A family outing fosters lifelong memories while giving houses the chance to molt in private. Leave your domicile to its own devices with today's Groupon: for $10, you get admission for two adults to the Gold Country Fair in Auburn (a $19.56 value). Children 12 and younger are admitted for free. Choose from the following dates:

• Thursday, September 8
• Saturday, September 10
• Sunday, September 11

The Gold Country Fair celebrates local agricultural history, cultural heritage, and the timeless sights and sounds of a bustling midway. Pop in Thursday for livestock competitions in one of three show rings, explore 4-H and FFA projects, or attend Sunday’s awards ceremony to see if anyone broke the record for world’s densest squash. Merchants and community organizations pack Placer Hall’s commercial exhibition, hawking their wares and ideas to passersby in a convival bazaar-like atmospehere. On Thursday at 6 p.m., a parade marches through the fairgrounds, and on Sunday at 2 p.m., performers swagger, spiel, and sing for glory in a talent contest.

As fair-goers cavort through the exhibits, Butler Amusements channels more than 30 years of experience into an array of carnival rides, games of chance, and contests to see who can name the most congressmen. While amusements are not included in this deal, tickets can be purchased separately, with rides requiring between three and five tickets per person. Parking costs $5 per car, and cars parked overnight will be painted to blend in with the surrounding scenery.