The California State Fair Goes Hollywood
Historic Agricultural Festival in Sacramento August 15 - Labor Day
Aug 8, 2008
The California State Fair, with the theme "The California State Fair Goes Hollywood," opens on August 15 and runs through Labor Day in 2008. Fair organizers have settled on featured attractions that focus on Hollywood and on modern day movies and entertainment recognizing Hollywoods' role in California's culture and economy. This year's fair celebrates the excitement and history of Hollywood while maintaining time honored fair traditions. The California State Fair is held at the California Expo Center in Sacramento.
The California State Fair is an agricultural festival with a history of 155 years. Originally, state fairs were a gathering of farmers during the summer months. Farmers could compare notes about growing methods, livestock, new products and techniques. Fairs are a showcase for the very best of the state. California has rich agricultural roots. Farming is an important part of the state's economy.
"The California State Fair Goes Hollywood" theme recognizes the importance of the movie industry to the growth of California. The Hollywood theme combines with the agricultural roots of the fair for a festival that showcases the best of California.
Exciting exhibits and attractions at the fair include Going Hollywood Exhibit, Hollywood Backlot and Sound Effects Show, Sea Lion Encounters, Hollywood High Dive show, Star's of the Peking Acrobats, CSI Live, UC Davis Anniversary Exhibit, Rats Bats Cats Exhibit, Red Carpet Fashion Exhibit, Rides, Baby Animals and Live Thoroughbred Racing.
Live Thoroughbred Racing
Horse races take place from August 20 through September 1, except on August 25-26. Post time is 1:15 pm daily. The post time on Friday, August 29, is 2:45 pm.
Dachshund Derby
The Annual Dachshund Derby features 64 of the fastest Weiner dog athlete in California. The race benefits the Blue Buffalo Foundation of Cancer Research, which supports all areas of canine and feline cancer research.
Concert Series
The California State Fair has booked big name acts for its free concert series on the Golden 1 Stage. All State Fair concerts are free with admission. Gold Circle Reserved seats guarantee a spot near the stage. Gold Circle Ticket Prices cost between $10 and $20.
- Friday, August 15: Smash Mouth. This is a multi platinum group is a 1960's style garage band.
- Saturday, August 16: The Doodlebops Live! Stage show for pre school age children based on the hit television series on Playhouse Disney.
- Monday, August 18: Weird Al Yankovic.
- Tuesday, August 19. The Fab Four. Beatles tribute band.
- Wednesday, August 20: Natasha Bedingfield
- Thursday, August 21: Air Supply
- Friday, August 22: Vanessa Hudgens
- Saturday, August 23: Gary Allan
- Monday, August 25: Jessica Simpson
- Tuesday, August 26: The Low Rider Band
- Wednesday, August 27: Chicago
- Thursday, August 28: Al Jarreau
- Friday, August 29: Grand Funk Railroad
- Sunday, August 31: Cristian Castro
Midway Rides
Magnificent Midway. More than 55 rides are available for fair patrons. New this year are Every Day Wristbands, which allowed unlimited rides good any one day of the fair. Redeem the coupon form special displays of Coco-Cola 12 packs and purchase the wristband for $30.
Special Events
- Win a Trip to Universal Studios. Trip a Day Giveaway: Everyday a trip for four to Universal Studios Hollywood will be given to one lucky fairgoer.
- Free Trees. The Forest Center is giving away free trees every day of the fair. The free trees are courtesy of the California Forest Products Commission.
Admission
General admission is $10 Adults, $8 Seniors and $6 Children (5-12). Children four and under are free.
Parking is Cars $8 and Motorcycle $5.
Special Days
- August 19. Armed Forces and First Responder's Day.Members of the Armed Forces, veterans and local state and national law enforcement and emergency services of all branches of government an private enterprises are admitted free with proper identification.
- Discount tickets are available on line through August 13.Discount tickets include daily pass, Poppy Pak, Fun Fair combo Pass and Season Pass Adult and Season Pass Youth.
- Kids Day Tuesdays; All kids are admitted free on Tuesdays. The RCS Carnival is offers $1 carnival rides for everyone until 11:00 pm.
- Seniors Fridays: Admission is $6 for seniors 62) before 6 pm. Seniors rides free on any of the three ferris wheels and carousel, courtesy of RCS.
The California State Fair dates are August 15 through September 1, 2008. The fairi is held at the California Expo Center in Sacramento, CA.
