Every year about this time, I am reminded how glad I am that I live in the capital of California. I was born and raised in a suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, I’m a transplant. My Browns have never won a Super Bowl. I wasn’t alive when the Cuyahoga River caught on fire, but I do remember hearing that the mayor’s hair caught on fire once. I will agree that there is plenty of ammunition for jokes about my hometown.
While my lovely city has plenty to boast of (like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame), one thing we don’t have is the state fair. Every summer I would ask my mom, actually beg, demand, bribe and darn near get down on my hands and knees and plead to go to Columbus to the Ohio State Fair. They always had such cool photos and advertisements luring me to come spend some time down in Columbus: come see the pigs, the horses, the displays, exhibits and the rides. How could I forget the cotton candy, funnel cakes, hot dogs, corn dogs and my personal favorite the bloomin’ onion? There were always great talent shows and the stars that I wanted to see. Do you think once just once my mom took me? The answer is a resounding “no”! Now that I am older and wiser, I certainly understand her lack of desire in taking her young children to an event that was massive in size.
I am grateful that I have been given a second chance at being able to go to the State Fair. We moved here to sunny Sacramento (home to the California State Fair) in August of 1988. It happened to be one of the hottest summers on record. I had never experienced a west coast summer. I was seven months pregnant with our fourth son. Do you think I let that stop me? When I found out that the fair was opening in a week, I was there on opening day with three boys in tow. We had a great time. I felt like I was a kid all over again. I didn’t get to ride any of the rides that year since I was “with child” but while the boys were riding the rides, I was visiting the concession stands!
That was the beginning of my love affair with the State Fair. I have enjoyed going every year since 1988. I don’t think we have missed one summer. Many times, we’ve even gone more than once. I don’t think I will ever take for granted the fair and all that goes with it.
Make sure you go out to this years’ Big Fun event opening August 15 and running until Labor Day. There will be fun beyond imagination. There are things for every age group to enjoy. I plan on taking my little ones to see the Doodlebops. If you haven’t heard of them, you are probably not the parent of a preschooler. They are worth admission to the fair. They are a musical group who dress up in really wacky clothes and hair, but hold the interest of every preschooler I know. That is a hard thing to do. My son has the attention span of a flea at times, but a Doodlebop video keeps him occupied for hours on end.
There is also Vanessa Hudgens, another phenom. You’d have to be slightly older than kindergarten to know who she is. Just ask your teenager. Say the words High School Musical and you’ll see her picture! These are just a few of the many performances you can find at the fair. Of course, there will be the traditional 4H demonstrations, cows, horses, pigs and the like. How do they manage to get all those baby animals born at the fair time? There are countless exhibits, freebies, rides, and oh how could I neglect the food? There is so much food! Start saving calories now and get on the treadmill! You will be glad you planned ahead. Stop by and get a funnel cake and don’t forget to get a bloomin’ onion. There’s great ice cream, ribs, hot dogs, corn dogs, and something for everyone. Maybe Eric’s restaurant review can give us some tips on the “best “at the fair. Or better yet, maybe we can give Eric our best at the fair. Either way, I’ll help you Eric.
So take my advice, Sacramento, enjoy yourself. Bring out your inner child this August and head down to Cal-Expo and have some fun at the fair this year.
Remember, you could be living in Cleveland!
For more information on this year’s California State Fair visit www.bigfun.org.