Originally published in the August 3, 2016 print edition of the West Sacramento News-Ledger

The 10th annual Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, Aug. 17 will kick off the 2016 Yolo County Fair and celebrate agriculture products and produce inside the Ag Building at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland.

The tasting event, which usually attracts approximately 600 attendees from all over the region, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and feature approximately 37 vendors, live music, leaders from the local community, previous guests and presenters from past fairs and more, according to a statement by the Gala’s event coordinator Samantha Novan.

“It’s a wonderful event and a great opportunity to experience all of the local produce and wine and beer and olive oil that’s produced here in Yolo County that you might not experience anywhere else under the same roof,” said Novan.

Tickets run $20 in advance and $25 at the door, but the event’s organizers urge attendees to buy their tickets early as they tend to sell out before the event. Novan said tickets are available online for the first time this year and can be purchased at yolocountyfair.net under “The Fair” section by clicking on “Yolo County Fair’s Opening Night Gala.” Note that a $3 processing fee is added to online ticket purchases.

Event organizers like Yolo County Fair Board President Katie Villegas are especially excited about community members being able to get a taste of local products.

“It’s the best event in Yolo County!” said Villegas. “Showcasing all of our locally-grown produce and locally-made craft beers, wines, cheeses and olive oils – it’s a delicious experience for the whole family!”

Two local bands, Chicken & Dumpling and Clarence Van Hook & Friends, are back this year to perform live blues music while attendees enjoy the tastes of local wine, beer, olive oils, honey, nuts, jams, meats, produce and restaurant fare.

New additions to this year’s gala include three additional breweries for a total of five and two bakeries—Let Them Eat Cake and The Upper Crust Baking Company. One of the five breweries at the event will be Yolo Brewing Company.

“Yolo Brewing Company is honored to present the freshest local craft beers in the region to guests of the Yolo County Fair Gala,” said Michael Costello of the Yolo Brewing Company. “We’re proud of our region, and our home-county, especially. The diversity of ag, food and beverage production and processing in Yolo County creates a foundation for good living in the heart of California. We are excited that YOLOBREW is becoming part of our regional excellence.”

The Fair’s theme this year is “80 Years of Fair Fun.” The Yolo County Fair, which runs Aug. 17 through 21, remains the largest and oldest free gate fair in California thanks to the continued dedication of the volunteers who support the county and community with partnerships and sponsorships, according to Novan’s press release.

For more information, please contact the Fair Office by phone at (530) 402.2222 or by email at yolocountyfairgala@gmail.com. You may also search for the event on Facebook or visit its official website to receive updates, program information and more.