It was one of our best – and hottest – dates. Last year, my husband and I had a date night at the California State Fair.

We took in the air-conditioned exhibits our children hadn't had the patience for earlier in the day, basking in the leisurely pace as we marveled at a display of beautiful photography composed by talented local youths.

Absent a major concert that night, we settled on the Kings dancer tryouts and enjoyed watching the choreographers lead the aspiring dancers through the routine in the grueling July heat.

We people-watched, shared a cold adult beverage and ate food our doctors wouldn't approve. We talked; we laughed.

As it turns out, the State Fair is a great place for a date – and not just for teenagers. My husband and I aren't the only young-at-hearts who know it.

Suzanne and Steve Browning have been celebrating their anniversary at the fair since 2005. This year, the Rocklin couple will mark their 30th anniversary by rocking out with REO Speedwagon.

"One year we visited the wine garden and learned they'd open a bottle that we could take anywhere to drink," Suzanne Browning wrote in an email. "Imagine listening to a free summer concert sipping a crisp glass of award-winning viognier. A perfect anniversary."

Dancing at concerts, sampling dishes crafted by area chefs during cooking demonstrations, wagering at the horse races and watching a hypnosis show are just a few of the options for a fun date night at the fair.

Music enthusiasts may want to check out Stage Nine Entertainment's exhibit, "Rock U: The Institute of Rock 'n' Roll." Jane Weidlen of the Go Go's and YouTube guitar sensation Brodie Cumming will make guest appearances there during the fair's final weekend.

But there isn't a better date to be had than a quiet night in the wine garden, said Brian May, deputy general manager of the California State Fair.

"I'm here every day, and to me, it's the most serene, majestic place on the fair grounds," May said.

The State Fair has been known to spark coupledom, May said.

"We hear stories over time that many people meet at the fair and continue that relationship (with the fair) through their dating and married life," he said.

It's certainly true for the Crocketts.

Ian Crockett, 32, proposed to Selina Crockett, 29, at the fair in 2009. The couple had gone to the fair on a date the year before and enjoyed riding the Ferris wheel.

So what better place for Ian to offer Selina a diamond solitaire – and his heart?

"I was a nervous wreck," Ian said. "When we got to the fair, I knew that I would propose on the Ferris wheel."

His plan of heading to the ride first was nearly foiled.

"She said 'No, I don't really feel like going on the Ferris wheel now,' " he said.

Some determined cajoling later, Ian succeeded.

They got on the Ferris wheel and their passenger car conveniently stopped at the top. The swaying car did little to ease poor Ian's nerves, however. Refrains of "Don't drop the ring" – advice offered by the friends he told of his proposal plan – echoed in his mind.

"We were both a little nervous because we were up there," he said.

Ian popped the question; Selina said yes.

"At that point, neither one of us was nervous, and we enjoyed the view more," Ian said.

This year marks the Crocketts' first anniversary and their first time back to the fair since they married last summer. And, yes, they're planning a ride on the Ferris wheel.

The State Fair also is one of Lee and Joan Trammel's favorite outings together.

Joan, 76, and Lee, 83, have been enjoying evenings at the fair for the past four or five years. The Rancho Cordova couple like the concerts and talking to other couples and families. And of course, the food.

"I like the catfish-on-a-stick – that's very good," Joan Trammel said. "But basically it's just an outing for us. We like it."

Laura and Dominic Maraventano, of Sacramento, started their annual date-night-at-the-fair tradition in 1968, the year Gov. Ronald Reagan officially opened Cal Expo. It was Sept. 2, the Maraventanos' wedding night.

The couple had wanted to go earlier but were too busy with wedding preparations to find time. So after their reception, Laura donned her navy blue "going away" sheath dress, and the newlyweds headed to the fair.

"I'm probably one of the few women in the Western Hemisphere who can say I rode a camel on my wedding night," Laura Maraventano said with a chuckle.

Dominic, 65, and Laura, 61, have never missed a fair in their soon-to-be 43 years of marriage. They start with an egg roll on a stick, then it's on to the exhibits, the county display building, a Ferris wheel or merry-go-round ride, a corn dog and fireworks.

"We're still in love," she said. "We've got gray hairs and grandkids, but we still have our date night at the State Fair."

The kind of cherished memories any couple would be lucky to share.

CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR

When: Hours are noon-10 p.m. Monday- Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, through July 31

Cost: $12 general admission; $10 for seniors 62 and older; $8 for children ages 5 to 12; free for children 4 and younger. Parking is $10. Unlimited ride wristbands $30 weekdays and $35 weekends.

Children ages 12 and under get in free on Tuesdays. On Fridays, seniors 62-plus can get in for $8 before 8 p.m. Military and first responders will receive free entry with identification on Wednesdays.

Information: www.bigfun.org or (877) 225-3976

Online: For more fun fare from the State Fair go to www.sacbee.com/statefair

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

Call The Bee's Niesha Lofing, (916) 321-1270.

• Read more articles by Niesha Lofing