The Sonoma County Fair opened Thursday, drawing enthusiastic crowds with fried food, live music, 4-H animals and, of course, carnival rides.
Right after entering, 35 laps in the middle of the fair, according to the fair’s website (though I counted about 25 when I visited on Thursday). Most of this year’s offerings feature fast-paced spins, sudden directional changes and flips — a lineup reminiscent of traditional summer fairs where the nights are warm, your fingers are sticky from cotton candy and your hair is sticky. disorderly from beating to giddy fun.
Joyful squeals and giggles signaled which attractions were probably the best to try, while the lack of others seemed to predict that I would waste my tickets.
Tickets cost $1 and each ride requires about four to 10 tickets. If you’re planning to try more than five rides, buying a $30 unlimited-ride wristband is a smart move. But if you’re mostly looking for thrills, here are my observations on which of this year’s rides offer the most adventure.
10. Zombie Carnival
Cost: 4 tickets
Height requirement: 52 inches
Signs outside this ride warn you of biohazards ahead – a hoax, don’t worry – but they should really be warning you to walk the other way and save your tickets. This slow-motion horror roller coaster aims to scare, but most of the ride is spent in darkness.
One mother was heard saying “it was the worst journey ever and there was nothing there”.
9. Starship 3000
Cost: 5 tickets
Height requirement: 48 inches
This one just looked like it would make someone jump. An alien spacecraft spins on an axis, throwing the rider against the wall from the inside. It’s also dark inside and a little spooky.
However, some people liked it. Brothers Ronnie and Maurice Lindzie, aged 10 and 9, said the ride was one of their favourites.
8. Giant wheels
Cost: 5 tickets
Height requirement: 42 inches
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This ride wasn’t open when we were visiting, but it’s a true classic. The Ferris wheel is a long-time favorite of families and enthusiasts. Despite being a staple, it’s not super exciting.
7. Turbo
Cost: 7 tickets
Height requirement: 54 inches
This is the longest and scariest ride at the fair. It is perfect for thrill seekers.
Riders are taken for a 70 mph “spin” on the ends of a rotating wing that takes them 120 feet into the air and sends them hurtling toward the ground. Warning: You are forced to stand upside down for a long period of time.
The line is not very long, but it moves slowly due to the small number of seats on the ride.
6. windsurfing
Cost: 4 tickets
Height requirement: 49 inches
This ride is perfect for little ones. It’s not too wild, but it might be a little boring for older kids or teenagers.
The seating carts designed to look like skateboards rotate around a central axis, moving up and down. As the ride continues, it picks up speed, then slowly stops at the end. Nothing special, but worth a try.
5. Hawaiian Express
Cost: 5 tickets
Height requirement: 53 inches
This ride has cars speeding along a circular track, going forward and suddenly shifting backwards. It’s perfect for parents who want a close-up shot of their kids, drool flying through the air and mouths open in a scream.
You can go right up to the ride to see and have a clear view of people’s faces as they walk by. Loud pop music blasts from the speakers and the Goliath ride is right in the center of the carnival area.
It’s really fun, but it can get a little repetitive.
4. Wireless swinger
Cost: 5 tickets
Height requirement: 44 inches
Democratic press intern Julia Green says this has been her personal favorite since she was a child. The ride features swings that go up and down and spin quickly – it’s like a merry-go-round in the air.
Don’t let the long lines deter you: The wait isn’t bad because there are plenty of seats on the ride.
“It felt like you were going to die, but I loved it,” said fellow rider Zoe Bergman, 8.
3. Scrambler
Cost: 4 tickets
Height requirement: 48 inches
There must be two people to ride.
This is a solid choice – and one that has usually been a popular mainstay at carnivals.
The main frame rotates while each seat arm rotates independently, creating a sensation of terrifying flight. Another roller coaster ride, but this one is a little gentler, so I think it would be good for younger kids or older adults.
I recommend starting with this one because it will get your blood pumping, although it doesn’t cause much vomiting.
2. Viper
Cost: 4 tickets
Height requirement: 42 inches
This fixes it. It spins you around like your car spins, plus it pulls you in and pushes you upside down and in all directions.
Its open-air design allows riders to experience spectacular rolling views. Not recommended if you don’t like sudden changes in direction or rotation.
1. chain
Cost: 5 tickets
Height requirement: 54 inches
There must be two people to ride.
Judging by the line to go, this eye-catching ride was definitely one of the most popular.
As the “cages” carrying two passengers each rise and fall on a tower boom, each rotates independently and the entire boom turns as well. People of all ages seemed to enjoy the free-spinning coffin-shaped cages suspended from a rotating track.
This would be great for the brave, maybe not so good if you’re nauseous. I advise you to avoid eating the funnel cake before this.
All in all, the day spent sizing up the fair’s amusements was filled with shouts, laughter and fun. There was a ride for everyone, whether you wanted to take it slow or get that flying feeling in your stomach.
Editorial intern Julia Green contributed reporting.
You can contact Press Democrat editorial intern Kylie Lawrence at [email protected].
