Under Tuesday's sweltering sun, an army of State Fair workers were hard at work preparing for opening day Friday.
Engineers were inspecting rides; carpenters, painters, and electricians were building Hollywood facades. And agricultural enthusiasts were bringing in their livestock.
But with the governor trying to hack state workers' pay, with gas still around $4 a gallon and with ample evidence the economy is sputtering, how the fair fares this year is an open-ended question.
Suzanne O'Keefe, an associate professor of economics at California State University, Sacramento, said the issue cuts a number of ways. For local residents looking to keep costs down, the State Fair's a bargain. But out-of-towners might balk at throwing $40 or more in the gas tank to get to Cal Expo.
"Local people may see it as an opportunity," O'Keefe said. "It's not a large enough expenditure that people will pass up on it just because of the slower economy. For people who haven't lost a job, it's still an inexpensive option."
O'Keefe said other factors – the weather, marketing and programming – will have a larger effect on turnout.
As for the weather, bring your bottled water. Friday is expected to be a blistering hot day. Prepare for afternoon highs of 100 to 107 degrees for opening day, said National Weather Service forecaster Karl Swanberg.
The weekend should be slightly cooler, if you consider 95 to 100 degrees cooler.
Fair officials say they are prepared for the heat and are offering discounts to offset the sagging economy.
To beat the heat, State Fair spokeswoman Erica Manuel offers two types of options – the get-wet kind and the stay-dry approach.
If you're OK with getting wet, there are loads of misters around, two water shows that promise to leave audiences damp, and the hard core can buy a dual season pass for the State Fair and the Raging Waters water park at Cal Expo.
If getting wet is not your thing, Manuel advises you to check out the indoor air-conditioned venues, and suggests you come to the fair in the morning or after the sun sets.
Norb Bartosik, Cal Expo CEO and general manager, said staff is trying to make the best of the economic conditions.
"Historically in tougher times people stay home and we get a bump," he said.
The fair is offering an array of bargains for budget-conscious customers. Those discount plans include:
• On Monday and Thursday parking is free before 4 p.m., and admission is $5 before 5 p.m.
• Tuesday's Kids Day promotion means kids under 12 are free (kids ages 5-12 are normally $5).
And while food and midway rides can add up, Bartosik said there is plenty to do on the cheap.
"The fair is the single best value in Northern California," Bartosik said. "There are lots of things to do from, one end of the grounds to the other, without having to spend a dime."
Nancy Fox, of Carmichael, said she and her family will be cutting back on big ticket spending. "We normally go on a really nice trip to Europe," said Fox. But the weak U.S. dollar and other factors prompted them to put off the trip.
The same does not apply to the State Fair. "The economy is not going to affect our annual visits," Fox said. She plans to attend opening day with her daughter and grandchildren.
"I don't believe we've missed a year in the last 25 years," Fox said. "We're loyal State Fair goers."
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
