Fun, food, and ferris wheels await at the California State Fair, August 15 - September 1

July 3, 2008

Every summer, Sacramento’s Cal Expo fairgrounds come alive as the California State Fair rolls into town. Hosting nearly one million visitors annually, this "city within a city" has been delighting visitors for 155 years with exhibits, competitions, fireworks, free concerts, and the Magnificent Midway.

For 2008, the California State Fair is "Going Hollywood," with themed attractions, exhibits, and celebrity look-alikes throughout the fairgrounds that celebrate Tinsel Town. See original props such as the "Herbie the Love Bug" car and the 30-foot submarine used in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," as well as costumes worn by movie stars John Wayne, Gene Autry, Chevy Chase, Robert Redford, and more. The Sound Stage at the center of the exhibit features film-themed, interactive shows daily, including green screen demonstrations, special effects, stunt shows, and special guest appearances. This year’s floriculture exhibit even boasts an Indiana Jones theme, where the fairground’s Hanger 51 has been transformed into a replica of a "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" set.

If you’re looking for something a little more down-home than downtown L.A., the fair offers plenty of exhibits and attractions with true country flair, from livestock contests to rodeo competitions. Children can get a hands-on barnyard experience at the California Ranchland exhibit, which includes a petting farm, pedal tractor pull competitions, pony painting, a children’s dairy center, and roping arena where your little ones can try out their cowpoke skills.

Kids of all ages flock to the fair’s Magnificent Midway, which boasts 55 carnival rides ranging from pulse-pounding thrillers to old-fashioned, kiddie classics. Be sure to check out Le Grande Wheel, a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel that offers incredible views of the Sacramento skyline.

If the idea of a twirling carnival ride makes you a little green, you can still enjoy the Midway. Grab some traditional fair fare (funnel cake, anyone?) and try your skills at any one of the 40 game booths offered. Who knows? Maybe you’ll go home with a five-foot-tall stuffed bear!

The California State Fair also presents free night-time concerts, with retro favorites and up-and-coming stars alike gracing the Golden1 Stage. This year’s line-up includes ’70s rockers Chicago, Grand Funk Railroad, the Low Rider Band, pop culture parodist Weird Al Yankovic, Vanessa Hudgens of "High School Musical," and preschooler favorites The Doodlebops.

With additional entertainment including live thoroughbred horse racing, Motorcross demonstrations, monster truck rallies, Demolition Derby, wine and cheese tastings, nightly fireworks, and more, there’s bound to be something for everyone.