Mother Lode Fairgrounds

The 2019 Mother Lode Fair is coming July 4-7!!

Latest News

Fairgrounds Response to Flooding and Celtic Faire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2019

 

Mother Lode Fairgrounds Administration received notification from Tuolumne County Environmental Health on Friday, March 8, of potential water contamination threatening the cancellation of the Sonora Celtic Faire. The possible contamination is the result of flooding sustained during Wednesday’s storm. Fairgrounds Administration took immediate action to ensure Public Health and Safety. The Administration contacted Cover’s and Mountain Oasis Water, who responded by providing safe, potable water for the Fairgrounds. Mountain Oasis delivered 5-gallon bottles of water. Cover’s potable water truck will remain at the Fairgrounds for the duration of the Sonora Celtic Faire.

All Mother Lode Fairgrounds Staff have been diligently working to clean up the damage from the flooding to provide a safe, clean environment for all fairgoers.

The Mother Lode Fairgrounds CEO and Staff encourage everyone to attend the Sonora Celtic Faire, celebrating the Celtic heritage.

 

Ken Alstott

CEO

Wine Competition Returns

The 2019 Mother Lode Fair will see the return of the wine competition for Commercial Bonded Wineries!  The competition is open to any winery in California using grapes grown in California.  Wine divisions and classes are posted here along with the entry form.  Entry forms, fees and wine must be received at our Fair Administration Office by Monday, June 10, 2019.

Junior Livestock Exhibitor Information

Mandatory preweigh dates have been confirmed for Junior Livestock Exhibitors.

  • Market Beef:  Sunday, March 10, 2019, from 8-10 AM at Gardella’s Ranch/Montezuma Angus
  • Market Swine, Sheep, and Goats:  Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Fairgrounds
    • Swine from 7 – 11 AM
    • Sheep and Goats from 11 AM – 1 PM

Exhibitors of market animals must be present for preweigh and fair weigh-in to be eligible to show and sell.  Exceptions must be requested in writing from the Mother Lode Fair CEO and have prior approval.

All independent exhibitors are required to print and fill out the Independent Exhibitors packet available here and return the appropriate forms to the Fair Office by the species ownership dates.  Independent Exhibitors are also required to complete a project record book and may use the forms available here.

2019 Mother Lode Fair Poultry Show Cancelled

January 28, 2019

The Mother Lode Fair has received notification from the State Veterinarian regarding poultry shows at 2019 California fairs.  Due to a continuing outbreak of Virulent Newcastle Disease in the state, all fairs with opening dates prior to July 1 have been advised to cancel their poultry shows.  We have made the decision to cancel the 2019 Mother Lode Fair Poultry Show as well.

Even though the Mother Lode Fair opens after the deadline, our concern is for Public Safety as well as the health of our local commercial poultry flocks.  We have made this decision early enough to hopefully allow our poultry exhibitors to join another project of interest; exhibitors are encouraged to contact their 4-H Leaders or FFA Advisors for assistance.

The Fair is restructuring our Small Livestock Displays into species-specific classes and are in the process of organizing an Avian Bowl to allow our poultry exhibitors to participate at Fair.

On behalf of the Mother Lode Fair Board of Directors, I thank you in advance for your understanding.

Ken Alstott

CEO