California State Fair returns Friday with plenty of farm-inspired fun

Of course, it’s hot! It’s time for the State Fair!

As much a Sacramento tradition as scorching summer days, the California State Fair returns Friday for its annual agricultural celebration of the Golden State.

From July 12 through 28, the fair will fill Cal Expo with such traditional favorites as nightly concerts, livestock exhibitions, horse racing and lots of food.

Also back this summer is the 3-1/2-acre California State Fair Farm, a growing display of California’s top crops.

Once again, the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Sacramento County will be stationed at a booth in the middle of The Farm to answer patrons’ questions. Make sure to drop by and say hi.

“(At The Farm), guests are able to get a Save Mart Passport and learn about more than 70 crops grown in California, learn all about pollinators and their importance in California agriculture, as well as pet a live sturgeon in the aquaculture display,” organizers note of The Farm. “Receive water saving tips during California’s drought by visiting the water-efficient gardens sponsored by the Department of Water Resources and get gardening tips from our Master Gardeners booth.”

Many of the Farm displays are kid-friendly, with plenty of wow factor. See how kiwi grows (on vines overhead) and pint-size fruit trees with harvest in easy reach. Say the organizers, “The California State Fair Farm is an essential part of mobilizing interest for young minds to pursue a career in agriculture and to further contribute to our bountiful state and sustain the industry.”

Sacramento’s triple-digit heat is supposed to subside (at least a little) during the State Fair’s run with most days topping out in the 90s. Just in case, cooling stations will be available at several sites throughout Cal Expo. Most exhibition buildings and parts of the grandstand are air conditioned.

Cal Expo is located at 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. Fair hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Online advance admission tickets are $16. Senior admission (age 62 and up) is $12; every Friday is Senior Day with $10 admission. Youth admission (ages 5-12) is $10. Children age 4 and younger admitted free. Parking: $15.