This is the last week to visit the California State Fair! We love being able to visit the fair multiple times as Raging Waters Season Pass holders.  This is a great tip to keep in mind for next year, it is definitely worth it to be able to swim at the water park all summer long and it includes State Fair admission so you can visit often.  

 Be sure to look at the Special Events Tab on the California State Fair website, there is a variety of events daily at the fair.  There are FREE concerts and special performances.  One of the events I attended yesterday was the Inaugural Youth Mariachi Competition on the PG&E Center Stage.  What a treat!  In attendance was Anthony Gonzalez who was the voice of 'Miguel' in Disney-Pixar's Coco.  I'm excited to share the many pictures I took, I'm saving the best for last and placing them at the end of this post. For more than 160 years, the California State Fair has been the one constant setting for celebrating and showcasing the “Best of California.”  the State Fair sought to bring the best young mariachis from throughout the state to compete for the title of “The Best” of California!  There were 10 teams that showcased their talents before viewers from around the state, and contestants competed for cash prizes.  All of the teams were amazing!!! 
There are a lot of budget-friendly ways to visit the fair.  On Monday's you can get in FREE if you donate 3 non-perishable food items (per person) between 11 AM and 3 PM.  The food is collected and given to the Elk Grove Food Bank, which is in need of food donations during the summer months.  The California State Fair's first ever SMUD Cares at the Fair Giving Monday last week was a resounding success! According to Elk Grove Food Bank, which received all of the donated food, a total of 12,572 lbs. of food was collected in only 4 hours. This event was part of the Fair's commitment to giving back to the community.
You are welcome to bring outside food and drinks onto the fairgrounds. Ice chests will be searched at all entrances. No glass, aluminum cans or outside alcohol are allowed. This is nice if you are trying to save money or want to use your money on all the extra treats like funnel cakes, kettle corn, shaved ice, Dippin Dots and more!
On Tuesday it is Wells Fargo $2 Rides for everyone and Kids Free Admission for kids 12 and under. Another way to save money on rides is with the Read to Ride Program.  For every two books you read, you receive two rides free at the 2018 California State Fair, July 13 – 29. The Read to Ride program is open to students kindergarten through eighth grade. Students must read two books, write a summary, then bring the completed form to the California State Fair Guest Services office (located inside the Main Gate) to receive two free rides.

 And if you love Fair food and want to try it all. Well, then you'll love Wednesdays and Thursdays! Each stand offers at least one item for $2 so that you can get the best of all the Fair has to offer!

 It can be hot in this Sacramento heat, but there are plenty of things to do inside the buildings to stay cool or at least get a break from the heat.  There are also 'Cool Spots' Misting stations throughout the fair.  Some of our favorite things indoors were the Tree Circus show inside with the Whale of a Tale exhibit in Expo Building 2.  My three older boys were able to participate in the Tree Circus Show and they loved it, you can check it out on my Insta Stories on Instagram @blogaboutitall.  In this building, they have a Mommy Lounge/Nursing mothers room, as well as a table with blocks to keep toddlers busy and cool.

We also loved viewing all the exhibits about our local counties.  They always do a great job with the displays.  The Counties Exhibits is a fun, interactive way to appreciate the best agricultural commodities and landscapes of many of the California Counties all in one location. With the 2018 theme of “California – Create, Inspire & Innovate” county representatives and builders create engaging exhibits that show the lasting impact of California’s counties. These exhibits are enjoyable, hands-on displays of different cultures and events from across the state. Stop by to learn more about the travel opportunities in California and discover the hidden treasures each county has to offer.

 Our favorite spot this year at the California State Fair is the Silent Disco by Quiet Events in Expo Building 1.  It is nice and cool and you get to jam to great tunes.  When you go in they will give you headphones, and you can change the color/channel to hear different styles of music, team blue, green or red.  It is a unique experience, without the headphones, it is so quiet and yet you see a DJ and people dancing. My boys loved doing this and so did I.  You can check it out on my Insta Stories on Instagram @blogaboutitall.


Be sure to catch a FREE Jack in the Box Freestyle Motocross show presented daily at 3 PM, 5 PM and 7 PM.  Visit the animals, we love the baby goats and piglets.  You can also receive a FREE farm fresh fruit at the 'Farm' and check out cooking demos at the Save Mart California Kitchen.
Parking at Cal Expo is $15 and cash only so don’t forget your cash!  Be sure to download the State Fair App, it’s easy to use and you will have a schedule of events right in your hands. For Ticket Prices please visit the website because there are pre-sale prices and at the gate prices and some great bundles that can help save you money.  Children ages 4 & under are free.
Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
Tickets: http://www.castatefair.org/tickets18/

 For more information and the daily schedule of events visit the CA State Fair Website at: http://www.castatefair.org/. Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com.
As promised pictures I took at the Inaugural Youth Mariachi Competition, I am so grateful I was able to attend with my family.  I take great joy in celebrating our beautiful culture and these talented Youth Mariachi's. 









 









 

Anthony Gonzalez who plays Miguel in Disney-Pixar's Coco