By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
The Rio Linda-Elverta Country Faire’s move from downtown Rio Linda to the historic Dry Creek Ranch House appears to have passed its first major test Saturday: The community showed up.
Early estimates indicate that more than 8,000 people attended the opening day of the 13th annual Faire, exploring rows of vendor booths, watching community competitions and enjoying family attractions spread across the grassy property.
The Faire continues Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dry Creek Ranch House, 6852 Dry Creek Road.
Saturday marked the first time the annual September Faire was held at the Ranch House after years at Depot Park. Because the event was no longer visible from M Street, there had been some uncertainty about whether visitors would find and embrace the new location.
They did.
“We got there at 10:30, and I couldn’t believe how many cars were in the parking area,” attendee Katie Lynn wrote in a comment to Rio Linda Online. “It was an awesome turnout.”
The crowds arrived beneath crystal-clear skies, but the beautiful weather came with a price. Temperatures climbed to around 90 degrees, and the relentless sunshine put a beatdown on visitors, vendors and volunteers across the largely outdoor grounds.
Shade became valuable real estate as the afternoon wore on. Although the Ranch House offered a picture-perfect country setting, the direct sun proved exhausting for many people spending hours at the Faire.
The larger country setting gave organizers room to spread more than 160 vendors, food providers, exhibits and attractions across the historic property. The farmhouse, agricultural surroundings and shade trees provided an appropriate backdrop for an event intended to celebrate the rural character of Rio Linda and Elverta.
The location also allowed the Faire to feel less like a conventional street festival and more like a community gathering on the farm.
Tonya Haddix singled out the water tower and rooster beside the chicken-race pen as a particularly fitting detail, calling the scene “classic.”
The day’s contests proved to be some of its most popular attractions.
Shana Paz reported an “amazing turnout” for the watermelon-eating contest and thanked everyone who participated. In another family success story, Roy A. Hickey said Ethan earned second place in the contest.
The Rio Linda Grange’s zucchini races were another clear favorite. The races, moved to the Country Faire for 2026, invited participants to transform zucchinis into small wheeled racers and send them down the track.
B Joyce Gates said her grandchildren “had a blast” and picked the zucchini races as their favorite part of the Faire. Hickey said Addie took first place in the youth competition and was named the zucchini-race champion.
Free attractions also made an impression on families.
Katie Lynn said her niece especially enjoyed the tractor ride and that she had not expected the attractions to be free. Other visitors shared similarly enthusiastic reactions, describing the Faire as fun, welcoming and worth returning to next year.
“We had an amazing time,” Kandace Momlife wrote. “We’ll be back next year.”
Vendors appeared pleased with the opening-day response as well. Stephanie Williams said she had a great day and plenty of laughs with visitors over the name of her business, The Knotty Hooker. Troy Golden reported that the Great Gobble Run was also represented.
“The Teastful Store” reported a good turnout and “great vendors,” while Josh MacCulloch highlighted the people more than the attractions, writing that the day brought “so many good people and conversations.”
That may ultimately be the best measure of the Faire’s success.
The Country Faire has always been about more than booths, contests and food. It is one of the few events where local organizations, small businesses, families, candidates, volunteers and longtime residents all occupy the same space for the same weekend.
The Ranch House gave that gathering a new setting without stripping away its familiar community character.
The overall response to Saturday’s Faire was overwhelmingly positive.
“Great event,” Carmen Argau wrote. “I go every year.”
Others kept their reviews even simpler: “So much fun.” “We had a blast.” “Great time.”
After years at Depot Park, the Country Faire’s new chapter began Saturday with an estimated crowd of more than 8,000, busy vendor booths, free family activities, zucchini racers, watermelon eaters and generations of Rio Linda and Elverta residents gathering beneath the trees—even as the unrelenting September sun made the day a test of endurance.
The Country Faire continues Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dry Creek Ranch House, 6852 Dry Creek Road in Rio Linda.
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