By Regina Elling
Special to The East County Californian
With its small-town feel, and many of the same attractions as the bigger fairs, the Ramona Country Fair has plenty to offer those looking for old-fashioned weekend entertainment and activities. From Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, visitors will be able to enjoy amusement rides, a variety of food, vendor booths, carnival games, wine tasting, great musical acts, equestrian shows, a cornhole tournament and even an off-road exhibit.
“The Fair is one of the finest things we do for the community,” said Bob Krysak, president, Ramona Chamber of Commerce. “It has a small-town country feel, which is very appealing, and there’s so much for everyone to do. It’s magical, and a great experience for all.”
Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the Fair kicks off Thursday, July 25, with the Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival.
Featuring unlimited tastings from a dozen Ramona wineries, the event includes catered small bites, a complementary tasting glass, live music by Sam Powell and select art and craft vendors. Scenic Valley Ranch Vineyards, Corricameros Vineyard and Winery, Mermaid Valley Vineyard, Rancho San Martin Winery, Ramona Ranch Winery and Pamo Valley Winery will be on hand, with more Ramona wineries expected to join in the upcoming weeks.
The private event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pavilion at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center. Tickets are $50; to purchase; visit ramonachamber.com/cheerstothevalley or call the Chamber.
Fair-goers expect a wide variety of food and treats when they attend, and this year should not disappoint. With 20 food vendors, options include sushi, corn dogs, fried cannolis, tacos, African food, ceviches, burgers, shakes and more.
Any wine left over from the event will be sold during the fair; beer will also be available.
Nearly 20 craft and commercial vendors will be offering goods ranging from t-shirts and tumblers to jewelry, candles, clothing and more.
The Ramona High School Junior ROTC and Color Guard will kick off the barrel racing, and a member of the high school is expected to sing the national anthem.
Barrel racing takes place on Saturday morning, beginning around 10 a.m.; other equestrian exhibitions are still being added. There is also expected to be short demonstrations by Spanish horses, showcasing the animals’ dancing and other formal moves.
The Cornhole Tournament takes place Saturday, with check in at 10 a.m. and games beginning at 11 a.m.
Participants can pre-register on the scoreholio.com website or app, or in person. Entry fees for each two-person team is $50, with half the proceeds going to cash prizes and trophies for the winners, and the other half going towards scholarships for Ramona students. Children overthe age of 10 are welcome.
Food vendors and a bar will be available at the event, with special priced canned beer offered to contestants. Participants can bring their own bags or bags will be provided. The event is being run by State 31 Cornhole Company of Ramona.
Ramona musicians will be highlighted during the event, with 20 musical performances planned. Friday’s performers include Dirty Confetti, Thea The Band, Sun Valley String, Lady Psychiatrist Booth, Farm Truck, Astra Kelly and The Farmers. On Saturday, Michael Dean Goodrich, Tim Atkins, Gunn Stage, Dan Duplan, The Beard and the Bird, Salinas Road and Ash Easton take the stage. On Sunday, Ian Ross, Travis Billy Ross and Blind Miles Blues will be featured during the day, while Banda Night’s lineup includes Sol Norteno, Zona Blindada and Banda Sinoloence.
Performances will be from 5 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, 6 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday for the morning, with Banda night taking over from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VIP tables available; check the Chamber website for information.
A complete schedule of bands will be posted on the Ramona Chamber of Commerce website.
On Sunday, an Off-road car show for buggies, Broncos, Jeeps, trucks, VWs and more will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No racing will be held in the arena, but spectators will be able to see the vehicles and meet with their owners. The public will be able to vote on “People’s Choice” awards, and vehicles will compete for prizes. Activities at the show include power wheels, or small electric car rides for the youngsters, tugof-war and a taco challenge.
Live music will be provided by Wild Pinkler at 10:30 a.m. and by Craig’s Band at noon.
Entry fee for the Off-road car show is $25; limited space is available. For more information,
email ramonaoffroadshow@ gmail.com or visit: https://ramonachamber.com/ramona-country-fair/.
On Friday, fair hours are from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; rides are open from 5 p.m. until closing. On Saturday and Sunday, fair hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with rides open from 1 p.m. until closing.
Presale parking passes are $10 for a single day (buyers choose the day), or $15 unlimited/ all three days; prices are $15 single day at the fair, $20 unlimited. Buyers will be called when their passes are ready to be picked up from the Chamber office or show your ID to the parking attendant for will call.
A sheet of presale ride tickets is $20; onsite, 24 tickets for $20. Most rides require four to seven tickets.
Fair organizers said there is still time for volunteers and sponsors to become involved. Two hour shifts are preferable.
“We’re accepting volunteers for everything from working at the bars to parking. We have all kinds of positions we need help with, and we appreciate our volunteers, as they keep things going,” said Karen Dominitz, chamber member. “It’s a huge community effort, but it’s fun for everyone.”
The fair overlaps the Ramona Junior Fair, held from July 19 through July 28. The Junior Fair allows participating 4-H, FFA and Grange clubs to show off their skills in agriculture and livestock handling through exhibits and a livestock auction. For more information, visit: https://ramonajuniorfair.com/.
The Ramona Country Fair takes place at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane.
The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is located at 1306 Main Street, Suite 103. Business hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 760-789-1311 or visit: ramonachamber.com.
