New on the menu at this year's California State Fair will be the maggot melt – dried maggots and melted cheese on two slices of bread.

Really.

The sandwich is not the only novelty at the fair this year. Featured attractions include historical exhibits on rock 'n' roll and on North American agricultural fairs since the first county fair 200 years ago. A kangaroo calf named Joey and other animals will greet fairgoers in a miniature zoo.

The main exhibit outside the California Building contains large robotic bugs, such as praying mantises and black widow spiders. Visitors will feel as though they are smaller than they really are because of the size of the models, explained fair general manager Norb Bartosik.

There will be real insects and arachnids, too. Jungle George, the exotic concessions vendor who joined the fair last summer, will offer crickets and scorpions this year.

For a more gourmet approach, Daniella Martin, the host of the online television show "Girl Meets Bug," will demonstrate her favorite ways to cook insects on July 16 and 26.

Other new food items at the fair this year include bacon-maple sundaes and fried crepes. This year's fairgoers will also be able to participate in a corn-dog eating contest July 21-23. Entry forms for the contest are available on the fair's website, www.bigfun.org.

There are several new rides on the midway, including a bumper car ride formerly owned by Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch. The bumper cars have been completely refurbished, said Bartosik.

Organizers are offering a coupon book for $5 this year, containing 100 coupons with more than $3,000 in savings on food, products and activities at the fair.

The Sacramento Mile motorcycle race will be held July 30. It will be the first time the race has been run during the fair.

After a rampaging pregnant cow was shot at last summer's fair, the fair has adopted new procedures for handling animals at the livestock nursery. Animals giving birth will be kept in a pen at least four feet from spectators, and they will not be moved to a display area before entering labor. Security guards will be trained to deal with escaped livestock.

MUSIC GALORE

There are 15 afternoon or evening concerts planned during the run of the State Fair and general admission to each is free with fair admission. Reserved-seat "Gold Circle" tickets are sold through www.tickets.com.

Here are the shows, with "Gold Circle" prices in parenthesis.

• The Fab Four

(Beatles tribute), 8 p.m. Thursday ($10)

• Blue Oyster Cult,

8 p.m. July 15 ($10)

• Mariachi Vargas Tecalitlán, 6 p.m. July 17 ($20)

• MC Hammer, 8 p.m. July 18 ($10)

• Neon Trees, 8 p.m. July 19 ($16)

• Lee Greenwood, 8 p.m. July 20 ($10)

• Sugarfoot's Ohio Players and The SOS Band, 8 p.m.

July 21 ($10)

• AJA Vu (music of Steely Dan), 8 p.m. July 22 (free)

• War, 8 p.m. July 23 ($10)

• Casey James, 8 p.m. July 24 ($10)

• Choo Choo Soul, featuring Genevieve, 1 and 4 p.m. July 26 ($3)

• Moonwalker, featuring Michael Firestone (Michael Jackson tribute), 8 p.m. July 25 ($10)

• REO Speedwagon, 8 p.m. July 27 ($19)

• Three Dog Night, 8 p.m. July 28 ($10)

• Starship, starring Mickey Thomas, 8 p.m. July 31 ($10)

SPECIAL DAYS AT THE FAIR

The fair folks like to think every day is special at the State Fair, but some days are more special than others. Here are some of them.

• OPENING DAY – Thursday

The fair will officially open following the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and Corn Dog Toast at 11:30 a.m. The UC Davis Marching Band will provide music.

• SENIOR DAYS – July 15, 22 and 29

Seniors ages 62 and older will be admitted for $8 on these three successive Friday. Plus, they'll get free rides on the Grand Carousel and the Giant Gondola Wheel.

• KIDS DAYS – Tuesdays, July 19 and 26

All kids 12 and younger receive free admission. Carnival rides are $1 for everyone until 11 p.m.

• THRIFTY THURSDAYS – Opening Day and July 21 and 28

Specially-priced Coca-Cola drinks except in the Magnificent Midway and the Kids Park. Featured drinks include Coke (July 14), Sprite (July 21) and Mello Yello (July 28).

• FIRST RESPONDERS and ARMED FORCES DAY – July 20

Free admission for first responders, law enforcement members and active military members and veterans in all branches of the Armed Forces – in or out of uniform, with proper identification. (Doesn't apply to family members and guests.)

• FUN FOR ALL DAY – July 21

Special exhibits and events are planned for fair visitors with permanent physical, mental and/or sensory disabilities. Activities will include Companion Canines, Guide Dogs for the Deaf, Therapeutic Riding group demonstrations, disabled artists, disabled musical groups and a fashion show.

• 4-H ALUMNI DAY – July 23

All 4-H members – those now in the organization and alumni – are invited to stop by the 4-H booth in Building A-B and have their photo taken.

• SAVE OUR WATER DAY – July 26

The state received a lot of rain and snow this year, but we still need to conserve that most precious natural resource – water. See award-winning "Save Our Water" Gardens and learn how to conserve water in your everyday life, both indoors and out.

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