Discount tickets on sale for Sonoma County Fair

Tickets go on sale Saturday for The Sonoma County Fair, offering a chance for early-birds to save money on admission, special events and rides.

The fair, with a ‘Down on the Farm” theme, runs July 24 to Aug. 9 (except Mondays.)

Pre-sale single day admission tickets for adults 13 and over are $8, a savings of $3. Kids 7-12 are $5. Family Packs, sold only in person at the box office, offers even more savings. For $35 a family can purchase three adult general admission tickets, two child tickets and a parking pass for $35. A full-fair pass good for all 15 days is $40 per person.

Carnival rides are what really eat up the budget. But Carnival Wow Coupons for $25 offer a choice between 10 ride tickets or an all-day Carnival Wristband good for all ages, a two-for-one play coupon, free popcorn and a special gift.

This year the fair is also offering a new Family Economy Pack for $110 that includes 6 “Too Good to Be True” passes for the price of 5 and good on any “Too Good to Be True” days at the fair.

Tickets are also on sale for the special events and headliners, which this year include the Country Music duos Montgomery Gentry and Thompson Square on Aug. 4 ($35-$65) and singer/songwriter/actress Bridgit Mendler on Aug. 5 ($30-$55). Early purchasers get their choice of seats.

For thrill-seekers tickets are available for The Rodeo on July 25, The Destruction Derby on Aug. 1 and The Monster Trucks Aug. 8 and 9 for $2 off regular prices: $8 for the bleachers and $10 for grandstand seats.

Regular tickets for the fair purchased the same day at the box office remain the same as last year at $11 for adults.

Among the highlights of the annual fair is the Hall of Flowers, which will come in bloom under the theme “Barnyard Blossoms.” For details visit SonomaCountyFair.com or call 545-4200. The Sonoma County Fairgrounds and box office is located at 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa.

You can reach Staff Writer Meg McConahey at meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com or 521-5204. On Twitter @megmcconahey.