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Cavalcade of Horses
A trip to the fair is a horse lover’s field day. The Cavalcade of Horses showcases dozens of breeds with several performances daily. At the racetrack, thoroughbreds, Arabians, quarter horses and those long-eared cousins – mules – get to show off their speed. The grandstand may be the only place at the fair where visitors can leave with more money than they came with – if they’re lucky enough to pick a winner. It’s always a good day at the fair when the horses are racing, and racing admission is included in the price of a fair admission ticket. As an extra bonus, the beer sold at the racetrack always seems a bit colder than beer sold at other locations at the fair.
Guide to the State Fair -
The midway
They don’t call it the Magnificent Midway for nothing. It’s the best place at the fair to see and be seen, day or evening. Take in all the sights and sounds of the California State Fair, and try your luck at one of the traditional fair games. Ring toss, anyone? -
People ride the "Evolution" at the California State Fair at Cal Expo July 21, 2010. -
Kiddie rides
Give the kids what they want, a ride on the Frog Hopper or the Grand Carousel or the bumper cars. Find the Kids Park on the east side of the fairgrounds. (Special 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.) -
Cool down at the misters
Temperatures for the fair’s opening week are looking just about perfect – 80s and low 90s. Still, there’s nothing better than cooling off on a summer day at those much-welcome misters. Don’t be shy, step right up!
Check the weather report. -
The food: Corn dogs
Ahh, now it’s time to take a break for food. (Do not dare mention calories or fat or the dangers of fried, thank you very much.) A trip to the fair must include a corn dog, or two. You can get more adventurous, of course, but where are you going to get a better corn dog than at the fair?
There’s even a corn dog eating contest -
The food: Cotton candy
It’s more fun to share this sweet treat. And, besides, we don’t need a tummy ache because there’s lots more to see and do at the fair. Other sweet treats to try: Caramel apples (from De Brito's Chocolate Factory in Hollister). Almond Obsession. Hawaiian shaved ice – two- or three-flavor rainbow, perfect on a hot fair day. -
The food: Everything fried
The State Fair has served up all manner of fried foods over the years: Fried Twinkies (pictured here -- a "giant Twinkie" which is really THREE fried Twinkies covered with powdered sugar and chocolate syrup). Fried candy bars. Fried Oreos. Fried Coke (really). Deep-fried White Castle burgers. Fried tomatoes, fried avocados, fried onions, fried zucchini, French fries. And don’t forget the funnel cakes. New this year: fried crepes. Get ’em while they’re hot!
Try a tarantula: Girl Meets Bug Demo is July 16 and 26, at 1, 4 and 6:00 p.m. Daniella Martin, host of “Girl Meets Bug,” demonstrates some of her favorite edible insect recipes. (Expo Center Building 2)
Bugs on my plate: How to cook with insects -
Wine garden (adults only!)
Time for a break? The wine garden is a little pricey, but it’s fun tasting the absolute best wines produced in California. Sip a gold-medal winner under the shade of redwoods on a warm summer day – or evening. Plus the food here seems relatively healthy – crackers, cheese and fruit. You can even start to the day here with a “fair” diet that will go steadily downhill.
Database: See all the State Fair wine winners -
The animals
How cute! Our favorites can be found in the Livestock Nursery, those irresistible babies: Baby piglets. Baby calves. Baby chicks. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a live birth. Also check out Fur and Feathers (small poultry, rabbits, exotic birds, and cavy and pocket pets) and the bigger animals in the livestock barn. If you’re a sucker for animals, you’ll appreciate the enthusiasm of 4-H and FFA members and the UCD veterinary students who explain what’s going on.
Read more: California State Fair to continue live farm-animal birth exhibit -
County displays
This is the California State Fair, after all, so cruise through the county displays. Some don’t change much from year to year, but there are always one or two really creative entries. Besides, it’s air conditioned. And they are near the chocolate-covered strawberries. (Tip: Vote for your favorite exhibit. The People’s Choice Award will be announced on the last day of the fair.) -
Jams and jellies
Home-cooked competition has long been a mainstay of state and county fairs. See who’s the best in the state at pie-making, preserving and pickling. Our blue-ribbon favorites: the brightly colored jars of jams and jellies. It’s another reason to be thankful we live amid the bounty of California’s rich farmland. -
The Ferris Wheel – steal a kiss
The Ferris Wheel is a wonderful way to end the evening. We climb aboard the wheel, snug in our private gondola, and are whisked with a whoosh up, up and away. The wheel pauses to let passengers below enter and exit, leaving our gondola stranded at the top of the arc for a few thrilling moments. There, the views are dramatic, the breeze is soothing, the silence is a treasure. The world is far away for a little while. A secret kiss makes the moment a romantic one.
Readers share State Fair photos -- Add yours
Sacbee contributors: Debbie Arrington, Allen Pierleoni, Tom Negrete, Dan Smith, Julie Owens, CM Anderson, Linda Gonzales
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