Got the travel bug but not the cash? Have an itch to see the world but not the time? No worries, the folks at the El Dorado County Fair are working hard to bring the world to you —o r at least a few choice destinations. Planned for June 17-20 at the fairgrounds in Placerville, the fair’s theme this year is “A World of Fun at the El Dorado County Fair.”

“We figured that a lot people just don’t have the money right now, or the time for that matter, to take an extended family vacation. So, why not stage a vacation right here at home?” said Jody Gray, the fair’s chief executive officer. “It’s all part of our goal to create the ultimate ‘faircation’ for individuals and families, right here in El Dorado County.”

Some of the highlights of “A World of Fun at the El Dorado County Fair” include themed areas of popular vacation destinations taking people from Graceland to Hawaii. Then, jump over to Bourbon Street in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and on to Mexico and more. These themed areas offer fairgoers the chance to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes (food and drink) of other places without leaving home.

The four-day El Dorado County Fair also features all the favorite and traditional activities that people have come to know and love, from carnival rides to wine tasting and wheelbarrow racing to team penning.

Enjoy a full schedule of music ranging from classic rock to blues and jazz to country. Music highlights include the “Ultimate Elvis Experience” with Charlie Franks and headliner Lou Gramm, lead singer of the band Foreigner. A Vaudeville cowboy show, Nevada gunfighters, Polynesian dancers, the destruction derby (additional charge), and a hypnotist, all help to round out a full schedule of entertainment.

Of course, no fair would be complete without animals. Traditional livestock competitions and exhibits, including the Mother Lode Fair Circuit Horse Show, take place throughout the fair’s four-day run. Or, if you have something more exotic in mind, check out the menagerie of creatures in Planet Animal.

El Dorado County Fair is not simply a spectator sport. The fair features contests galore. Whether you prefer mutton bustin’ or photography, hay bucking or winemaking, the fair offers plenty of opportunities to get involved. A couple of highlights this year include the El Dorado County Fair Idol contest and the Battle of the Bands just for young musicians (high school and younger).

Visit www.eldoradocountyfair.org for guidelines on how to enter the many contests and other events at the fair, as well as to view a full schedule of activities.