The California State Fair!

I love the California State Fair! It's my "one time per year corn dog celebration!" I mean, after all, what would the State Fair be without corn dogs?

Another favorite, sipping a cool brew and listening to Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. They have been a State Fair icon since the inception of the Blues and Brews Club in 2001 and have won three Sacramento Area Music Awards for “Best Blues Band.” Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers will perform nightly at the 2008 California State Fair from 5-8 p.m

This year I have made a mental note to visit the following exhibits. Some of them new, and some my old stand by favorites:

California Green Dream Expo
Live the California Green Dream and come see the latest and greatest ways to be environmentally conscious. Together with the State Fair, the California Green Dream Expo partners will present innovative and interactive displays and exhibits that show new directions in energy conservation, production and alternative & renewable resources.

California Fine Arts
The California Fine Art competition and exhibit is one of the Golden State’s oldest and most prestigiously juried art shows. California artists over the age of 18 compete for cash awards, trophies and ribbons as well as Special Awards underwritten by donors. Competition Divisions range from traditional media and forms – painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and photography – to new art forms such as digital art, film, and video. Special Division for themes includes classes for Equine & Western Art, The Art of Culture, The Art of Wine, Recycle Art and “Hooray for Hollywood!” The jury will select approximately 190 entries to be exhibited in a gallery/museum setting. We happen to be cheering on some local artists that we know!

California Green Dream Expo
News headlines have put the environment at the forefront of national attention. In response to the increasing public interest in a myriad of environmental issues, the State Fair will present the “California Green Dream Expo,” a large indoor exhibit that will showcase some of the latest and greatest ways for Californians to be environmentally-conscious. The exhibit will feature innovative and interactive displays and exhibits that show new directions in energy conservation, production and alternative and renewable resources. Tim Womick’s interactive stage program featuring the “Treetures,” includes whimsical costume characters designed to entertain and captivate audiences of all ages. This exhibit is presented by SMUD, the Department of Conservation Recycling Division, ARB Drive Clean California, DCA/BAR, the Sacramento Tree Foundation, and the SLCC.

As an ex 4-H'er,The Livestock Pavilion is a favorite of mine. It is the place to see the West’s premier livestock competitions in youth and open categories, including those by the FFA and 4-H. The Pavilion is right next to the California Ranchland, and the area will be open throughout the 18 days of Big Fun to showcase livestock. Just outside of the Pavilion near the Kids Park are the adorable animals of the Petting Farm, as well as the interactive Children’s Dairy Center where kids can milk a cow and more!

Canine Events
The State Fair knows that a dog is a man's best friend. That’s why they will once again offer a multitude of canine events at the 2008 State Fair. From a daily show featuring Herb Hennigan and his Spinning K-9 Frisbee dogs to the American Kennel Club Agility Trials, the Fair promises to provide non-stop canine entertainment. New to the 2008 State Fair will be a Diving Dog Competition during which highly athletic dogs of any breed jump for distance and height into a 20,000-gallon tank of water. The dogs with the longest and highest jumps will be declared the winners.

And last but not least, the Fireworks! With names like Thunder Rain, Silver Willow Peacock, Crackling Bouquets, and Blooming Flower at Dawn, fireworks at this year’s California State Fair will draw more “oohs” and “ahhs” than ever! This nightly extravaganza of blazing color and sound is sponsored by Dish Network and begins at 10 p.m. every night in the Miller Lite Grandstand.

Click on the Headline or go to www.bigfun.org for more information on the California State Fair.

Go. Have Fun! Celebrate California!