Eager fair-goers spent their Thursday night helping kick off the 75th Solano County Fair, drawn in by the wafting scent of funnel cakes and an enticing entry fee of one dollar. After weathering the last few years in a modified capacity, the fair’s familiar sights, smells and screams felt like a return to the good old days. For Moses Arroyo and his family, the affordable ticket price gave them a reason to check out the fair’s offerings after a few years away.
Taking a moment to enjoy some chili cheese fries — their fair food staple — the Arroyos said their next stop was the petting zoo and pony rides. While vendors may come and go, animals have been a reliable part of the fair over the years. And during Family Ag Day they were the main event.
Pigs, goats, sheep and a llama named Vicky were present and accounted for in the livestock building. Surrounding the pens, farmers and participating presenters set up booths with products, activities and live demonstrations for the agricultural event. Attendees could also peruse the creative gardening from “theme garden” contestants, with one standout flower bed entry planted in a pink wheelbarrow.
Curious visitors got an up-close glimpse at farm life during a goat milking demonstration performed by Carol Carpenter from Double J Ranch. Getting the process down to 5-8 minutes per goat, Carpenter can get three goats milked in just under 30 minutes. “She takes me about eight minutes, cause she’s my biggest one,” said Carpen.