Themed as ‘The Happiest Place on Dirt,’ local favorite opens in grand Amador style July 31
Plymouth, Calif. — The sights, sounds, and summertime magic of a true country fair are just around the corner as the Amador County Fair returns to nearby Plymouth next week, offering four full days of celebration in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Running Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3, the annual event invites visitors from across the region—including many from Folsom—to experience what organizers proudly call “The Happiest Place on Dirt.”
Hosted at the Amador County Fairgrounds, the event brings together old-fashioned charm, modern entertainment, and a deep connection to the region’s agricultural and mining heritage. From thrilling arena events and live music to home arts exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides and mouth-watering fair food, the fair offers something for everyone in a setting that celebrates community and tradition.
Arena events bring the thrills:One of the most popular elements of the Amador County Fair is its full slate of arena attractions. The action kicks off Thursday evening with the Rodeo Queen Crowning Ceremony, followed by the always-exciting Mutton Bustin’ Finals, where pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls ride sheep for glory. Friday night features the Hot Rod Truck Pulls, which also include a crowd-pleasing tug-of-war showdown between the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and local fire departments.
On Saturday night, the spotlight shifts to the CCPRA Rodeo, a high-adrenaline event that brings top competitors to the Benny Brown Arena in a ticketed showcase of traditional rodeo action. Sunday night closes out the fair with a fan-favorite: the Jackson Rancheria Destruction Derby, where modified vehicles collide in a thunderous grand finale that’s equal parts chaos and cheer.
Live music and nightly entertainment: Throughout the four-day fair, multiple stages across the grounds will host a lively lineup of tribute bands, regional acts, and crowd favorites. Thursday night features Matt Rainey & The Dippin’ Sauce performing on the Coors Stage, while Journey Revisited, a tribute to the legendary rock band, headlines Picnic Hill with sets at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday brings afternoon performances from Lyric Michelle, followed by a full evening of music with Modern Relics, Township, and 1980s party band The Spazmatics closing out the night.
Saturday’s entertainment includes multiple sets from the Cynthia Renee Band on the Coors Stage, alongside performances by Kirk Basquez and high-energy dance band Clean Slate, who take the stage at Picnic Hill. Sunday’s musical finale features Highway Vagabonds, a Miranda Lambert tribute band, performing throughout the afternoon, with evening performances by The Kool Shifters, Ride Captain Ride, and La Sonora San Jose adding Latin flair to the final night of the fair.
Living history and heritage exhibits: All four days of the fair are packed with nonstop attractions that give fairgoers the opportunity to explore Amador County’s rich heritage and agricultural roots. Steam-powered sawmill demonstrations, antique tractor parades, blacksmithing exhibits, and the interactive Pokerville Gold Mine and Stamp Mill bring history to life. Living history displays such as Frontier Town, presented by the Kit Carson Mountain Men, and the Sierra Native American Tribal Council’s Miwok Village offer educational opportunities alongside immersive exhibits.
The fair’s Media Stage will also feature live broadcasts by hometown radio station KVGC AM 1340, while strolling grounds acts like Dream City Aliens, Beard Picker, and the tropical-themed Tiki Shack will keep the festive spirit alive throughout the venue.
Competitive exhibits and creative showcases: The fair showcases the best of local craftsmanship and creativity through hundreds of competitive exhibits. Pokerville Hall and Spur Emporium will feature adult and junior entries in photography, painting, quilting, preserves, floriculture, and more. Demonstrations in spinning, weaving, quilting, and gardening are scheduled daily, with experts from local guilds and garden clubs sharing their knowledge with visitors. Floral and garden displays inside the Floriculture Building offer additional programming, including rose care advice from the Rose Society and a chance to speak with members of the Foothill Garden Club. Special contests include a plein air painting challenge and the Fair Time Photography Contest, inviting artists to capture the essence of the fair in real time.
Livestock shows and junior auction: Livestock events are central to the fair’s agricultural roots. From market swine and lamb shows to dairy goats, beef cattle, poultry, and rabbit exhibitions, young participants in 4-H, FFA, and Grange will be competing throughout the week. Saturday’s “Livestock Beauty Pageant” adds a fun and crowd-pleasing twist to the livestock schedule. On Sunday morning, the Junior Livestock Auction provides a culmination of months of hard work as animals are auctioned to benefit local youth, with a sale order that includes beef, ag mechanics, lambs, market goats, rabbits, and swine.
Carnival rides, kids’ events and fair food: The midway opens at noon each day, offering a full carnival experience with games, rides, and food booths. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $42. Thursday is Kids’ Day, featuring a morning parade in downtown Plymouth followed by the official opening ceremony and smoke-free fairgrounds through 6 p.m. Friday is designated Seniors’ Day, with programming tailored to older guests and smoke-free areas until 4 p.m. Families are encouraged to take advantage of shaded picnic areas and grassy spots throughout the grounds to relax and enjoy the vibrant fair atmosphere. Fair food favorites will be in abundance, from classic corndogs and funnel cakes to tri-tip sandwiches, deep-fried treats, and refreshing lemonades. Wine tasting on Friday evening on the Floriculture Lawn adds a special touch for adult guests.
Plan your visit: Fair hours are from 9 a.m. to midnight each day, with exhibit buildings opening at 10 a.m. (closing at 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 7 p.m. on Sunday). Admission ranges from $9.50 to $15.50 depending on age, with free entry for children under 7. Reserved tickets are required for the Hot Rod Truck Pulls, CCPRA Rodeo, and Destruction Derby, with prices ranging from $22 to $32.
Located just over the hill in neighboring Amador County, the fairgrounds at 18621 Sherwood Street in Plymouth provide the perfect backdrop for a summer tradition that continues to grow year after year. Whether you’re in it for the concerts, carnival thrills, arena action, livestock competitions, or simply a classic corn dog and a sunset ride on the Ferris wheel, the Amador County Fair lives up to its reputation as one of Gold Country’s most cherished summertime events.
For full schedules, tickets, and event details, visit www.amadorcountyfair.com.
Fair is a legacy that spans generations in local region
The Amador County Fair’s history stretches back to 1887, when it was originally held in Ione and known as the Amador and Sacramento County Annual Fair. Back then, it featured popular harness races on a track that was once considered one of the fastest in California. In 1938, the fair moved to Plymouth, first setting up under a large tent on a school playground. By 1940, the first parcel of fairground land was purchased—just over 8 acres for $1,250—with additional acreage added over the next decade. These early land deals were largely viewed as gifts to the people of Amador County, cementing the fair’s place as a true community institution.
Leadership has played a central role in shaping the fair’s identity. Harold Colburn served on the Board of Directors for 47 years, including two decades as president. Other community members—many appointed by California governors—have helped steward the fair through decades of change, including longtime board member Louise Hall, who promoted youth exhibits and a spirit of volunteerism that lives on today.
The day-to-day operations of the fair have been managed by a small but dedicated group of individuals, including legendary figures like Goula Waite, whose vision helped shape the layout and exhibits seen today. From building Frontier Town to designing the perfect flow for foot traffic, Waite’s legacy endures in the physical character of the fairgrounds. Later leaders like Ralph and Susie Clark brought national recognition and local growth, while recent CEO Rich Hoffman—a former FFA exhibitor and Amador High graduate—has taken the reins to lead the fair into its next chapter with deep roots and community pride.
Through generations of volunteers, exhibitors, leaders and loyal fairgoers, the Amador County Fair has grown from a humble gathering into one of the most authentic and celebrated small-county fairs in the West. It is a living piece of Gold Country history—and one that continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of an entire community.
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