Sheep Dog Trials and the Mendocino County Fair by bruce

Boonville — that quaint little town on Highway 128 in Anderson Valley on your way to the Mendocino Coast — was buzzing this weekend with cowboys, cotton candy and carnival. Watching Australian Shepherds herding sheep through an obstacle course was the highlight, along with cowboys racing into the arena, jumping off their horses onto the horns of cows and wrestling them to the ground. The fair is known for its displays of everything from bunnies to quilts to dozens of different kinds of apples to apple pie and ice cream. Boonville is going through a renaissance with art galleries, wine tasting and restaurants. Nice little stop before you hit the redwoods and the coast. Check out Anderson Valley Brewing Co. for beer tasting and picnicking.