the grill corn on the cob from Sierra Corn Roasters. The most difficult part will be choosing which food to try first!

8. Big Wheels Race
Presented by Gold Country Ace Hardware & Hobbies of Cameron Park, the Big Wheels Race has become a Fair favorite among kids. Every day at 6pm in the Plaza, all children, 4-7 years old, can line-up and compete in the Big Wheels Race for free! Ribbons are awarded to all participants, and the fastest competitors will even receive a Big Wheels t-shirt donated by Ken and Paula Keiffer.

9. El Dorado Day on the Green
Returning for a second year, this concert will take you back to the good old days of rock n’ roll. Starting at 5pm on Saturday night, June 16 on the Budweiser Stage, Rockin’ Down the Highway, Music of the Doobie Brothers bring back the classic hits of the Doobie Brothers such as “Long Train Running” and “Black Water.” The night doesn’t stop there as Cream of Clapton brings a remarkable performance of Eric Clapton’s most beloved hits starting at 7:30pm. Covering songs from his days in Cream of Clapton and Derek and the Dominoes, as well as his solo career, you’ll think you’re listening to the three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee himself. Last but not least, Journey Unauthorized ends the night right as the international touring group covers Journey’s most popular songs. Promising the most authentic recreation of the 1980s band you’ll ever see, with their amazing look and incredible sound, these guys will have you believin’ the moment they take the stage.

10. John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races
The ultimate competition, these races are a true test of one’s athleticism, strength, endurance and the willingness to get a little dirty! There’s a race for every age group: a Championship Race for men and women 18 years and older, a Women’s race for women 18 years and older, a 911 Team Challenge for two Firemen, a High School Team Challenge for two high school students representing a sport or club, a Teen Race for boys and girls (13-17), a Youth Race for boys and girls (10-12), and a Senior Race for men and women 55 years and older. From the young and the old, these contestants are sure to impress! The show starts Sunday, June 17th at 5:00pm in the Grandstands and is included with entry to the Fair. If you’ve got what it takes to enter, get the form and information at eldoradocountyfair.org/contest.html.

Be sure to check out all of the fun and excitement the El Dorado County Fair has to offer next week from June 14-17! For a complete list of activities and schedule visit the El Dorado County Fair website at www.eldoradocountyfair.org and keep an eye out for the Fair’s guide in the next issue of the Windfall and this week’s El Dorado Hills Telegraph.