California: 12 County Fairs – Get Your Summer On

 

 Ice cream cone, Krispy Kreme sloppy Joe, deep fried cookie dough, waffle dog

 

This summer it’s all about the county fair. California has nearly 80 of them throughout the year, and dozens to choose from during the summer. It’s a time for carnival rides, fun zone games, competitive exhibits, loads of musical entertainment and plenty of family fun. And food – well, put your diet on hold. At the fair you can devour everything from deep fried cookie dough to waffle dogs and wash them down with bacon beer.

 

Below are 12 of this summer’s many California county fairs, listed by date of opening. Average admission runs $6-$10. For more information, click the link on each individual fair.

 

June

San Mateo County Fair - June 8-16, 2013

79th year at its current location. Free fair admission on Wednesday, June 12 from 12pm to 3pm. Location: San Mateo County Events Center. Phone: 650-574-3247.

 

San Diego County Fair - June 8-July 4, 2013, Closed July 1

The fourth largest fair in North America, it draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The Beachboys kick off the Toyota Summer Concert Series on June 8, free with fair admission. Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Phone: 858-755-1161.

 

Merced County Fair - June 12-16, 2013

Tractor parade, petting zoo, kiddie rides. Location: Merced County Fairgrounds. Phone: 209-722-1506.

 

Shasta District Fair - June 12-15, 2013
Attracts 90,000 people over the four-day event. Horse show, livestock auction. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” Location: Shasta District Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-378-6789.

 

Alameda County Fair - June 19-July 7, 2013, Closed Mondays
It’s in its 101st season. $1 admission and $1 rides on opening day, June 19. Fireworks show on June 21, June 28 & July 5. Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds. Phone: 925-426-7600.

 

July

Santa Barbara County Fair – July 10-14, 2013

Dollar day is Wednesday, July 10 - admission & carnival rides just $1. Live entertainment, delicious food, exhibits. Location: Santa Maria Fairpark. Phone: 805-925-8824.

 

Orange County Fair - July 12-August 11, 2013

23 days and nights of food, rides, games, exhibits, animals, headline entertainment and more. Location: OC Fair & Event Center. Phone: 714-708-1500.

 

Sonoma County Fair - July 25-August 11, 2013, Closed Mondays

Giant carnival, Wine Country Horse Racing, Derby Dog Dash, Hall of Flowers, free entertainment, more. Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Phone: 707-545-4200.

 

Ventura County Fair - July 31-August 11, 2013

Purchase a personalized brick and your name will be part of the fair’s main entry plaza forever. Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds. Phone: 805-648-3376.

 

August

Yolo County Fair - August 14-18, 2013

The largest and oldest free gate fair in California, it was first held in 1893. Location: Yolo County Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-402-2222.

 

Los Angeles County Fair - August 30-September 29, 2013

One of the largest fairs in the USA. Daily parades, wine tasting, shopping with more than 600 vendors. Location: Fairplex. Phone: 909-623-3111.

 

September

Kern County Fair - September 18-29, 2013

Bakersfield’s largest annual celebration. Free concerts featuring Jo Dee Messina, Los Lobos, Lonestar, Uncle Kracker, and others. Location: Kern County Fairgrounds. Phone: 661-833-4900.

Calistoga: Castello di Amorosa – Castle in Napa Valley

 

Castello di Amorosa

 

Gracing a hillside in northern Napa Valley, commanding the attention of even the most world-weary traveler, sits Castello di Amorosa. It’s an authentically-styled, 13th century Tuscan castle, the likes of which you’d expect to find in Italy rather than in the middle of California’s Wine Country. Oh, it’s a winery, too, but the castle is the real attention grabber, complete with moat and drawbridge, secret passage ways, torture chamber and dungeon.

 

Arched entry of Castello di Amorosa

 

Dario Sattui, winemaker and owner of Castello di Amorosa, always had a fascination with medieval architecture and a particular affection for castles – he had owned ancient properties in Italy, including a castle outside of Florence. When Sattui settled in Calistoga, it was his dream to build a winery that would replicate the old world architecture he was so enamored with. After much research and scouring to find the perfect craftsmen, building of the castle began. Painstaking detail went into every aspect of construction to ensure the authenticity of the medieval structure. Millions of bricks and chiseled stones were set in place by hand, Italian ironwork was hand forged and frescoes on the walls of the Great Hall were hand painted by Italian artists.

 

The Great Hall (photo: David Ball)

 

When completed, Sattui had a 121,000 square foot castle/winery with 107 rooms (95 devoted to winemaking) spread over eight levels above and below ground. It took 15 years to build, but when the doors opened to the public in 2007, Sattui had realized his vision of creating the only authentic Tuscan medieval castle and winery in America.

 

Wine barrels at Castello di Amorosa (photo: David Ball)

 

Guided tours of the castle, paired with wine tastings start at $33 per person. If you wish to explore on your own, $18 will get you restricted access to the castle and 5 to 6 wine tastings.  Castello di Amorosa produces primarily Italian style wines and a popular non-alcoholic grape juice.

 

More Information: Castello di Amorosa

4045 North St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515

Phone: 707-967-6272

Hours: 9:30am-6:00pm Mar-Oct; 9:30am-5:00pm Nov- Feb

Open Daily except Dec. 25th