Patrons were entertained by the musical stylings of Alan Brownlee, who played a variety of songs, from ’80s love ballads to ’90s country. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) — The Solano County Fall Home and Garden Show returned to the Dixon Fairgrounds on Sept. 20 and 21, drawing thousands of visitors to explore more than 75 vendors offering products and services ranging from home improvement and solar energy to handcrafted art and gourmet food.

The annual event provided a family-friendly environment with live music by local musician Alan Brownlee, activities for children and hands-on demonstrations.

Attendance is typically between 2,000 and 3,500 over the two-day event, according to organizer Shawna Arzadon.

Whereas general admission was $8 and military and seniors got in for $5, admission was free for children under 12. Alongside the foam, a clown offering facepainting and glitter tattoos also attended on Sept. 20. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“We always expect around 3,500,” said Arzadon. “The beautiful weather and all these awesome vendors create a wonderful atmosphere.”

Vendors included national and regional companies such as Northwest Exteriors, NRG Pros and Batteries Plus from Pleasant Hill, which offered $5 battery replacements for key fobs.

Other booths featured custom furniture by Custom Barrel Designs, solar systems from Future Energy Savers and fencing and deck solutions by California Fence Builder.

“This is personally my first time,” said William Brooks, a Home Depot service provider. “It’s smaller, so it’s a little more intimate than, say, Cal Expo.”

Local artist Diane Burnette showcased her handcrafted wood and oil paintings at the event for the third time.

“All our pieces are solid wood, so you can put them inside or outside,” Burnette said.

Guest speaker Ahmed Hassan, original host of HGTV’s “Yard Crashers,” drew a crowd with his live garden demo and Q&A session.

“My job is to bring the garden to the home and garden show,” said Hassan. “Home shows? Boring. Home and garden shows? Fantastic.”

The Solano County Fall Home and Garden Show returned to the Dixon Fairgrounds last weekend, drawing thousands of visitors to explore more than 75 vendors. Jeff Peikin (left) of Reliable Home Improvement was one of these vendors. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Attendees also participated in a bingo scavenger hunt, collecting stamps from booths for a chance to win prizes.

Melina Arzadon, the event organizer’s daughter, helped at the entrance, passing out bingo cards and explaining the rules of the hunt.

“Every year, my main job is the ticket booth,” she said.

For younger guests, Kelly Martinez, also known as “Kelly the Clown,” of Unforgettable Foamtastic offered bubble play and foam cannon activities on Saturday.

“Arzadon contacted us so that kids can have something to do while the adults are talking business,” said Martinez.

One young guest, Ryan Thompson, considered the foam to be the best part of the event.

“Look, I made a cloud!” said Ryan.

Ryan’s mother, Danielle Thompson, works for Greiner Heating and Air, another vendor. According to Thompson, she and her family attend the home and garden show every year, twice a year, making time for both the spring and fall shows.

The event had several amenities, including a foam area for kids, a booth selling fair food and a succulent bar. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“I love the different vendors. I have a weakness for trinkets and things, so seeing all the cool stuff that people have is exciting,” said Thompson. “I normally work in the office rather than the field, so it’s fun to interact with our customers directly. And it’s great for our son.”

Overall, the event featured a wide variety of home improvement and gardening resources.

“I’m enjoying myself,” said attendee Gwen Black. “I’ve even gotten so many new ideas for my home.”

For more information, visit solanohomeshow.com or call 707-655-8439.

Each vendor offered a unique experience, from handcrafted woodwork to home appliances and even California-grown olive oil. Photo by Nicolas Brown