2012 Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala

The Yolo County Fair invites you to the “Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala Event”, which celebrates Yolo County’s Bounty of wonderful agricultural projects and produce. The Gala Event will be on Wednesday, August 15th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in the Agriculture Building of the Yolo County Fair Grounds and will be the first peek at the educational booths and award winning produce, grains, amateur wine and olive oil exhibits.

The opening night of the fair, the old Ag building is turned into a social hub for 2 hours. Attendees will kick off the 76th annual Yolo County Fair by sampling Yolo County’s Bounty of local wines, olive oils, honey, nuts, jams, meats, produce and restaurant fare while socializing and being serenaded by local musicians. The event now in its 6th year has grown, we are excited to announce that the area surrounding the Agricultural business building will also be included with a new canopied grassy area to accommodate more vendors and more of Yolo County’s finest. The ambience and sampling will be extended outside accompanied with local musicians and as always the Ag Business Building will provide the opportunity to sample this bounty in a surrounding venue of fresh produce, value added products, agriculture related organization, and educational information. As an attendee you will be amongst the very first to experience these exhibits. Visitors from near and far attend this event that is showcasing Yolo County and has become a spectacular opening night event for the Yolo County Fair. See you at the Gala!

Tickets are on sale NOW $10 in advance at the Yolo County Fair office or $15 at the door. For more information please contact the fair office at (530) 402-2222 or Monique Garcia at (530) 867-0932.

Once again we are thrilled to invite the buyers from the food industry including restaurants, hospitals, farm to school, schools, farm stands, retailers, and grocery stores to attend and meet the growers/producers and sample the local harvests and taste the difference local makes prior to the opening of the Gala to the public . We invite you to be amongst the elite who are now serving Yolo County’s finest to their customers. Reserve your place by calling (530) 867-0932.

Yolo County Gala: Wednesday, August 15th 2012 · 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1250 E. Gum Ave. Woodland, CA

Food Industry Invitation: Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 · 4:30pm – 6pm at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1250 E. Gum Ave. Woodland, CA. Reserve your place by calling (530)867-0932.

The Yolo County Fair invites people to the “Yolo County Fair Opening Night Gala Event,” which celebrates Yolo County’s Bounty of wonderful agricultural projects and produce.

The Gala Event will be on Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Agriculture Building of the Yolo County Fairgrounds and will be the first peek at the educational booths and award winning produce, grains, amateur wine and olive oil exhibits.

The opening night of the fair, the old Ag building is turned into a social hub for two hours.
Attendees will kick off the 76th annual Yolo County Fair by sampling Yolo County’s Bounty of local wines, olive oils, honey, nuts, jams, meats, produce and restaurant fare while socializing and being serenaded by local musicians.

The event now in its sixth year has grown.

This year the agricultural business building will also be included with a new-canopied grassy area to accommodate more vendors and more of Yolo County’s products.

“The ambience and sampling will be extended outside accompanied with local musicians and as always the Ag Business Building will provide the opportunity to sample this bounty in a surrounding venue of fresh produce, value added products, agriculture related organization, and educational information,” according to Monique Garcia.

Tickets are on sale for $10 in advance at the Yolo County Fair office or $15 at the door. For more information please contact the fair office at 402-2222 or Garcia at 867-0932.

“Once again we are thrilled to invite the buyers from the food industry including restaurants, hospitals, farm to school, schools, farm stands, retailers, and grocery stores to attend and meet the growers and producers and sample the local harvests and taste the difference local makes prior to the opening of the Gala to the public,” Garcia stated.

Residents of Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yuba and Yolo counties are reminded that the Yolo County Fair entry forms are due in the fair office on or before Friday, June 29, in the following categories:

Adult Baked Foods, Clothing, Canned Foods, Arts, Crafts & Photography and Junior Baked Foods, Clothing, Canned Foods, Miscellaneous, Vocational Education, Art, Crafts and Photography.

Enter homemade products and be a part of the Yolo County Fair. It is always fun to compete and see your entries on display during the annual Yolo County Fair, Aug. 15 through 19.

People can go online at yolocountyfair.net and get forms and exhibit book.

Entry department hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fair Office, 1125 East St., Woodland.

People who want further information, can call the entry department at 402-2205

2012 CALIFORNIA OLIVE OIL COMPETITION RESULTS

Presented by

YOLO COUNTY FAIR

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL CONVENTIONAL

MISSION – Delicate Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Dry Creek Olive Company, Healdsburg, Ca

MISSION – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Joelle Olive Oil, Goleta, Ca

Stella Cadente Olive Oil Co., Palermo, Ca

MISSION – Robust Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

David Dumars, Woodland, Ca.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MISSION BLENDS – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Joelle Olive Oil, Goleta, Ca

Pacific Sun Gourmet, Gerber, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MANZANILLO – Robust Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Joelle Olive Oil, Goleta, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

SEVILLANO – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Olive Pit, Corning, Ca

Anna’s Oil

BEST IN CLASS – DELICATE INTENSITY

Olive Pit, Corning, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

SEVILLANO BLENDS – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Dry Creek Olive Company, Healdsburg, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ASCOLANO – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Robbins Family Farm, San Luis Obispo, Ca

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Pacific Sun Gourmet, Gerber, Ca

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Sutter Buttes Olive Ranch, Sutter, Ca

BEST IN CLASS – MEDIUM INTENSITY

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ASCOLANO BLENDS – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Robbins Family Farm, San Luis Obispo, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

KORONEIKI – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Olea Farm, Templeton, Ca

KORONEIKI – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

Copper Hill Olive Oil Co., Woodland, Ca

KORONEIKI – Robust Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Hillstone Olive Oil, Yolo, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAROUNI – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Joelle Olive Oil, Goleta, Ca

BAROUNI – Robust Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Apollo Olive Oil, Oregon House, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARBEQUINA – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Jovia Groves Olive Oil, Dixon, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

California Gold Olive Oil Co. Oakdale, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

Sutter Buttes Olive Ranch, Sutter, CA

BEST IN CLASS – DELICATE INTENSITY

Jovia Groves Olive Oil, Dixon, Ca

ARBEQUINA – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Mooney Farms, Chico, Ca

Capay Gold Olive Oil LLC, Santa Rosa, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

Calivirgin-Coldani Olive Ranch, LLC, Lodi, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

Taber Ranch Vineyard & Event Center, Esparto, Ca

Seka Hills, Brooks, Ca

Olea Farm, Templeton, Ca

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Copper Hill Olive Oil Co., Woodland, Ca

ARBEQUINA – Robust Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Hillstone Olive Oil, Yolo, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARBEQUINA BLEND – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Pacific Sun Gourmet, Gerber, Ca

Dry Creek Olive Company, Healdsburg, Ca

ARBEQUINA BLEND – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Red Rock Olive Oil of California, Gridley, Ca

ARBEQUINA BLEND – Robust Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Hillstone Olive Oil, Yolo, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

BEST IN CLASS – ROBUST INTENSITY

Hillstone Olive Oil, Yolo Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~
TUSCAN BLENDS – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

San Miguel Olive Farm, San Miguel, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Lone Oak Olive Oil, Orcutt, Ca

BEST IN CLASS – DELICATE INTENSITY

San Miguel Olive Farm, San Miguel, Ca

TUSCAN BLENDS – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Frate Sole Olive Co, Woodland, CA

SILVER MEDAL

Cloud 9, Palo Alto, Ca

Alta Cresta Orchard, Paso Robles, Ca

Teichert Aggregates, Sacramento, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

Val di Luna Farms, Glen Ellen, Ca

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

Belle Farms LLC, Watsonville, Ca

TUSCAN BLENDS – Robust Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Owens Creek Company, Menlo Park, Ca

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, Healdsburg, Ca

T. Bucher Blend

Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, Healdsburg, Ca

Healdsburg Blend

Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, Healdsburg, Ca

Early Harvest

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Marquesta

SILVER MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Italian Blend

BEST IN CLASS – ROBUST INTENSITY

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~
OTHER MONO CULTIVAR – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Grumpy Goats Farms LLC, Capay, Ca

Pendolino

Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company, Fairfield, Ca

Pendolino

SILVER MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning

Frantoio Grove LLC, Gilroy, Ca

Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company Fairfield, Ca

Frantoio

OTHER MONO CULTIVAR – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

Picholine

The Olive Press, Sonoma

Arbosana

The Olive Press, Sonoma

Picual

SILVER MEDAL

Alta Cresta Orchard, Paso Robles, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

Panacea Farms, Tracy, Ca

BEST IN CLASS –MEDIUM INTENSITY

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Picual

OTHER MONO CULTIVAR – Robust Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Grumpy Goats Farm LLC, Capay Ca

Coratina

Grumpy Goats Farm LLC, Capay Ca

Picual

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

Leccino

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

Frantoio

SILVER MEDAL

Gold Oak Ranch, Rumsey, Ca

Olive Leaf Hills, Sebastopol, Ca

Pendolino

OTHER MONO CULTIVAR – Robust Intensity – continued

BEST IN CLASS – ROBUST INTENSITY

Grumpy Goats Farms, Capay, Ca

Coratina

~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER BLENDS – Delicate Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Bava Family Grove, Escalon, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

B.R. Cohn Olive Oil Company Glen Ellen, Ca

OTHER BLENDS – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Vine Ray Farms, Woodland, Ca

California Gold Olive Oil Co., Oakdale, Ca

Estate Blend

California Gold Olive Oil Co., Oakdale, Ca

Proprietor’s Blend

Bray Vineyards, Plymouth, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Alta Cresta Orchard, Paso Robles, Ca

OTHER BLENDS – Robust Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Pepper Oaks Farms, San Ynez, Ca

Owens Creek Company, Menlo Park, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

EST IN SHOW CONVENTIONAL OLIVE OIL

DELICATE INTENISTY

Olive Pit, Corning, Ca

Sevillano

MEDIUM INTENSITY

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

Picual

ROBUST INTENSITY

Olive Leaf Hills, Healdsburg, Ca

Tuscan Blend

~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~

BEST IN SHOW OF YOLO COUNTY RESIDENCE

Hillstone Olive Oil, Yolo, Ca

Arbequina Blend

FLAVORED OLIVE OIL

LEMON FLAVORED

GOLD MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning

Dry Creek Olive Company, Healdsburg, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Pacific Sun Gourmet, Gerber, Ca

B.R. Cohn Olive Oil Company, Glen Ellen, Ca

Sutter Buttes Olive Ranch, Sutter, Ca

Joelle Olive Oil, Goleta, Ca

Coldani Olive Ranch LLC, Lodi, Ca

I1 Fiorello Olive Oil Company, Fairfield, Ca

Copper Hill Olive Oil Co., Woodland, Ca

Corning Olive Oil Company, Corning, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

BEST IN CLASS – LEMON FLAVORED OIL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

LIME FLAVORED

GOLD MEDAL

B.R. Cohn Olive Oil Company, Glen Ellen, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Dry Creek Olive Company, Healdsburg, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

Sutter Buttes Olive Ranch, Sutter, Ca

BEST IN CLASS – LIME FLAVORED OIL

B.R. Cohn Olive Oil Company, Glen Ellen, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ORANGE FLAVORED

SILVER MEDAL

Robbins Family Farm, San Luis Obispo, Ca

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER CITRUS FLAVORED

GOLD MEDAL

Dry Creek Olive Oil Company, Healdsburg, Ca

SILVER MEDAL

Coldani Olive Ranch LLC, Lodi, CA

BRONZE MEDAL

Lucero Olive Oil LLC, Corning, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

HERB FLAVORED

SILVER MEDAL

Coldani Olive Ranch, Lodi, Ca

Basil

BRONZE MEDAL

Sutter Buttes Olive Ranch, Sutter, Ca

Basil

Corning Olive Oil Company, Corning, Ca

Rosemary

~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER FLAVORED OLIVE OILS

GOLD MEDAL

Calivirgin-Coldani Olive Ranch, Lodi, Ca

Jalapeno/Garlic

Enfuso, Los Alamitos, Ca

Smoked

SILVER MEDAL

Calivirgin-Coldani, Olive Ranch, Lodi, Ca

Garlic

Calivirgin-Coldani, Olive Ranch, Lodi, Ca

Jalapeno

Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company, Fairfield, Ca

Jalapeno

BRONZE MEDAL

Corning Olive Oil, Corning, Ca

Garlic

Corning Olive Oil, Corning, Ca

Chili

BEST IN CLASS – OTHER FLAVORED OIL

Calvirgin-Coldani Olive Ranch, Lodi, Ca

Jalapeno/Garlic

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BEST FLAVORED OIL

Calvirgin-Coldani Olive Ranch, Lodi, Ca

Jalapeno/Garlic

~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ORGANIC OLIVE OILS

MISSION – Delicate Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Berkeley Olive Grove 1913, Oroville, Ca

Reserve

Berkeley Olive Grove 1913, Oroville, Ca

Organic

MISSION – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Berkeley Olive Grove 1913, Oroville, Ca

Gold

MoonShadow Grove, Oroville, Ca

MISSION –Robust Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Berkeley Olive Grove 1913, Oroville, Ca

Classic

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MISSION BLEND – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Apollo Olive Oil, Oregon House, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MANZANILLO – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

MoonShadow Grove, Oroville, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ASCOLANO – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

MoonShadow Grove, Oroville, Ca

ARBEQUINA – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Fandango Olive Oil, Paso Robles, Ca

Valiente

BEST IN CLASS – Medium Intensity

Fandango Olive Oil, Paso Robles, Ca

Valiente

ARBEQUINA BLENDS – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Fandango Olive Oil, Paso Robles, Ca

TUSCAN BLENDS – Robust Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Cypress Hill Farm, Belvedere, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

The Olive Press, Sonoma, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER MONO CULTIVAR – Medium Intensity

GOLD MEDAL

Apollo Olive Oil, Oregon House, Ca

BEST IN CLASS – Medium Intensity

Apollo Olive Oil, Oregon House, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER BLENDS – Delicate Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Apollo Olive Oil, Oregon House, Ca

OTHER BLENDS – Medium Intensity

SILVER MEDAL

Katz Rock Hill Ranch, Napa, Ca

Isern & Sons, Paradise, Ca

BRONZE MEDAL

B.R. Cohn Olive Oil Company, Glen Ellen, Ca

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BEST IN SHOW ORGANIC OLIVE OIL

Apollo Olive Oil, Oregon House, Ca

Coratina

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chosen from the Conventional & Organic Best of Show Oils

PATTY BOGLE-RONCORONI AWARD

THE BEST OF THE BEST

APOLLO OLIVE OIL, Oregon House, Ca

Organic Mono Culivar – Coratina

136th Anniversary Sacramento Valley
Scottish Games & Festival

Yolo County Fairgrounds * Woodland, CA

April 28th and 29th, 2012
Gates open at 9 a.m. both days
Saturday Night Ceilidh – dinner and entertainment start at 5:30 p.m. in the Crown & Thistle Pub and White Heather Stage area. Add to your adventure by planning to go to our Ceildh

Tickets: http://www.saccallie.org/games/tickets/tickets.htm

http://www.saccallie.org/games/games.php

Sacramento Valley Scottish Games in Woodland promises to be an epic spectacle
By ELIZABETH KALFSBEEK
dailydemocrat.com
Created: 04/25/2012 10:45:45 PM PDT

What do televisions, telephones, car tires and rain coats have in common? They were all invented by a Scot.
The Sacramento Valley Scottish Games & Festival taking place this weekend in Woodland is a celebration of everything Scottish and all are welcome to explore the heritage at the family-friendly event.

Known worldwide as the “Woodland Games,” the 136th Highland festival and gathering will be held at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1250 E. Gum Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29.

“(The main goal of the Games) is just to keep our Scottish culture thriving,” said Randy Russell, current games manager and former Caledonian Club president. “It’s amazing the accomplishments that Scottish people have contributed to the world despite how small Scotland is.”

A special Saturday night Ceilidh Dinner (a type of Scottish dance) will be held beginning at 5 p.m. in the Crown & Thistle Pub and White Heather Stage area. The all-ages dance and dinner will be catered by Ludy’s Main St. BBQ and features the Prince Charles Pipe Band, followed by musicians Stout Rebellion, Silo Rags, Molly’s Revenge and Wicked Tinkers.

The Scottish Games & Festival in Woodland is one of the top five largest in the nation, and the third oldest in the United States. The festival in Detroit, Mich., is older than the Sacramento Valley’s games by 20 years, making it 156 years old.

History buffs will be excited to witness the royal court of Mary, Queen of Scots channeled through a reenactment guild at the fair.

“(We) have one of the biggest reenactment areas of all the Scottish games,” Russell said. “The costumes are unbelievable. It looks like they came out of a time machine and (the characters) are extremely historically accurate.”

Russell explained that unlike some other venues in which the historical personalities won’t break character, at the Woodland festival the “characters” will answer audience questions about the time period. About 15 guilds will be performing over the weekend, each one specializing in different periods of time in Scotland’s history.

A modern day Scottish Laird, or castle owner, will be on hand in the lecture hall. Don Macrae was born in a castle in Scotland, which he still owns, and will be discussing Scottish history and clan names.

Lecturer Mary Wanlass will speak about Celtic languages.

The Games will of course feature fan favorites like competitive bagpipers, drum majors, athletics, animals, genealogy, festive food and other vendors over the course of the two-day festival.

“Everybody’s favorite is the whiskey tasting,” Russell said.

There will be six single malt whiskies to taste at the “seminars” taking place at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

“There are so many varieties of whiskey in Scotland that we have yet to duplicate brands,” Russell said. “You talk about each one and what flavors you can expect out of it. There is also cheese and crackers to cleanse the palate.”

The Woodland games is the home of the United States Drum Major Championships and reigning U.S. Drum Major champion Brian Wilson – who was awarded a Member of the British Empire Award by Prince Charles in February – will be at the event.

Woodland also holds the record for having the most Scottish animals at one place in the Northern Hemisphere, perhaps in the world. Scottish horses, cattle, dogs – even Scottish cats – will be available to pet and learn about.

“California is 160,000-square-miles,” Russell said. “Scotland is only 30,000-square-miles. It’s not very big, but the diversity in animals is amazing.” Scottish food will be available, of course, from meat pies to fish and chips.

“Haggis gets a bad rap, but we will have haggis,” Russell said.

For the less adventurous, barbecue, crepes and other fair food will be available.

The Sacramento Valley Scottish Games & Festival was held in East Park, now McKinley Park, from 1876 to 1980. It then shifted from Roseville to Dixon before landing in Woodland, where it’s had its home for 15 years.

“(Woodland) is a good fit for us,” Russell said. “The fairgrounds have a lot of trees, it’s really shady. What’s nice about our games is you can see everything with a leisurely walk around the grounds without killing yourself. As long as the fairgrounds are there we’ll probably be there, too.”

So, if you’ve ever wondered what is really worn under a kilt, this weekend’s Highland gathering could be your chance to find out.

Visit saccallie.org for more information.

Source:http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_18697603
Music fans should be sure to get to the West Stage early Thursday night where the Yolo County Fair hosts its most popular event – the “Yolo Idol Search” Contest beginning at 7:30 p.m., Thursday.

The contest is believed to have a fan-base of nearly 1,000, who enthusiastically cheer on the contestants.

Now in its eighth year, the event attracts Yolo County’s most vocally talented, with a total prize potential of $400.

“Each and every year I continue to be amazed and delighted at the talent we have right here in Yolo County,” said Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg, who will Emcee the event for the fifth year in a row. “This show is always great entertainment.”

“Yolo Idol Search” is for solo singers only and is a Karaoke competition. Each contestant must be prepared with two songs, because the winner will be expected to perform an encore. Each contestant must provide instrumental accompaniment with their application for both songs on CD. No live musical instruments or voices, including backing vocals, are allowed.

Open to singers in Yolo County, the first 20 people to submit an application will be guaranteed a performance spot. Later applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order their applications are received.

Participants will be judged by a panel on vocal quality, performance quality, stage presence, appropriateness of the song selection, and appearance.

“There are many vocally talented people in Yolo County, and we want to showcase their talents at the Yolo County Fair,” said Yolo County Fair CEO Rita Moore.

While there is no entry fee, there is prize money to be had. First place will win $250; second will receive $100 and third $50.

Fans will have a great time enjoying the contest as they speculate with anticipation to whom 2010 winner Cristina Pellegiro will pass on her crown. The then-16 year old earned her title with her rendition of Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

Pellegiro joins a growing list of talented winners, and participants, alike. The first “Yolo Idol Search” winner was Christine Trono in 2004, a then-nine year old from Woodland.

She was followed in 2005 by West Sacramento’s Alincia Vela for “I Will Survive.” Vela went on to compete and win the “Northern California Idol Search” the same year, winning a $2,500 purse. She continues to play in a multilingual band, “Alincia and the Bandevelas,” led by her father, Junior.

Katelyn Hill of Winters, then 17, won in 2006 with Aretha Franklin’s classic, “Chain of Fools,” followed by Woodlander Angel Alvarez in 2007 for Elvis’s “Teddy Bear.”

Bri Wilson took the crown in 2008 with her delivery of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why,” 2009 victor Kayla Sheehan scored with “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables,” and of course the reigning “Idol,” Cristina Pellegiro will pass on her crown this year.

Homemade wines please the palate at Yolo County Fair
By ELIZABETH KALFSBEEK / Special to the Daily Democrat

Steve Graham and Mike Taylor, from left, assess the qualities of wine at the Yolo County Fair. (Elizabeth Kalfsbeek/Courtesy) Oak. Blackberry. Acidic. Fruity. Cherry. Brine.

Such were some of the reflections Tuesday morning when a panel of five Nugget Market wine stewards donated their time to judge 40 entries from 12 home winemakers in the 11th Annual Yolo County Fair Amateur Wine Competition, which will be on display tonight in the Ag Business Building, and throughout the fair. Attendees of this evening’s Ag Gala will have a sneak peek at the winners.

“This year, the quality of the wine is better than ever and we’re bigger than ever,” said Dirk Brazil, Amateur Wine Competition founder, of the number of entries received. “There’s a lot of talent out there and it takes a lot to put it out on the line like that (for professional feedback).”

Davis resident Hibbard Williams earned 2011′s most prestigious honor, Best of Show, for his 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Williams also earned a First Place ribbon for the same wine in the “Cabernet” category.

Other first place winners include Danyal Kasapligil, also of Davis, for his 2010 Sauvignon Blanc as well as for his 2010 Chardonnay, in their respective categories of the same name. David Gilmer’s 2008 Petite Syrah won in the “Other Red Wine” category, while Chip Sundstrom’s 2008 Syrah earned a title in the “Syrah” category. Both men are from Davis.

James McCully, of Vacaville, shined in the “Other White Wine” category for his gewurztraminer, and West Sacramento’s Robert Gould won for his 2010 Zinfandel in the “Zinfandel” category.

Last year, McCully earned top billing with his cabernet sauvignon, and Kasapligil took home awards in the “other whites” category, syrah, traditional sauvignon blanc and was featured as “Best of Show” for his syrah.

“The key is always balance; nothing should be out of whack,” said wine judge Mike Taylor.

Hank Beal, Steve Graham, Sean McNerney and Shannon Rock rounded out the judging panel, who brought with them experience in wine even prior to working at the Nugget.

The judging panel used the UC Davis 20-point scale, an industry standard, with categories for appearance, color, aroma and bouquet, acescent, total acid, sugar, body, flavor, astringency and general quality.

But, according to Rock, what they are especially looking for in the “amateur” bottles is, “is it drinkable?”

“With the price of commercial wine, (people are) often looking for more complexities, and here we’re looking at, ‘is this an enjoyable wine?’” said Graham.

Brazil, who is also Yolo County’s deputy administrator, began making his own small batches of wine, mostly zinfandel, 20 years ago. He founded the Yolo County Fair Amateur Wine Competition a decade ago to provide a venue for people who want to do something with their homemade wine, whether it be receiving feedback from professionals, or appealing to the competitive side. The home winemakers receive judging notes when they receive their ribbons.

“The judges know these are home wine makers and not professionals,” Brazil said in a previous interview. “The bar is kept at a level I think is very fair to the home winemaker and they look for ‘this is something I’d like to drink’ versus ‘this is something I’d like to sell.’”

Classes included: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, other white wines and other red wines. Awards include first, second and third places, honorable mention and “Best of Show.”

As in years past, the majority of the entries were red wines, as white wines are more difficult to produce at home, taking into account temperature control. Only one year since the competition began has a white wine won “Best of Show” – a chardonnay.

The judges noticed the quality of the wines are getting much better over the years, which may be due to the crafters starting with better raw materials, or grapes, or perhaps taking more care in the sanitation process, which can affect oxidation. They also saw colors across the board were much improved, a lot less brown.

“It’s good to taste anything and everything and to have a reference point to what is out there,” Taylor said of taking the time to evaluate the competitors.

Judge Beal suggested the same advice for aspiring, or practicing, home winemakers.

“Taste a bunch of wines so you have a reference of what your varietal should taste like,” he said.

Start with the best fruit, and provide minimal intervention, Taylor added, while Graham suggested home winemakers focus on making the types of wine they love, rather than just “making wine.”

People interested in competing in next year’s competition are encouraged to provide their contact information on a sign-up sheet in the Ag Business Building at the Yolo County Fair. Entries are accepted from Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties and an “amateur” is considered a person who does not work in, or own, a commercial winery.

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_18697612

Times are being set for individual exhibits that can be brought to the the Yolo County Fair.

According to fair officials:

Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Adult Exhibitors’ Entries: Clothing & Textile, Preserved Foods will be received at the Home Arts Building; Arts, Crafts and Photography will be received at Waite Hall.

Junior Exhibitors’ Entries: Junior Exhibits for Clothing, Arts, Crafts & Photography and Miscellaneous Department will be received at John Rogers Hall.

Monday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Adult Exhibitors’ Entries: Baked Foods will be received at Home Arts Building. Agriculture and Horticulture will be received at North Door of Ag-Business Building

Junior Exhibitors’ Entries: Baked Foods, Canned Foods, Agriculture and Horticulture & Potted Plants will be received at John Rogers Hall from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Floriculture Department

Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Adults Exhibitors’ Potted Plants will be received in the flower house.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 8 to 9:45 a.m.

Adult and Junior Arrangements will be received in the Flower House.

Thursday, Aug. 18, 7 to 10:30 a.m.

Adult Cut Flowers will be received in the Flower House

Saturday, Aug. 20, received in Flower House

Adult Cut Flowers will be received from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Adult and Junior Arrangements will be received from 8 to 9:45 a.m.

Entries are being sought for the 11th annual Yolo County Fair Amateur Wine Competition, set to be judged Tuesday, Aug. 16.

The competition is open to home wine makers from Colusa, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties over the age of 21, and the deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 12.

According to the fair guidelines, an “amateur” is considered a person who does not work in, or own, a commercial winery. Entry numbers have stayed consistent over the years, around 12 to 15 home winemakers, with 32 bottles last year.

“As a home winemaker myself, and as a fan of small fairs like the Yolo County Fair, I thought (the amateur wine competition) would be a neat thing to add to this fair,” said Dirk Brazil who founded the event. Brazil began making his own small batches of wine more than two decades ago, mostly zinfandels. He is also Yolo County’s Deputy Administrator.

Three Nugget Market wine stewards judge the entries using the UC Davis 20-point scale, an industry standard, with categories for appearance, aroma and bouquet, astringency, body, color, flavor, general quality, sugar and total acid.

“The Nugget wine stewards have been the lynchpin of this event for the last eight years,” Brazil said. “We couldn’t do it without them. They’re terrific.”

Classes include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, other white wines and other red wines. Awards include first, second and third places, honorable mention and “Best of Show.” Last year, Danyal Kasapligil of Davis earned the “Best of Show” award for his Petit Syrah.

“The judges know these are home wine makers and not professionals,” Brazil said.

While trends change each year, according to Brazil a usual constant is seeing about a five to one ratio of red to white wine entries. White wines, he said, are more difficult and delicate for a home winemaker to create. He’s also noticed an increase in using different red grape varietals to make a blended wine than a straight Cabernet, for instance.

“The scoring illustrates that there are some really good wines in the competition,” Brazil said. “It also shows there are some winemakers who need improvement. Ultimately, what the home winemaker is looking for is not selling the product for $40 a bottle, but for someone to open it and say, ‘wow. This is good!’”

For additional information, or to place an entry, contact Dirk Brazil at dbzin@aol.com or call 219-5930.

For the eighth year, the Yolo County Fair is featuring the popular Yolo Idol Search Contest.

Open to singers residing in Yolo County, the Yolo Idol event will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, on the West Stage next to the Rotary Park picnic area. The event attracts more than 1,000 fans annually.

Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg will return for his fourth year as Emcee of the show.

“Each and every year I continue to be amazed and delighted at the talent we have right here in Yolo County,” Rosenberg said. “This show is always great entertainment.”

“There are many vocally talented people in Yolo County, and we want to showcase their talents at the Yolo County Fair,” said Yolo County Fair CEO Rita Moore.

Yolo Idol Search is a Karaoke contest and is for individual singers only. Each participant must provide instrumental accompaniment on CD without voices. Each performer must be prepared to sing two songs.

“We want each singer prepared with at least two songs, because the winner will be expected to perform an encore,” Moore said.

First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected by the judges, with the first- place contestant receiving a $250 prize and the second- and third-place contestants taking home $100 and $50 respectively. Judging will be based on vocal quality, performance quality, stage presence, appropriateness of the song selection and appearance.

While there is no entry fee, there are a few rules.

Each singer must pre-register at the fair office, 1125 East St., Woodland. Entry and release for minors forms may be obtained on the Yolo Idol website at YoloIdol.com.