MENDOCINO CO., 9/9/26 — The Mendocino County Fair and Apple Show comes to the county fairgrounds in Boonville Sept. 18-20 with a horse show, soccer, sheepdog trials, a parade, rodeo and more events for all ages.
Friday, Sept. 18 kicks off the festivities with an 8 a.m. horse show and the California wool and fiber festival. Judging is at 10 a.m. at the wool building. Wine tasting will be held at the agriculture building from 3:30-9:30 p.m., and there’s a soccer game at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, there’s a parade of champions and the crowning of the Junior Apple Jack at 7 p.m. The rodeo kicks off at 8 p.m., followed by a dance at 10 p,m. featuring Dean Titus and the Coyote Cowboys.
The ever-popular sheepdogs start at 10 a.m. Sunday. Dogs compete during a series of time trials herding sheep into holding pens, guided with whistles and hand signals by their human partners. Next is the noon parade down State Route 128 and through the grandstand arena. The California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo starts at 2 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. dance featuring Herencia De Reyes and Grupo Lagos.
This year’s fair theme is “Boots, Buckles and Bows.”
All three days feature a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids from 10 a,m.-6 p.m. The carnival and the fair itself are open from 9 a.m. to midnight each day.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for juniors 13-17, $8 for ages 7-12 and under 6 free.
For more information, visit mendocountyfair.com.