By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
The California State Fair, an annual celebration of the Golden State’s rich agricultural heritage and cutting-edge innovation, has begun its 2024 run.
Held at Cal Expo in Sacramento, the fair offers a captivating blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, competitive exhibits, and mouthwatering food. Among these attractions are some Black vendors that should be on your list to visit.
Here are eight Black-owned vendors this year at the California State Fair.
Pittador Brews: Located in Rio Linda, Pittador Brews is an online Black and Latinx family-owned business providing customers with in-depth knowledge of specialty teas and coffees that are approachable, affordable, and enjoyable to all. The owners of the business are wife and husband Liliette and Stephen Freeman. Several of their teas are available for tasting and purchase during the fair. You can find them at the SaveMart California Kitchen housed in Building B at the Cal Expo.
Build A Sundae: Some fairgoers insist this company has the best sundaes at the fair. Located in Rancho Cordova, the mission of “Build A Sundae” is to deliver an unparalleled ice cream experience that creates lasting memories for generations to come. The company was founded by wife and husband Janine and Maurice Anderson. Janine’s love for ice cream was passed down to her by her mother, Rosalie, who “could never pass on a cone, bowl, or spoonful of chocolate chip/mint chip ice cream.” They are serving two exclusive sundaes at the state fair; the Banana Pudding Sundae and the Creamy Caramel Almond Crunch Sundae.
Cakes By Jeff: Cakes by Jeff is a Sacramento-based bakery that has been in operation since 2012. Cakes by Jeff’s bakery isn’t just about crafting delicious treats; it’s about creating lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever. Jeff, as he is singularly known, was inspired by the memories of his grandmother baking while he was growing up. He pursued his passion at culinary school when he was 30 years old and has been successful in his business; appearing on shows like Sugar Showdown, from The Food Network channel. Don’t miss Jeff and his mom, Jois, at the state fair!
Chic Boutique 22: Chic Boutique 22 is a Sacramento-based clothing boutique established in 2013 by Connie McBride who was inspired by the unique energy of New York style. Each item placed in the boutique is carefully selected for quality and range. With the beauty of clothing and accessories, the company hopes to inspire customers to be the best version of themselves and feel great, both inside and out. Chic Boutique has been in business for 15 years. If you miss them at the fair, they are located in Florin Square in Sacramento.
Larimar by EdNPo: If you’re looking for unique jewelry at the state fair, find Larmira by EdNPo. Their jewelry is made of a crystal called “Larimar,” a rare and powerful gemstone only found in the Dominican Republic. It is said that the stone is meant to detox unwanted emotions. The company was started by a husband and wife team, Hipolito and Joy Noesi, and has been in business for 34 years. Hipolito first started the company in his native Dominican Republic and now houses the company in Mesa, Arizona.
Panty Cakes: Panty Cakes is an intimate and personal care company based in Irvin, Texas. Owned by Coco H., Panty Cakes is a super unique formula created as a natural remedy for intimate irritation caused by yeast or bacteria in women. However, the products are not just for women, they are also meant to soothe and heal chafing and dry intimate skin in men. The products are said to be 100 % natural, nontoxic, and chemical-free. Find Panty Cakes at the fair or on their website.
Embrace Your Body: Located in Philadelphia, Pa., Embrace Your Body is a skincare company with a mission to promote health and wellness with its all-natural skin care products. The company is owned by Dante Selby and has been in operation for 16 years. The company sells natural oils, scrubs, body butter, and other products during the state fair. But if you miss them, their products are available for order on their online store.
Star Blink: Located in Ormond Beach, Fl., Star Blink offers a range of high-quality cleaning products, from all-natural multipurpose cleaners to extreme metal polishes, to make their client’s cleaning routine easier and more effective. The company is owned by Awoyale Tunji and has been in business since 2012. The products clean everything from jewelry to cars and boats. Find them at the state fair or on their website.