California State Fair 2011

The California State Fair, held in Sacramento opened July 14^th and will run through July 31^st. Our weather has been unusually cooler than normal and a perfect time to venture to the fair.

I have rarely missed the fair and have enjoyed everything it has to offer. Really, once you buy your ticket, most of the fair is free except for the your food, drinks and if your enjoy the Midway, rides and games cost money. All the exhibits, free concerts, special attractions are free.

One of my favorite exhibits are the County Buildings. This year 30 counties from California will compete for ribbons and a People’s Choice Award. These displays are all original and elaborate with most of them being whimsical and musical. Each County exhibits showcase the agriculture for their county and the beauty of California.

My next stop would be the hackers selling their wares. Each year most of the same vendors return with their same merchandize…the biggest and most popular vendor would be The Shammy, you all seen them, that gold absorbent cloth that most people use to dry their cars. Everywhere I look everyone is carry one.

The fair also has exhibits of Photography and Fine Arts, Youth Art and Design Expo, Fur and Feathers and the Technology building. All of these displays are not to be missed.

This year the fair offers new attractions like: Motorcycle Races, a Brewfest, a Rock and Roll Music Experience, A Climbing Experience and something very special, Operation Postcard, where you can send a message to a deployed military person. Also fun for kids is a Big Bug exhibits where kids can explore insects and even touch them…Yikes!!!

We can’t forget the Beer and Wine Garden. This is a great place to stop and just chill out, have a nice glass of wine or a cold beer, grab a chair and people watch. Plus, the fair also offers Free Concerts that are great but remember to get their early for a good seat because it fills up quickly.

The kids will love the Livestock with pigs, cows, sheep and goats. They also have a Newborn Nursery to view. The 4-H club is very active in this event, auctioning off their animals. This must be a hard lesson but rewarding one for the kids.

Are we tired yet………….

I’m usually like most people, see the fair in one day and its very exhausting but so fun. Take a breather and regroup. If the weather turns hot again, the building are all air conditioned and that would be my next stop.

Outside by the Beer and Wine Garden is the Agricultural Exhibit…here you can explore all the trees and flowers that beautify the state of California. You can learn how to plant certain trees and flowers, and acquirer a good education for free and also learn the important role this industry plays in our states economy. Near this display are the Tractors Display, from antique to present models. I think this is a male bonding experience and most of time I don’t mind missing this.

I usually eat my way through the fair. Lets face it….where else will I get to eat fried raccoon or scorpions. Gross!!! My favorite are the soft tacos that are only sold at the fair. I love these and can only have them once a year because this is the only venue they sale them at. So, I pig out…..I love an Orange Julius drink but famous here in Sacramento is an orange slush called Merlinos Freeze. This is a landmark drink that has been around longer then me and a must have. On my way out, I love having a frosty….yummy……

There are times I will venture into the Midway and play some games. I won a goldfish once…..but most of the time just winning a ten cent animal can cost 10 bucks so I skip it.

So, in conclusion going to the fair is a fun time and doesn’t have to cost much to enjoy yourself. This weekend is my day at the fair and I can’t wait.

I hope you had good time….like I plan too….