The California State Fair officially opens today, July 12th, and will be open for 2 weeks!
Yesterday, we attended the fair’s Media Day- a behind the scenes look of what the fair has to offer. And the experience has completely renewed my enthusiasm! I can’t wait to bring the whole family!
Here’s a list of everything you MUST see at this year’s California State Fair!
1. The Bank of America Selfie Experience
Get your camera ready! There’s a whole building dedicated to getting you that perfect selfie. First, you must take a seat in the selfie waiting room. This ensures you have the best experience possible allowing about 20 people in the exhibit at the same time. Psst! There’s also a ball pit! (Located in Building 2.)
2. Olli Shuttles
SMUD debuts its electric, self-driving shuttles for the first time at this year’s fair. The Olli shuttles will help transport visitors from the parking lot to the fair gates. Be on the lookout for Olli and give the self-driving shuttle a try!
3. The Ram Truck Test Drive
Come and take the truck of the year for a test drive. The course is complete with a dirt hill, rumble strips, and can also parallel park itself! The Ram Truck experience is onsite at the California State Fair from Saturday, July 13th through Sunday, July 20, 2019.
4. Esports Tournament on the Republic of Gamers Stage
Take a break from the heat and head to the Esports gamer lounge. Here you’ll find dozens of computers complete with headsets ready for your gaming experience. You’ll also find a display of various game consoles through the years. It was neat to show my 7 year old what an Atari looked like. (Located in Building 5.)
5. Goat Mountain
Okay, it’s more like a hill than a mountain. But it’s super cute nonetheless. Watch goats and baby goats and learn more about these adorable animals. There’s plenty of seating around this exhibit. It’d be a great spot to eat while watching the goats. (Located just outside of the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn)
6. Incredible Me!
This exhibit offers hands on activities for young kids with a Superhero theme. Kids can make their own disguise, discover their super powers, play dress up and so much more! It’s nice and cool in this building. It’s the perfect spot for Mom and Dad to take a break while letting the little ones loose. (Located in Building A.)
7. California Counties Exhibit
Visit the different counties of the Golden State all in one building. Each county has its own backdrop perfect for that photo op. (Located in Building A.)
8. Food
A visit to the fair just isn’t complete without trying the food. This year’s fair is officially called “California State Fair and Food Festival” and rightly so with over 100 food vendors in attendance. The must try food vendor is Frikn’ Vegan. They’re the first plant based, all vegan food vendor to grace the fair. Ever! Best of all, you don’t have to be vegan to participate in this historic experience. (Frikn’ Vegan is located in Building B under the stairs.) Purchase the $28 Food Festival Pass ($40 value) and pick 4 items from participating vendors. Another option is the $2 Taste of the Fair available Wednesdays and Thursdays (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
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- Spicy Chocolate Covered Bacon
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- Best of Show Winner 2019! Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll – Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls
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- The Bacon Habit’s Pineapple Chicken
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- Gringo’s Mexican Funnel Cakes
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- Bronze Winner 2019- Frikn’ Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks
