By Louis Bryantt III, Madelaine Church, Roberta Alvarado & Erin Campbell | OBSERVER

Chuck Taylor, representing Oak Park Brewery, rasies his hands in solidairty as a tribute to Shock G is presented on the main stage. Oak Park Brewery has a limited release golden ale named, “Shock G Forever.” Digital Underground opened up the 90s Rewind showcase at the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage for the California State Fair at Cal Expo in Sacramento, July 19, 2024. Photo by Louis Bryant, III OBSERVER

From thrilling main stage performances and fine art exhibits to exotic pigeons and dazzling fireworks, the California State Fair offers a wide array of attractions for visitors of all ages. With turkey legs in hand, fairgoers engage in carnival games that seem easier than they are, and brave the numerous thrill rides available. However, the State Fair also brings the challenge of summer heat, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees on 10 of the 16 eventful days. Despite sweltering conditions, visitors found creative ways to stay cool, seeking refuge in the numerous exhibits and presentations designed to offer a break from the sun. Vendors selling refreshing treats also were crucial in helping people endure the intense heat.

An interesting aspect of the State Fair is the diverse reasons people visit. Linda Turner and her daughter Tasi Gall attended the fair three times in the first seven days, eagerly anticipating a fourth visit to see Patti LaBelle’s concert on July 20, 2024. In contrast, another mother and daughter from Oakland came to enjoy the ’90s Rewind showcase and engage in the competitive basketball carnival games, where they took turns shooting and cheering each other on.

From left, mother and daughter, Linda Turner and Tasi Gall enjoy the 90s Rewind showcase as Tone Loc closes the three act performance. Night seven of the California State Fair took a while to cool as temps climbed to 104 degrees a couple hours before sunset. Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage for the California State Fair at Cal Expo in Sacramento, July 19, 2024 hosted a number of big name performances during the 18 day event. Photo by Louis Bryant, III OBSERVER

Along with the diverse audience is a diverse selection of activities. Many competitions centered around food, such as pie eating contests and chef competitions. But to stimulate other senses there were other offerings, such as recognizing the agricultural industry with livestock awards, produce trivia, and Ag Heritage Club awards.

The highlight of any day at the State Fair is undoubtedly the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage. Each evening, crowds gather under the large canopy to see the day’s featured performer. Over the past week, the stage has hosted a variety of acts, including Patti LaBelle, War, Tone Loc, Digital Underground, C+C Music Factory, Zapp, Flo Rida and many more. Despite the extreme heat, these artists delivered high-energy performances that left the audiences electrified and pleased.

After the concerts, many visitors explored the cooler exhibit halls or indulged in carnival food and thrill rides. As the blue hour fully transitions to night sky, crowds tend to grow younger as families return home with sun-baked children wiped out after intaking and crashing from high amounts of sugar. By the time the teenagers explore the carnival area, many rides and games are easy to access without a long queue. If you’re able to enjoy a ride that allows you to see the Sacramento skyline, you might feel a cool breeze in the nightly temps that slowly make their way down to the mid-60s at next day’s twilight.