VALLEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2022 Solano County Fair, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, concluded its successful run on Sunday, June 19, with attendance figures up significantly compared to 2019. Total gate attendance reached approximately 25,000, an 11% increase over its last live run in 2019.
“Several factors contributed to this year’s achievements including the decision to continue a free gate, particularly during these challenging economic times. We committed to delivering a wide array of entertainment this year, and many Solano County residents let us know that they came to the Fair this year to listen to great music with friends and family, dance, relax and have fun being together – particularly after two years apart. We are so grateful to have been able to provide that opportunity for folks,” said Lee Williams, Solano County Fair Association Board President.
Williams added, “Kaiser Permanente came on as a sponsoring partner, making it possible for Solano County’s nonprofits to participate fully. The Solano County community responded to our call for local exhibits, entertainment, and attractions. We can’t say thank you enough for those partnerships and to our Fair guests for making this an outstanding year!”
The Competitive Livestock Exhibits Program, which wrapped up on Saturday with the Jack and Bernice Newell Memorial Junior Livestock Auction, brought in an average of $1,592 per lot with total auction proceeds up almost 13% over 2021. It is particularly positive to see an increase in this area, where businesses and individuals are contributing back into the community. This support of the livestock auction reaffirms the importance of the Fair in recognizing the efforts and development of our youth livestock competitors. Much of the proceeds are used by the competitors for future 4‐H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) projects or as seed money for their college funds.
“One of the many aspects of the 2022 Solano County Fair for which I think we have reason to be both proud of and grateful for is the annual ‘Fun for All Day’ on Friday, June 17,” said Mike Ioakimedes, the Executive Director of the Solano County Fair Association. “Every year we like to open the Fair two hours early for special needs guests from throughout the county. Many carnival rides were open and free for the guests who also received early entrance into McCormack Hall and the livestock barns before the Fair opened to the general public. Several vendor booths, food stands and carnival games were also open early to make a memorable day of Fair fun for folks in a less stressful environment. We are glad we were able to continue this program post-pandemic.”
This year the Solano County Fair brought back the First 5 Family Fun Zone which featured different activities each day, including STEAM & Literacy Day, Health & Well Day, and Family Fun Day, as well as daily yoga and visits from the Encanto characters. There were also pig races and pony rides, while nearby families could settle in to watch Hypno-Paloooza convince audience members to serenade one another, squawk like a chicken or perform as Justin Bieber.
In addition to non‐stop daytime entertainment, Thursday through Saturday nights of the Fair featured concert entertainment on the Bay Stage. Kicking off the Fair was Michelle Lambert with her California pop folk, followed on Friday by Maya, a Latin Tribute Dance Band, and on Saturday by a double-header with opening act Cali-Luv followed by Broadway legend Chester Gregory on the Concert Stage. Sunday night closed out the Fair with its traditional jaripeo (Mexican bull riding) and Fiesta Concert featuring La Adictiva & El Yaki.
It is anticipated that the Solano County Fair will be scheduled over Father’s Day weekend again next year. Working collectively with the Solano County Board of Supervisors, the Solano County Fair Board of Directors will be finalizing dates for the 2023 Solano County Fair in the coming months.
“The community is at the heart of the Fair, and we want to celebrate the many talents Solano County has, whether it’s food preservation or creating a memorable TikTok challenge,” said Mike Ioakimedes. “Our main focus is hosting a Fair of, by and for Solano County, furthering the Fair Association’s mission to celebrate the wide variety of resources and activities available to our diverse community. To that end, we hope Solano County starts planning their 2023 competitive exhibits now, because we cannot wait to see them next year.”
About the 2022 Solano County Fair
After two, long, digital years away, the Solano County Fair is back, live and in-person, at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo, June 16 - 19. Attendees are invited to come and explore agriculture, artwork, community programs and all the sights and sounds of traditional fair concessions, music and more. “Bales of Fun” is the theme for the 2022 Solano County Fair, the 73rd year in a row that Solano County has celebrated the very special place that we all call home. For more information visit https://www.scfair.com.
