Sonoma County Fair--July 27-August 9
On With The Show... The Circus Is Coming To Town!
Directors and staff of the Sonoma County Fair want everyone to know that the circus is coming to town this summer. "On With The Show" is this year’s Fair theme, and fairgoers will experience amazing trapeze acts, daring high wire walks and circus games for the entire family.

The fair and one of its prime attractions - the annual Hall of Flowers spectacular – both feature the circus theme. Flower show creator Greg Duncan promises beautiful gardens surrounded by murals, unique tents, animated characters and high-tech water features depicting circus history.

The 14-day Sonoma County Fair opens Tuesday, July 27 and continues through Monday, August 9.

Wine Country Racing – the most popular 12 days of live horse racing in Northern California – is scheduled July 28-August 9 at the fair’s one-mile track. No racing is planned Tuesday, August 3. First post is 12:45 p.m.

This summer’s fair will be different from all past editions. Fair directors have signed a new carnival - Sam Johnston’s Midway of Fun – full of new amusement rides and games. Circus-related variety acts and activities are planned at the fairgrounds’ free entertainment stages.

Gregangelo and the Velocity Circus Troupe will be presenting a combination of traditional and modern circus acts, including acrobatic fire eating, trapeze work, juggling and more. In addition to the more traditional circus acts, the Alberti Flea Circus will be performing every day. Known as the most talented troupe of performing fleas in the hemisphere, the Alberti fleas have performed to enthusiastic crowds all over the country.

Sonoma County residents will be invited to join in the fun with daily circus contests and events. In the Circus Talent Show, contestants can compete in Hula Hoop, Juggling, Mime/Clown, Baton Twirling, and Magic divisions. "We’re still working on the details, but there will be something for everyone," says Special Events Coordinator Jane Engdahl. Contest information will be available in April, at the fairgrounds, all public libraries and on the Fair web site at http://www.sonomacountyfair.com.

The highly anticipated Hall of Flowers should be spectacular again, as 12 professional landscapers and nurseries work their floral magic in a setting of the world of the big top circus. Garden themes will range from the days when the circus traveled by wagon through the heartland of America to the avant-garde fantasy of modern circuses and lavish showrooms. A variety of unusual water features and aerial spectacles will give the fairgoer the sense of gardens in motion.