A Fair-ly Exciting Time For All!
Story and photos by Greg Kristapovich
The 4X4 truck pull competition was loud and intense! The victor is the driver who can pull a sled called “Terminator” the farthest. One caveat: the sled contains an ever-increasing amount of weight! Don’t try this at home!
The “Hottest Little Fair in California” came to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds June 26-29 and presented an astounding array of amusements and attractions. Temperatures hovered in the mid-90s, as people gathered to witness the hilarious yet endearing Ham Bone Express Racing Pigs compete. Renowned hypnotist Suzy Haner cast her spell over her subjects and had them believing they were Austin Powers or had eleven fingers! The premier bands of the Mother Lode, including Crazy Ivan and The Black Irish Band entertained the weekend fairgoers; while fans packed the grandstands during the immensely popular 4X4 Truck pulls and Destruction Derby. The fair had something for everyone, and then some!
Now, on to the State Fair! Kayla Swenson (left) of Mi-Wuk Village, and a ten-year member of 4-H (Mountain Rangers), shares honors with Ashley Lincoln of Big Oak Flat, a four-year member of Sonora FFA. In the small livestock competition, Kayla focused on rabbits; Ashley, favored poultry. Their names will be added to the perpetual trophy they are holding.
“I can’t believe I won!” exclaimed Tessa Silva of Sonora. “The competition was extreme, and being the youngest, it really surprised me that I won because it’s the first time a 16-year-old has won Mother Lode Idol!” Tessa, the daughter of Bill and Martha Silva, used her five years of singing lessons, and won over the judges with her renditions of “Over the Rainbow” and “Respect.” Tessa received the $500 award, and the right to compete at the California State Fair in Sacramento. The Sonora High junior is also a big fan of television’s American Idol.
The competition was absolutely fierce in the Pedal tractor races.
