The Yolo County Fair has been an Arnold family tradition for as long as I can remember. Both my grandmother, Nanele Arnold, and my father, Doug Arnold, dedicated many years on the Yolo County Fair Board. My grandfather, Bill Arnold, had cars on display from the Arnold Motor Company from 1956-1966. He was named one of the longest running exhibitors since he later had the Arnold Real Estate exhibit as well. As a child, I would help blow up and hand out balloons at the real estate booth while proudly wearing my yellow and black t-shirt with “SOLD” emblazoned across the front.

It’s a family tradition that my aunt and uncle, Pam and Steve Bair, carry on today by hosting our annual August Birthday Bash at the Rotary Barbecue Area where we feast on tacos, beer, blooming onions and ears of roasted corn, followed by birthday cake. Their grandkids raise animals through Future Farmers of America and after the party we visit the animals, the rides and the carnival games.

My favorite way to send off the fair on closing night is by attending the Destruction Derby where cars bash into each other hoping to be the last one standing. If you’ve yet to make this one of your traditions, you’ll enjoy getting a glimpse of the sights and sounds of the midway in this month’s feature story about the fair. Enjoy!