Since my college friend was flying in to Sacramento Airport, I thought it would be fun if we headed to the State Fair for a day of all this annual event has to offer.
This is only my second time of attending the State Fair. I thought sharing some of its history would be interesting. Did you know that the First California State Fair was held in October 1854 (with temperatures over 100° in July, what a nicer time of the year this would be). It was held in San Francisco, followed by a different city hosting it each year, thereafter. In 1859, Sacramento became its official, permanent location. Farmers and people from all over the state came to Sacramento after the fair's move to the city. They came to see the farm machinery, to enjoy the fair entertainment and to compete for cash premiums for best of show.
In 1968, the State Fair moved to its current location- the California Exposition (Cal Expo). In addition to the State Fair, Cal Expo plays host to hundreds of other signature events each year. Featuring 350 beautifully landscaped acres, Cal Expo was initiated by Governor Pat Brown and opened by Governor Ronald Reagan. The current Cal Expo facilities were dedicated as a place to celebrate California’s achievements, agriculture, diversity of its people, traditions and trends that will shape the Golden State’s future.
It is also the place to pretend to milk a cow!
One of our favorite things to do is to meet all the animals. Look at the unique SOS markings on this cow. Wild.
Some photos just state the obvious!
Advertised as Cool Shopping, we had to explore Buildings C/D. Not only was the environment refreshing, the items sold had us chuckling. Don't get me wrong, there is a plethora of awesome products to buy, too.
Featuring the latest and greatest fashion, gadgets and things for your home, this air-conditioned space was a nice respite from the outdoor heat. There was something for everyone there.
There was even an equestrian show starring the Disney characters. So cool.
While exploring one building, we came upon the "book" section. Here is where people can meet the authors who call California home. Authors from a variety of genres were there with their books for sale and signing. I was excited to meet up with Dänna Wilberg, a talented and fun author I met at Left Coast Crime (March in Reno).
While a huge part of the Fair is Fair Food, we were pretty controlled.
We snacked on juicy watermelon from the Farmer's Market.
Dinner was delicious pasta from Pignotti's at the Save Mart Wine Garden.
Great photo opportunities were everywhere. Thankfully, Julie is a fan of faces in holes, too.
We briefly caught part of the Chinese Acrobats show. They always amaze.
A fun explore was in the California Crafts building where, "California takes Do It Yourself to a whole new level!" This Exhibit highlights the best of California’s handmade items. On display were beautiful handmade creations including intricate porcelain painting, dolls, clothes, jewelry, and a beautiful array of quilts. I loved this Self Portrait by Gudrun Thompson. There is a reason she won 1st Place. Wow.
Eight hours wasn't quite enough time to see, do, eat, experience all the Fair had to offer. We still had a two hour drive home so as the carnival lights illuminated, it was time for us to head to Tahoe. It was a pretty awesome Day #1 for Julie's Sierra Sojourn.
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1 comments:
OMG were those the CALIFORNIA letters from DCA. I miss those! You must have been in heaven with all those photo ops
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