Damkier's Travels: California State Fair & USA Rugby Game

Fresh Cinnamon Roll at the California State Fair

It is summer in Sacramento, and that means it is time once again for the California State Fair. This annual tradition goes back a long time and has always been a nice experience for me living in the state capitol. I have been to other state fairs - most recently the Iowa State Fair - and I can honestly say this is the best state fair held in the State of California! This year, I had the opportunity to combine a visit with a special USA Rugby game against Japan.

Bear Topiary near Ferris Wheel

Since this is California, we have to focus on agriculture. We are a major agricultural state, and even in the worst drought in modern history, we are still producing produce, nuts, and wine for export throughout the world. The purpose of all state fairs is to highlight the accomplishments of the state, especially the agricultural contributions. Plus, it is a great excuse to eat a lot of fried food and have some fun!

Winning Horse - Penelope

The California State Fair is held at the California Exposition in Sacramento. The large fairgrounds also contain the local horse race track which is open during the fair. I happened to win $12 on a Show bet in the first race of the day. The track even has a well dressed gentleman who blows his horn to start the races, as is tradition. The weather was also very lucky that day with relatively mild temperatures making everyone feel like a winner.

Brie with Red Wine - Why Not?

California produces a lot of wine. This wine is a major feature of the fair with a large wine garden nestled in the middle of the fairgrounds. All of the top wines winning the fair competitions are available by the glass or bottle for those of legal age to enjoy. Besides being the best alcoholic bargain at an otherwise expensive venue, the selection of top notch wine is always a special treat for me. This popular venue is a always a must stop.

Llama Posing for Picture

Sacramento still has a major agricultural industry, but the focus of the California State Fair is more on craft competitions and amusement. Nevertheless, there are many livestock displays over the whole course of the fair. On my trip, the llamas and longhorn cattle were competing - not one-on-one of course! I like that us city folk get an experience to see livestock and experience the culture. A lot of our meat and clothing come from these animals, but many do not appreciate what it takes to bring that hamburger to your plate.

California Counties Exhibit

By far, the most popular - and unique - competitions at the California State Fair is the Counties Exhibit. Individual California counties create exhibits of varying scale and complexity. Unfortunately, the exhibits tend to only attract a few counties, although a few notable rural counties make sure their exhibits take top prize. Where is Alameda? What about Riverside and Orange? Who has heard from Kern lately?

Top Prize Crafts from Kids

One of the more interesting parts for me is to see all the craft exhibits. They feature submissions from ornate quilts to amazing photography. Their fine art exhibit is just like walking through a museum. It is fascinating to see the creativity of California produce so much beautiful and inventive arts and crafts. The real treat is the kids competition where children are creating spectacular items that would rival most adult submissions.

Jumbo Corn Dog including 1 and 1/2 Hot Dogs

But seriously, most fairs are really about the food. Even in the past, fairs have featured all sorts of indulgences from ice cream and pie to fried chicken and hot dogs. Modern fair cuisine has evolved to all things bacon, deep fried everything including watermelon, Oreos, and artichokes. You can easily eat yourself sick with the many booths peddling everything thing you desire. On my trip, I stuck to the above pictured corn dog, cheese curds, brie cheese plate, and cinnamon roll. Those rolls are very well loved by the masses. Next year, deep fried Zantac.

USA Rugby in White against Japan in Red

Rugby is a fun game that I am surprised is not more popular in the United States. It is like football with each team trying to put the oversized football-shaped ball into the end zone or attempt a kick. However, the opposing team cannot tackle or hit the players very hard which explains the clear lack of protective equipment, and the forward pass is prohibited. Even without hard hits, this is a rough game with players actively wrestling for the ball and quickly passing the ball across the field. The USA Eagles waited until the second half to finally start playing, but they eventually took the lead and won the game 23-18 with the fewest number of tries that I have ever seen.

Midway Rides at Night

As the Earth finally rotated the fair from day to night, the midway rides lit up with neon and electric light beyond the successful rugby game. Fair goers were treated to an extra long night packed with fireworks and cotton candy before heading back to their boring homes and hotels. Fortunately, the California State Fair will be back next year - creating a new set of deep fried memories for everyone. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.