The 104th Modoc District Fair will roll into Surprise Valley Aug. 21–24, transforming the historic grounds in Cedarville into “A Festival of Family Fun” with four days of rides, livestock, live music and classic Modoc County hospitality.
Fairgoers can save on midway thrills by purchasing Wold Amusement armband tickets in advance for $35 per day through 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Corner Store in Cedarville, Modoc Farm Supply and Plumas Bank in Alturas, or online; the price rises to $45 once the gates open. Carnival hours run 5–11 p.m. Thursday, 3–11 p.m. Friday, noon–11 p.m. Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday.
Opening day Thursday features the traditional Basque BBQ hosted by the Surprise Valley Chamber from 4–6 p.m. in the Sale Barn, followed by the Mark Walgenbach Memorial Sheep Dog Trials in the main arena and the fair’s first look at exhibits after 5 p.m.
Friday kicks off with ranchers-day classes in the livestock arena at 7 a.m., leads into a full slate of swine, sheep, goat and beef judging, then shifts to family fun with a greased-pig contest at 5 p.m. and an after-dark mechanical bucking bull competition in the Sale Barn at 8 p.m. Hungry visitors can refuel at the Modoc County Sheriff’s Posse pork-rib BBQ starting at 5:30 p.m. on the park stage.
Saturday is stacked from sunrise rabbit shows to the Hot Summer Car Show behind the Four Seasons Building at 10 a.m., free kid events such as the First 5 Modoc Diaper Derby at 2:45 p.m., and the return of Cedarville Raceway stock-car action at 6 p.m. on the main track. The evening closes with the Joey Carmon Band’s street dance while the midway lights stay on until 11 p.m.
Sunday morning starts with pancakes at the Surprise Valley Community Church, then rolls into the Main Street parade at 10:30 a.m. and the Devil’s Garden Colt Challenge & Mustang Competition in the arena at 11 a.m. Exhibits and carnival rides run until the fair wraps at 5 p.m.
Throughout the week, visitors can browse quilt and photography shows, sample demonstrations by UC Master Food Preservers, and cheer on youth showmanship across beef, sheep, swine, goat and rabbit divisions. The fair office is open for entry forms and presale tickets Aug. 7–8 and again during fair week; full hours are listed in the premium book.
Exhibitors: To find fair book details, entry requirements and schedules, visit the fair’s official website at modocheritagefoundation.org The fair book provides complete information on categories, deadlines, and rules for entering exhibits.
