Hal Ketchum Headlines Ramona Country Fair

Ramona Country Fair runs from July 31 to Aug. 3 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane. The fair is open Thursday and Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

The Junior Livestock Fair runs from July 26 through Aug. 3, with 4-H and FFA youngsters displaying livestock and their showmanship skills. Don't miss the big livestock auction at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

This year's Country Fair headline attraction is popular country star Hal Ketchum on stage at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, after Southbound Jonny, one of San Diego County's most sought after country bands.

Admission to the fair is free; concert tickets are $15 for general admission and $30 for reserved floor seating. Premium and VIP concert packages are also available. Parking is $5 this year.

Live entertainment will also be on stage Saturday night. Prospective Ramona Idols will compete on Thursday and Friday, with finals on Sunday.

Pre-sale passes for Christiansen Amusements carnival rides are available at Ramona Chamber of Commerce, Ramona Pharmacy, Albertsons, The Livery, Elston Hay and Grain and Java Hut.

Always popular are the food and vendor booths, exhibits, arts and crafts and competitions, including the second year of lawn mower races on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Fred Grand Arena.

The Junior Livestock Fair features livestock shown by youth in 4-H and FFA. There will also be displays of their work in home economics.

The grand finale is the livestock auction, where bidders can choose from a variety of beef, veal, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry, including this year's champion animals.

The public is invited to bid - just sign up for a bidder number before the auction begins. A barbecue lunch, held before the auction, is open to all bidders.

Following the livestock sale, an after-auction event with donated items is held, with all proceeds going to support the fair.

For information about Ramona Country Fair, call the chamber office at 760-789-1311 or the event hotline at 760-789-1484. Information also is available at www.Ramona Fair.com, www.Ramona Chamber.com and www.RamonaJuniorFair.com.