Gold Country Fair boasts a slew of new attractions

Snakes, dinosaur digs, acrobatic dog shows and more join the lineup at the Gold Country Fair next week. The Gold Country Fair is scheduled from Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 7-10, and will feature a slew of new attractions for families to enjoy. Gold Country Fairgrounds CEO Don Ales said the fair is 40-percent new attractions, including an expanded Comic-Con, Kombucha Corner, expanded Kids World area, dinosaur digs, exotic animal display, Barbie and more. In the Sierra Building, Brad's World Reptiles will provide engaging educational programs for people of all ages so they can learn more about the natural world and animals inside. Ales said fairgoers can hold an alligator or albino snake and interact with a number of other reptiles. The event will also feature a demo derby, juggler, balloon maker and more. "There is so much magic there," Ales said. "We have just filled it up." The Livestock Show is taking place in the fair's first new barn in 40-50 years, Ales said. The Junior Livestock Auction and Small Livestock Auction are the culmination of a year's activity for Placer County's 4-H, FFA and independent exhibitors. These young exhibitors select, feed and groom their animals, and the Gold Country Fair is where they present their projects to a judge and receive the monetary value for their product along with public recognition for their efforts. All livestock exhibitors have completed the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals certification, which stresses animal well-being, food safety and character awareness. When it comes to food, more than half of the vendors are new to the fair and even include healthy options, Ales said. The Auburn Ale House has brewed a specialty IPA just for the Gold Country Fair. For those who like the musical talent, Ales was pleased to announce he has finally booked Wonderbread 5 as an act for the fair. "We've been trying to get them for years," Ales said. He said the fair offers a little "something for everyone" musically and includes local acts, country, blues, Irish, Hispanic and more. And you can't talk about a fair without talking about the rides. Host Butler Amusements will have several new carnival rides. Attendees can purchase single-ride tickets and unlimited ride wristbands. Ales said his favorite part of the fair each year is seeing the many happy children. "My favorite thing is watching the memories that the kids create for themselves," Ales said. He said it's especially special to see the kids who raise livestock be able to sell their animal. "Some kids make $20,000 on a steer and they just can't believe someone in the community is that loving," he said. "You just see that smile on that face and you know you had a small part in helping create that memory for them." The fair officially opens its gates Thursday at 4 p.m. and is open until 11 p.m. On Friday, the fair is open from 4 p.m. to midnight. Saturday, the event runs from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, the event opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Ales said the forecast looks promising, which is a relief after the triple-digit heatwave last year. General admission tickets are $10 ($5 on Thursday), and there are special rates for active-duty military, kids and seniors. There is also a four-day pass. Parking for most vehicles is $10. For more information, visit goldcountryfair.com.