Ramona Country Fair Coming Soon . . .

Ramona Home Journal File Photos

By Vince Franano, Chairman

It’s time for an update on the 35th annual Ramona Country Fair, which will take place August 4-7 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (Fairgrounds), 5th and Aqua Lane.

Volunteers from the Ramona Chamber of Commerce have been working feverishly to make this a great event, and their efforts are paying off — in a country fair that will have something for everyone.

Fair hours will be 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday; 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Of course, admission to the fair is free, parking is $1, and you will need tickets for the Christiansen Amusements Carnival Rides. Their popular “wristband” deal allows riders to enjoy unlimited rides, during special hours, at one low price. Sale locations for wristbands and advance ride ticket packages will be announced in a later article.

Christiansen Amusements is celebrating its 40th season of providing safe, affordable, family fun. The company participates in more than 80 events each year throughout Southern California. Its carnival history spans five generations, with current president “Buzz” Christensen’s grandfather starting in the 1920s at Belmont Park in Mission Bay.

Major adult and kiddie carnival rides, plus the traditional favorite game booths and candy wagon food concessions, will return. Rides will include the Sky Diver, Hurricane, Gravitron, Bumper Cars, Zipper and Merry-Go-Round.

Craft and merchandise vendors will be on hand with a broad variety of handcrafted and unique trinkets and jewelry; ornamental items; woodcarvings; clothing; kids’ toys and activities, such as puppet theater; blown glass; and community information groups. These are just some of the many booths that will be at the fair.

As for live entertainment, a sampling of the bands and entertainers are Coyote Moon, Uplift, Christopher Cash, Junkies and Thieves, plus other talent from the local community.

As for the specialty food delights, enjoy funnel cakes and blossom onions (hopefully not at the same time); the giant Orange Ball from the Knights of Columbus, serving their famous snow cones; Indian fry bread; Hunter Steak House barbecue; Guadalajara Mexican food; Enchantment kettle corn and fruit smoothies; Texas twisters; ice-cold lemonade; hot dogs and hamburgers; French fries; pizza and more.

One of the most essential yet most under-recognized roles in the success of an event of this magnitude is the organization of vehicle parking. Thanks to Ernie Filla of the Ramona Parks & Recreation Association and his staff of volunteers, the space available around the fairgrounds will be used to the fullest.

Through the years, the dollar that fairgoers pay for parking has supported many Ramona organizations: Pop Warner, Wranglers, Trail Association, Sports Association, Soccer League, various high school organizations, and the Senior Center. Each day of the fair, different organizations have volunteers helping with the parking as a fundraiser. They receive all of your dollars. Your support for these community groups is greatly appreciated.

We are always looking for additional volunteers to help lighten the load. If you wish to help, the primary committees and chairs for this year’s Country Fair are as follows:

• Chairman: Vince Franano, Main Street Auto Care

• Sponsorship: Karen Clendenen, Century 21, San Vicente

• Advertising: Jo Fox, Prudential Realty

• Food and Merchandise Vendors: Tracy Turner,Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles

• Craft exhibits: Claudia Dufresne, Claudia’s Draperies

• Web site: Robin Rose, Progressive Technologies Group

• Events: Kathy Smiley, Progressive Technologies Group

• Entertainment: Gin Boughner, vocal coach.

This volunteer staff is dedicated to providing a tremendous fair but can always use additional help.

We have established a Website and e-mail connections for the various committees.

Visit www.ramona fair.com and click on an e-mail link to the appropriate committee person, or call the Chamber of Commerce at (760) 789-1311 and they will provide phone numbers for the appropriate chair.

Keep in mind that sponsorship and participation in this event provides great exposure for your company, and as a volunteer, you will be providing a great service to your community.

See you at the fair!