Climbing onto gravity-defying contraptions, munching on sticky-sweet cotton candy, meandering through a glittery midway—these are the amusements most Americans associate with going to the fair. And the Redwood Empire Summer Fair will have all of them as well as other entertainment, including nightly motorized sports, such as tractor pulls and mud boggs, and live music, from classic rock to Latin grooves. There’ll also be activities for kids: a petting zoo, reptile show, and juggling act, and a variety of contests of the hot dog– and watermelon-eating variety. The fair runs August 1–4. Gates open at 3 p.m. on August 1 and 2 and noon on August 3 and 4. General admission is $7–$9; kids 5 and younger get in free. Parking is $7. On August 1, children up to age 12 and seniors 65 and older get in free until 6 p.m. See facebook.com/redwood-empire-fair-107780502583242 for more information.