Make Horses Part of Your Weekend

If you're a fan of horses, you don't want to miss the fourth annual  this Sunday at the San Francisco Polo Club Ranch on Lakeville Highway. 

Festival-goers can enjoy several equestrian events, of course, including a horse jumping contest (12:15pm), the Petaluma Riding Club’s Drill Team exhibition (1:15pm), even a demonstration polo match between the San Francisco Polo Club and the Santa Rosa Polo Club (3:30pm). There will also be Arabian and Lusitano horse breed demonstrations, dressage and quadrilles (think of it as horse square-dancing).

Kids are given an extra treat with Arabian horses they can ride (provided by Apple Creek Training and Lesson Center). Plus the Sonoma County Children's Museum will have its “Museum-on-the-Go” at the festival, in addition to other kid-friendly activities.

Singer/songwriter Larry Kenneth Potts provides live acoustic music, while other Sonoma County artists will have art and crafts such as painting, pottery and jewelry on display and for sale. Wine and beer comes from local participants such as B.R. Cohn and Kunde, Moylan’s and Lagunitas. There will be a barbecue Rocky Jr’s., salmon and veggie burgers, plus more to eat and drink round out the day. The event ends at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, which includes six tickets for wine tasting and viewing all art and horse events; and $10 for youths 6-16 years of age and seniors (65+). Children under 6 are free.

The PAEF was founded as part of Petaluma’s 150th anniversary four years ago and is put on by the Rotary Club of Petaluma to raise funds in support of causes that benefits local youth programs here and around the world.

For more information, including a complete schedule and list of participants, sponsors and ticket sales, visit www.paefestival.com