The 77th annual Mother Lode fair in Sonora will kick off this year on July 10 and run through July 13. Dubbed “The hottest little fair in California,” says the fair’s Marketing Manager Stacy Dodge, this year's fair is sure to sizzle and will include live music from local bands, and exhibits showcasing the arts, agriculture, food and wine from the historical Gold Country and surrounding regions.
The fair, located in Tuolumne County, will have plenty of events for everyone. Local wineries and cheese factories, including Gianelli Vineyards amongst others, will host free wine and cheese tasting on the fairgrounds everyday.
The family and kids area will host “Circus Imagination,” an interactive show where kids are pulled from the audience to become instant circus stars. In addition to the show, family activities will also include face painting, arts and crafts, and kiddy rides. Keep an eye out for the Art Alliance projects, which will coordinate different live art demonstrations everyday, says Dodge.
The musical entertainment line-up will feature local artists, including Dobbie Rock, a tribute band on the main stage performing on Thursday night. On Friday, you can catch Flying Blind, and on Sunday the power soul and rock group Chains Required.
In the mood for a different kind of entertainment? Hit the Motorized Sport Grandstand, beginning on Friday night at 7 p.m. with AMP Motocross. Saturday’s show will consist of truck and tractor pulls by L&L; productions, also starting at 7 p.m. Last, but certainly not least, do not miss the final night's entertainment at the Demolition Derby.
Whether in the mood for food, dancing or destruction, be sure to hit the Mother Lode this year for a friendly atmosphere with fantastic venues. While you prepare for the hot days ahead, grab an ice cream for an outdoor adventure or head inside for an artsy exhibit, either way, the fairgrounds have got your summer entertainment covered.
BY MELISSA HUTSELLIF YOU'RE GOINGWHAT:Mother Lode Fair
WHEN:July 10-13
WHERE:220 Southgate Dr., Sonora
TICKETS:Pre-sale tickets are $7.50 at Motherlodefair.org
