Fairgoers enjoy attractions amid heat

June 28, 2006

By MAKALA KEYS and KELLY O'GRADY
ARGUS-COURIER INTERNS

Powder-sugared hands pushed down on the safety bar of rides as the same song kept repeating itself in the ears of the young and old, handy workers bustled to satisfy adrenaline cravings and sweet teeth, and sweltering heat kept vendors close to their own ice and water.

These were among the sights and sounds of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, held June 21 through Sunday at the Petaluma Fairgrounds.

Daytime fairgoers found themselves doubling up on sunscreen as they strolled past small booths, gathered with animals and picked up a free scoop of Clover Stornetta ice cream. Ages and species aside, the heat relentlessly kept up and all the animals -- and everybody else -- found their own way to beat the heat.

Dumping water over heads proved to be a popular means of keeping cool. Animals found comfort in frozen ice packs and electrical fans, as Lee Deaton of Petaluma observed.

"I noticed they were even putting the fans on the goats out there," Deaton said.

On Thursday, Deaton and longtime friend Bill Souza of Tomales sat midday beneath one of few large oak trees, enjoying refreshments and the coolness of the shade.

"I'm from Idaho, and we're farm people," Souza said. "I used to live here, and came to the fair many, many years ago. I just came to have something to do today."

Perhaps the biggest "farm people" of all could be found in the Dairy Princess Pageant. First alternate Tessa Buratto, 18, proudly sported her Dairy Princess sash as she rode in a golf cart on her way to lunch.

"The fair is lots of fun for all kids," she said. "We work for it all year, selling and raising animals. It's what we come here for, to make a profit. And the Dairy Princess (Pageant) is really cool because we get to represent the industry."

Animals proved to be a huge attraction, especially among families with younger children. Shinquell Green, 17, from Santa Rosa came to the fair with her stepdad and 3-year-old sister.

"My little sister really likes the petting zoo," she said. "We usually go to the Marin, Sonoma and Sacramento fairs every year. This is the smallest one."

In hopes of dodging the heat, visitors enjoyed the air-conditioned quarters of the exhibits and the powerful gust produced by the head-spinning, stomach-turning rides such as the infamous Ranger and the more subdued Falling Star.

Ashley Bell, 8, who was attending her second fair, was enthused by the entire atmosphere.

"I like winning games," she said. "I went on a lot of rides, too. My favorite one is the slide. I also like the roller coaster."

This year's fair boasted a wide variety of events, contests and concerts, including a talent show, a hypnotist, Grand Funk Railroad, Uncle Kracker, Tracy Lawrence, a Fish Liars Contest and the media-hound paradise: the World's Ugliest Dog Competition. The media barked up a storm as 30 different news sources lobbied for a clear camera shot of the 18 contestants. The winner of the contest, Archie from Arizona, caused a bit of a controversy by upsetting online contest favorites Munchkin and Pee Wee. The Chinese Crested canine is owned by Heather Peoples.

Once the sun set, the heat lifted and the florescent lights illuminated, an atmosphere complete with long lines, rowdy teenagers, warm breezes and loud music took over the scene. The day-goer's primary attraction of animal showings contrasted with the night owl's desire for adrenaline rushes and cotton candy.

Energy surged as fights broke out in the crowds and security guards tackled down restless youth, proud fathers handed their game-winning earnings to their twinkled-eyed children, and puppy love and hormones were released on the top of the Ferris wheel.

(Contact Makala Keys and Kelly O'Grady at argus@ arguscourier.com.)