What: Definitely the only local fair hosting an Ugliest Dog Contest, this festival up north also includes pig races, funnel cake-eating contests, live music, carnival rides, a farm-to-table showcase by Clover Stornetta and Cowgirl Creamery, a wild-cow-milking competition, and dozens of other hick-worthy and completely fun going-ons.
When: Wednesday June 22, through Sunday, June 26
Where: 4th District Agricultural Association, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma; 707-283-3247
Alameda County Fair
What: Head out east for this fair on the little island of Alameda, where there will be fireworks, BBQ and gumbo cook-offs, urban-gardening exhibitions, horse races, a petting zoo, and lots more. For those playing hooky from work, note that admission is just 99-cents before 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and on Monday, June 27, all carnival rides are a mere buck.
When: Wednesday June 22, through Sunday, July 10 (closed Tuesdays)
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton; 925-426-7600.
A contestant in the Ugliest Dog Contest. Photo: Facebook