How are you going to spend July? Santa Rosa has so much to offer up in July that I could not even list all the fantastic events. Where to start…let’s talk music. Heard of Earth Wind and Fire? Or Juno and
Avos? How about Sheryl Crow? Purchase your tickets now for Earth, Wind and Fire for their July 13^th performance and July 20 for Sheryl Crow. The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts has a stellar line for July and just around the corner, the first weekend of August…Seal is performing too.

Located just a few miles from downtown Santa Rosa, the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is an amazing concert venue that attracts Grammy Award Winning Performers from all over the World. I have been to a concert there and can tell you the sound is amazing, not to mention I can swing by a number of winery’s and world class restaurants on my way to and from the venue. In case you did not now, the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is recognized as one of the World’s Top 100 Theatres…yes, only in Santa Rosa.

Now let’s talk BBQ…really, I mean a Wine Country Style BBQ. I plan on checking on out this event. How could you resist Sonoma County’s Premier BBQ Event? This is going to be great as only the wine country knows how to ensure the perfect BBQ competition on July 14th. This year includes the “Winery Big Beef Challenge” where winery and vineyard chefs will compete in pairing tri-tip and wine for the “People’s Choice” Award. For those of you who are familiar with KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society), this event is a nationally sanctioned competition. Country music Star Pete [Stringfellow] will be performing along with Paulie’s Garage. BBQ, wine and entertainment…not a bad line up!

Last year’s winners included Tex Wasabi’s, Woodhouse BBQ and Smokey Luv BBQ to name a few. If a Wine Country BBQ is not your style, how about some NHRA Drag Racing? While I have never been…I hear it is a blast. The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series takes place July 27^th at the
Sonoma County Speedway. I never know this, but did you know this type of racing is considered the fastest race machines on the planet? Many options are available; packages, upgrades and you can even camp!! The racing will take place over two days; Friday and Saturday.

Ok, so let’s say you want to feel the burn instead…how about a Triathlon? 2012 marks the 23rd Annual Full Vineman Triathlon, making it the oldest independent full distance triathlon held in the continental United States. The experience which Vineman athletes have will be unmatched, as they swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles through Sonoma County’s wine country. I have never participated in an event of this nature…I will leave it to the well trained and be a supportive spectator. The Triathlon takes place on Saturday July 28^th.

Ok, I may have more. If I have not teased your sense of adventure…maybe this will do! How about some a food, wine and music festival called Rootstock? A fun celebration in Santa Rosa’s Vintner’s Square. “An Urban Wine Village” Santa Rosa’s first Wine District is a collaboration of handcrafted wines and cigars. Wine and food tastings and a “Best Bites” Competition ensure a tasty afternoon.

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