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Community Corner

Wanted: 76 Trombones for the Farmers Day Parade

Sheep drive followed by a parade to celebrate Farmers Day at the Fair, plus Parade Band FAQ.

 

This Sunday is Farmer's Day at the . Makes sense: that's what county fairs have been all about for a long time, and with sheep drive, a parade band, an afternoon of barnyard events for all ages, and the Johnny Cash tribute band the Mighty Cash Cats at the Park Stage. It sounds more than a little bit country.

During the afternoon at the Fairgrounds, a number of farm-related events will be featured. These include Sheep Shearing Championships, Poultry Showmanship, Fur & Feather Building, Dairy Goat Showmanship, and a Jr. Breeding Swine Exhibitor meeting.

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Other events include Ladies Cow Milking, Mutton Bustin', Pig Scramble, Team Penning and Wild Cow Milking. Now if that doesn't sound like fun I don't know what does.

But the morning kicks off with a Sheep Drive, from downtown Santa Rosa to the Fairgrounds. Festivities start at 8 a.m., the drive at 10 from Courthouse Square into the gate near Grace Pavilion on Bennett Valley Road.

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This event will be a follow-up to last year's Cattle Drive, but the County Fair is attempting to compensate by taking it to the next level. Not only will they have the Sheep Drive but there will be 76 Trombone Parade and a Tractor Procession.

They have the sheep, they have the tractors. They're still looking for trombones.

In fact the Sonoma County Fair is looking for all band players - not just trombonists  - to join the 76th annual Parade Band for its one-time only appearance, this Sunday at the Sonoma County Fair.  

Parade Band FAQ: If you want to join the Parade Band, we're here to help.

Where do I go? The Parade Band will meet at 9 a.m., Sunday morning, in Courthouse Square.  They will be playing just one song: "76 Trombones" from The Music Man. "Seventy-six Trombones" on the 76th anniversary of the Sonoma County Fair. There's a certain poetry in that.

What do I do? If you can’t make it to a rehearsal, get the music and practice! Primary rehearsal dates have already past, but they're still looking for players to add to the Parade Band.  To get the music for your instrument, email  specialevents@SonomaCountyFair.com or call 545-4200 x283.

When do we rehearse? We’ll have a run-through before the parade starts. Better practice.

What's in it for me? Each Parade Band member will receive a Commemorative ‘76 Trombones’ T-Shirt plus Free Admission to the Fair for Two plus free Priority fair parking.

If this is a band, do I have to march? No, you don't. The Band will ride in style on the back of a truck. You will need a lyre, though - that thing to hold the music you've been practicing  - there won’t be space on the truck for music stands.

How's that song go again? "Seventy-six trombones led the big parade, and a hundred and ten cornets played behind..." Better practice.

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