Sonoma County Farm Trails' 42nd Annual Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol Tastes Like Nostalgia

    SEBASTOPOL, CA, July 31, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Now in its 42nd year, the Gravenstein Apple Fair (http://www.gravensteinapplefair.com) continues the tradition of celebrating and exhibiting Sebastopol's beloved Gravenstein apple. Produced by Sonoma County Farm Trails, the fair features live music on two stages, great food, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, arts and crafts booths, a petting zoo, and so much more. Visitors experience the feeling of an old time country get-together. They can throw darts at apples, try their hand at apple juggling or the apple pie eating contest, ride in a wagon pulled by plow horses, and shop the artisan booths for handmade jewelry, clothing, pottery and gourmet goodies. There are fun activities like the Hay Maze for the kids, family-friendly performances such as puppet shows, storytelling, sing-alongs, Circus Waldissima (the acclaimed local youth circus inspired by Waldorf Education), beekeeper displays, and a fine selection of local wine and brews for the adults.

Sheep shearing, cow milking, farmer panel discussions, and tips on keeping backyard chickens and goats are on display at the Life on the Farm stage. The Do-It-Yourself Arena features hourly demonstrations on home arts such as cheese making, wool felting, fermenting vegetables, grain milling, and keeping any size garden in top condition. In the Chef's Tent, local culinary stars share recipes and tastes of their favorite dishes showcasing the fair's namesake Gravenstein apple.

Two newer additions to the fair are the Artisan Cheese Lounge and the Craft Cider Tent. The Cheese Lounge features seated, curated tastings of local farmstead cheeses paired with wine, cider or beer. Tickets for each pairing are $25 in addition to admission to the fair and include a commemorative wine glass and re-useable insulated tote. Tickets will be available for pre-purchase at www.gafcheeselounge.com. Tickets will also be available at the fair, although seating is limited. Everything old is new again in the Craft Cider Tent, where the number of local producers pouring this traditional beverage (that is quickly approaching cult status) has tripled since the tent's 2013 premiere. In addition to the wide selection of craft hard ciders in different styles at the tasting bar, guests can belly up to the "Meet Your Maker" table and get to know the faces behind the brews.

The Gravenstein Apple Fair is produced as Sonoma County Farm Trails' primary annual fundraiser. All proceeds fund efforts to support sustainable agriculture in Sonoma County.

Dates and Hours
Saturday, August 8th - 10am until 6pm
Sunday, August 9th - 10am until 6pm

Location
Ragle Ranch Park

500 Ragle Ave.
Sebastopol, CA 95472

On Site Admission
Adults (ages 13 and over) $15
Seniors and Veterans $12
Adults who cycle to the fair $10
Children (ages 6 to 12) $10
Kids 5 and under are FREE

Advanced Tickets
Adults (ages 13 and over) $12
Children (ages 6 through 12) $8
Advanced tickets may be purchased at all Oliver's Markets (http://www.oliversmarket.com) and Copperfield's Books (http://www.copperfieldsbooks.com) locations and at the Farm Trails office. For those living outside the area, instructions for purchasing advanced tickets and having them delivered by mail may be found on the Gravenstein Apple Fair website.

Parking
Premium on-site parking is available at Ragle Ranch Regional Park for $5/day
Sonoma County Regional Park passes will be accepted
Free bicycle valet at the Bike Parking area to the right of main entrance. Cyclists will receive discounted admission to the fair
Free shuttle buses will run regularly between two (free) satellite parking locations:
~ Holy Ghost Hall @ 7960 Mill Station Rd.

~ O'Reilly Media @ 1005 Gravenstein Hwy North/ Hwy 116

Website: http://www.gravensteinapplefair.com/

About Sonoma County Farm Trails (www.farmtrails.org)
With its mission to help ensure the continuing economic viability of Sonoma County agriculture by instilling an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community and lifestyle, Farm Trails was established in 1973 by local Sonoma County farmers to create community among food producers and establish a stronger connection between farmers and the public. Farm Trails continues to serve as a local resource, producing Sonoma County's premier agricultural map and guide. Their primary annual fundraiser is the Gravenstein Apple Fair, celebrating the heirloom apple and Sonoma County's rural traditions. Signature events include farm-to-fork feasts, a barn dance, and seasonal farm tours like "Blossoms, Bees, & Barnyard Babies" in the spring and "Weekend along the Farm Trails" in the fall. Farm Trails is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.

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