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Decked out in her light green plaid top, gleaming black belt accented with an oversized rhinestone belt buckle and polished black boots, 9-year-old Rio Pagliaro will make her way to her second Sonoma County Fair this week, accompanied by her sheep, Sweet Nibblets and Sprocket. This 4-H member will show her market sheep in the Junior Livestock Auction, where she hopes to take home top prize for her showmanship.

"I grew up with lots of animals. I had cats and dogs and horses and pigs and sheep," Rio said, adding that her upbringing on a farm sealed her love of showing livestock. "These kids are so dedicated," said Rory Pagliaro, Rio's mother who also participated in 4-H and FFA as a child and now spends almost every weekend at livestock shows with her daughter. "It's really a sport to them. It's hard and it's physically demanding. (The fair) is like going to the Olympics for these kids."

This multiple-award-winning Supreme Champion brings with her immense talent in livestock care. She typically obtains her award-winning sheep from outside California in agriculture states such as Oklahoma. Of Rio's two show sheep this year, Sweet Nibblets was named Supreme Champion Lamb at Western Bonanza in San Luis Obispo.

"Rio has won more Supreme Champion (awards) this year than anyone else in the circuit," Rory Pagliaro said, showing off her daughter's pile of ribbons and trophies.

The fair's Junior Livestock Auction is the culmination of a year's work for young aspiring ranchers and farmers in 4-H or FFA who select, purchase, feed and groom livestock that is to be judged, graded and sold at the fair. Their projects include steers, lambs, hogs, rabbits and poultry, all of which will be auctioned off during the two-week fair. But meat, poultry and swine are not the sole focus of the Sonoma County Fair, which opens today, July 22, and runs through Monday, Aug. 4, at the Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Amidst the hype of competition are several outstanding exhibits that are not to be overlooked. This year, glass harpist Brien Engel will be charming audiences by playing classic tunes using more than 100 drinking glasses. This musician will be performing every day of the fair (check schedule for exact times).

Additionally, nightly performances are planned in the Coors Light Redwood Theatre. including an Elvis impersonator and Freestyle MX. Marlina Harrison, publicist for the Sonoma County Fair, cited Menudo as the can't miss performance of the fair. The Latin pop sensation of the 1980s is back with a new group of talented singers. Tickets for all performers are $8 for front row seats. The remainder of the seats are free with fair admission.

In addition to musical talent, the fair will also highlight artistic talents. Scott Weaver has been working for 35 years on an eight-foot toothpick sculpture that replicates San Francisco and its components.

And if all the walking and performance-attending proves too hot, a fun way to cool off is to visit the Splash Dogs event, taking place every day of the fair at the dock. The concept of this new event is simple: which dog can jump the farthest off the dock?

There are plenty of contests for humans too, most of them on-the-spot, meaning that hopeful participants can sign up just 10 minutes before a contest begins. But don't wait too long; some contests fill up quickly, and most are run on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For fair-goers needing relaxation, the Flower Show is always a good bet. A $25 ticket entitles visitors to take pleasure in not only the spectacular floral displays, but also world class Sonoma County wines and champagne, along with delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by local caterers.

Those who want more excitement will find it at the track. The Wine Country Races offer a full program of daily horse races with grandstand seats costing just $3 a day. Off-track betting is the fervently expected event of the adult crowd this year, with races scheduled for every day of the week except for Tuesdays. Now race fans won't even need to place a bet. Tables outside the race track will be outfitted with race slips and ballot boxes, allowing betters to simply pick their choices and mark their ballots for a chance to win hundreds of dollars through a random drawing of winners. There won't be a bad seat in the house with eight big screens and more than 50 televisions available at all times to assist gamblers with their wagers.

Conversely, adults bearing small children don't need to search far for entertainment. The Kids Area is an exciting retreat that includes shows specifically for children, free craft projects, dress-up area, creative hands-on activities and sand box replete with toys. All events in the Kids Area are free with a calming, shady lawn that both adults and frenzied children can unwind in.

For anyone just out to party and play, the carnival is a perfect way to satisfy the need for adventure, where thrills and prizes are around every corner. By popular demand, new rides are slated to premiere this year while carnival presale prices begin at $15.

As for Rio Pagliaro, she plans to show her sheep several times throughout the fair and hopes to win yet another Grand Champion Lamb or Grand Champion Showman, just like she did last year.

"I like the sheep the best, they're really cute," Rio said.

For more information or a detailed daily fair schedule, visit www.sonomacountyfair.com.

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