Sonoma County Fairgrounds facts for kids
The Sonoma County Fairgrounds is a big place in Santa Rosa, California, where fun events happen all year! It's most famous for hosting the yearly Sonoma County fair, which is a super popular event for everyone.
A Look Back: Fairgrounds History
The fairgrounds has a long history, especially with exciting horse races. These races first started way back in 1936. For a few years, the fairgrounds also hosted the Gravenstein Apple Show Classic as part of the Sonoma County Fair, until 1938. This show celebrated the famous Gravenstein apples grown in the area.
What You Can Find at the Fairgrounds
The Sonoma County Fairgrounds has many different areas and buildings for all kinds of activities.
- It has a special track for horse racing and a club for jockeys (the people who ride the horses).
- There's also a golf course where people can play.
- You'll find several open-air stages, which are great for outdoor shows and concerts.
- Many buildings are used for different events throughout the year.
Grace Pavilion: A Big Indoor Space
The biggest building at the fairgrounds is called Grace Pavilion (38°25′56″N 122°42′05″W / 38.4323°N 122.7014°W). This huge indoor arena is about 40,500 square feet, which is a lot of space! It can hold up to 4,400 people, making it perfect for large gatherings. During the annual fair, Grace Pavilion is filled with cool exhibits. All year long, it's used for concerts, sports events like fights, and many other fun activities.
