How to prepare yourself for one of the hottest California State Fairs on record
.jpg "Fairgoers have the opportunity to purchase a Food Festival pass, which allocates four tickets to exchange for a specialty menu item at any of the participating California State Fair vendors.")
This weekend has the potential to be the hottest one in 2023. It’s also the opening weekend of the California State Fair.
Highs in Sacramento are forecast to be in the upper 100s, and the heat index — a measure of temperature that incorporates humidity — is similarly high. The fair opens at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday, with highs peaking around 110 degrees on Saturday evening.
Fairgoers may be made even warmer by the pavement at the fair. Temperatures in cities are often a few degrees higher than their surrounding areas, an effect known as “urban heat island.”
According to the EPA, “Structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes such as forests and water bodies.”
Andrew Armitage, a paramedic who has worked the State Fair on and off for 25 years, is experienced with treating heat-related industries.
“If it’s going to be 110 degrees, you could assume the asphalt is going to be at least 120, 135,” he said. “That reflects back onto your body and exacerbates anything that you would feel.”
The opening weekend of horse racing was already canceled due to extreme heat. Livestock judging schedules were also adjusted because of the heat.
Highest state fair temperatures projected for 2023
Graphic: ELLIE LIN | Sources: National Weather Service, Accuweather
How can I keep cool at the fair?
The number one piece of advice for fairgoers? Hydrate.
“Hydration is key,” said Armitage.
He recommends staying away from sodas and alcohol on a hot day. “Go for clear drinks. Water, gatorade or some type of sports drink.”
Armitage also recommends paying attention to your body and your companions’ bodies. “Don’t ignore what your body is telling you.”
Pay attention to how much fluid is leaving your body — either from sweat or from using the restroom.
Food service workers have to be especially aware of how important it is to stay hydrated.
Erika Barnes, a manager of a food truck at the State Fair, said staying cool is important. Their truck has an AC system, but she’s aware of her cashiers outside the truck.
“We have umbrellas for our workers,” she said. “Most definitely stay hydrated because it’s going to be hot.”
In addition to being hydrated, the fair has air conditioning in most of their buildings.
Four Bonney cooling centers placed strategically throughout the fairgrounds. The cooling centers are large white tents with air conditioning and mesh walls to allow for airflow.