Event FAQ
The Pear Fair is a celebration of the annual Bartlett pear harvest in the picturesque, Sacramento River Delta region of California. Nestled along the Sacramento River, the town of Courtland is located 20 miles south of Sacramento on scenic Highway 160. Organized and run by a committee of local volunteers, it has become a long-standing summer tradition in the Delta that reflects the character and lifestyle of rural life, family fun, and is a wonderful day of entertainment, festivities, food and drink shared by all who attend each year. The Pear Fair is a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships and helps support the Delta community. Admission is free, but there is a $20 parking fee for vehicles. Various tickets for rides, food items and craft items will be for sale that support the local and regional economy.
Come celebrate the Bartlett pear harvest with us!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
MAY I BRING MY PET TO THE PEAR FAIR?
No. Due to insurance concerns, no pets are not allowed at the Pear Fair. There will be signs posted along the highway as a reminder, but owners bringing pets to the fair will be turned away. Also, due to the heat, we will not be allowing owners to leave their pets in their vehicle. Thank you for understanding.
WHAT TIME DOES THE PEAR FAIR START?
The Fun Runs start at 7:30am and Pancake Breakfast begins at 8am, however the main Fair opens at 9am.
MAY I PARK ON THE LEVEE AND WALK TO THE FAIR?
No. The levees will be closed and “No Parking” signs will be posted in order to maintain your safety. Please use the official Pear Fair parking area to avoid being towed.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND THE FAIR?
The Pear Fair is free to attend. Event parking is $20 per car. We encourage you to carpool with friends and family! We did have to increase our parking fees to accommodate rising costs for us to put on the fair.. Anything extra goes to our scholarships!
IS THERE BICYCLE PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR?
There is no dedicated bike parking available but you will be able to enter the town of Courtland with your bicycle and lock your bicycle outside of the fair grounds.
CAN I STOP AND PICK PEARS ON THE WAY?
No, for your safety and the safety of others, please do not stop to pick fruit from local orchards. If you would like local pears, there will be plenty for sale at the fair and at local area farm stands. This creates a safety hazard and doesn’t support our local family-farm-based economy. Thank you!
ARE THERE CHARGES FOR ACTIVITIES?
While we do our best to provide lots of free entertainment, some activities at the Pear Fair require tickets. These may be purchased from event vendors.
MAY I COME AND GO FROM THE FAIR?
You are free to come and go from the Fair, however, if you intend to re-enter the parking lot, you will be charged for parking again.
WILL THERE BE AN ATM AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR?
We will no longer be offering ATM services at the fair, but you will be able to get cash back from the ticket sales booth in the Adult Beverage Area.
WHAT TIME DO THE PEAR PIES GO ON SALE? ARE THEY AVAILABLE THE ENTIRE DAY?
Pear pies will be sold starting at 9am when the fair opens until the last pie is sold. We have added more pies the past few years, but be warned, sometimes we sell out due to popularity.
IS THERE SHADE AT THE PEAR FAIR?
The central area in front of the main stage is covered by a large event tent and the arts & crafts area is largely shaded by trees and vendor tents. We recommend that you take precautions against the summer heat and sun in open areas.
WHAT TIME IS THE PARADE?
The parade begins at 1pm. Please contact the Pear Fair at [email protected] to register if you would like to participate. Parade participants will line up at the start of the route beginning at noon and no later than 12:30pm and must sign a waiver.
MY CHILD WOULD LIKE TO BE A PEAR BLOSSOM – WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please contact the pear fair at [email protected]. Tiaras will be available to the first 25 registered Pear Blossoms.
WHAT IF I FORGET TO BRING MY ID AND I’D LIKE TO DRINK BEER & WINE?
Without exception, we check ID’s for all purchases of adult beverages. If you do not bring your ID, you will not be able to receive a wrist band to purchase or consume adult beverages, so please do not forget your ID.
DO I HAVE TO STAY IN THE “BEER GARDEN” WHILE ENJOYING MY ADULT BEVERAGE?
Yes, all adult beverages must stay in the designated area. As of 2017, this designated area will be within the roped area of the main grounds – alcohol will not be allowed on any streets or beyond. Please observe the roped areas and signage.
I COLLECT PEAR FAIR POSTERS AND PINS – WILL THEY BE AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR?
Pins and posters are sold near the historical display inside the Courtland Auditorium.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PEAR FAIR, THE COUTLAND LIBRARY, OR THE TOWN OF COURTLAND?
Each non-profit organization will be represented by a booth at the Fair and we are grateful for your support. The Information booth supports the Pear Fair, the book sale booth supports the Library and the Courtland Town Association sells local pears in handy tote bags, but we would also happily accept your donations to any and all. The Pear Fair is our largest community event each year and supports a variety of integral programs throughout the town. You can mail your donation to the Pear Fair at PO Box 492 in Courtland, CA 95615.
CAN I BE A VOLUNTEER AT THE PEAR FAIR?
The Pear Fair is staffed entirely by volunteers and we’d love your help. The Town Association, Library and Information booths can all use help and we would be particularly interested in bilingual volunteers. Please email [email protected] if you are available to help.
IS THE PEAR FAIR ACCESSIBLE TO ALL VISITORS?
We make every effort to be sure that the Pear Fair is accessible by providing dedicated parking, restrooms and ramps. Please be aware, however, that the Fair occurs on public school grounds and parking is in a nearby field so it may be somewhat difficult to push wheelchairs or walkers over this uneven terrain.