Pear Fair

A Sacramento-area tradition turns 40 this year at the annual Courtland Pear Fair this weekend. Located just 30 minutes south of downtown Sacramento, the festival celebrates the Williams pear (or Bartlett pear), known for its wide bottom and its traditional “pear-shaped” dimensions. This is a rural event featuring decidedly small-town entertainment such as a parade, a Pear Fair Queen competition, pear-themed food (cider, bread, ice cream, etc.), a 5- and 10-mile run (which begins at 8 a.m.), a classic-car show, duck calling and live music (Jay Rolerz Band, Take 2 and Mariachi Los Gallos). The fun is set for Sunday, July 29, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, and a $10 parking fee reserves you a spot close to the fair, near the corner of Washington and Magnolia avenues. For more information, call (916) 775-2000, or visit www.pearfair.org.