Kathy Dunkak, El Dorado County Fair CEO

PLACERVILLE, Calif. May 18, 2022 — Our community has been missing the biggest party in El Dorado County for two years, the 2020 Fair cancelled due to COVID and the 2021 Fair cancelled because the Fire Camp for the Caldor Fire was housed at the fairgrounds. Across the country, fairgoers are coming out in record numbers, and we expect nothing less for this year’s “The Magic Is Back” themed fair, held June 16-19^th (Father’s Day weekend) at the El Dorado County Fair & Event Center in Placerville.

It’s time to get involved. The fair doesn’t happen without the help of over 70 volunteers, and this year is no different. Volunteers may help in the various departments, wherever their passion takes them, whether it is photography, baking, growing, sewing, quilting and handicrafts; many folks are needed to help receive the entries, display them, answer questions during fair, and to be there the day after fair for people to pick up their entries. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can stop by the Fair Office or download a volunteer application from eldoradocountyfair.org.

Another great way to get involved is to work at the fair. Over 130 people are typically hired for the 4-day event, working in Security (must have valid guard card), Guest Services, Parking and Maintenance. The Maintenance positions begin the first of June, the rest of the positions are for the four days of Fair. It’s a great way to get out, see friends, make new ones, and make a little money in the process. Many folks in our community had their first job at Fair—if a youngster can obtain a work permit, they can work at the fair. Applicants can download an employment application from the fair’s website or pick one up at the fair office.

Enter the Fair! The Entry Guide is on available online or in the fair office. There are so many options for entering the fair, painting rocks, photography, preserving food, home-spun wool, quilting, flowers, succulents, the possibilities are almost endless (all entries must be family friendly). It is always fun to come to the fair, check your entry, and possibly see a blue ribbon attached to it!

Enter one of the contests. From funnel cake eating to rock climbing, there are many fun contests. Two of our biggest contests occur in the grandstands—On Saturday, contestants line up in their appropriate age categories and compete against each other, pushing a wooden wheelbarrow filled with sand over obstacles, through a water pit, up over hills and compete for a cash prize. Contestants can sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-studebaker-wheelbarrow-races-tickets-259536830647 or stop by the Fair office. On Sunday June 19th, off-road enthusiasts can try their skill on “The Rubicon Challenge.” The obstacle course, designed by Jeepers Jamboree to simulate real obstacles one would encounter on the Rubicon Trail, including a “Challenge Hill.” There are safety requirements, such as fire extinguishers on board, helmets, roll over protection, and working brakes. To register for this competition email rubicontrail@edcgov.us or fair@eldoradocountyfair.org.

There are many other fun contests at the fair—the “Father-Child-Look-Alike” contest, funnel cake eating contest, “Not So Newlywed Game,” “Best Friend’s Challenge” and “Father Knows Best” are a few. Check the Fair schedule for times and locations.

The best part of the fair is attending—viewing amazing still exhibits; shopping; noshing on fair food; listening to four stages of music; checking out livestock; watching a unicycle riding fire juggler; and of course, the exciting carnival rides—just a sampling of your day at the fair.

For more information about the fair, please contact the fair office at 530-621-5860, email fair@eldoradocountyfair.org or check out the website at eldoradocountyfair.org.

Calendar:
Who/What:        El Dorado County Fair, The Magic is Back!

When:                   Thursday, June 16 – Father’s Day, Sunday June 19
Thursday is Senior and Kid’s Day — free admission to Seniors (60+) and children under 13 until 6:30pm
Friday is Teen Day — free admission to teens 13 to 19 until 4:00pm, Discounted Ride Bands
Saturday — John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow Races at 5pm
Sunday, Father’s Day — Father’s Day package (pre-fair only). Rubicon Jeep Jamboree Challenge at 2pm

Where:                 El Dorado County Fair & Event Center, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA

Tickets:                 Pre-sale: $10-Regular, $8 Junior & Senior; During the Fair: $12-Regular, $10 Junior & Senior.
Attendees with active-duty military ID get in FREE. Parking $10 per car or take the free shuttle. (Check our website for details.)

Carnival:               The best deals for rides are pre-sale ride tickets or unlimited ride bands available online
or at the fairgrounds until June 15th.

Website:              eldoradocountyfair.org