Summer Fun Begins at the California State Fair
Cal Expo is heating up with excitement as the final preparations are underway for the California State Fair. There are 19 days of BIG FUN from July 14 – August 1, 2010. With hundreds of exhibits and shows, there’s an adventure for everyone!
“The California State Fair loves to celebrate history with traditional exhibits and attractions that people return to see each year. But we also strive to provide new, relevant content that will entertain and inspire a new generation of Fair fans,” said California State Fair CEO Norbert J. Bartosik.
Fairgoers can look forward to the following new attractions, among others:
NEW! ‘Days of the Dinosaur’ Adventure
Families are invited to embark on a prehistoric adventure -- the world-renowned ‘Days of the Dinosaur’ Exhibit, in its first US appearance. The all-ages indoor attraction will feature more than a dozen life-sized dinosaur robots, skeleton replicas, interactive areas and photo opportunities. The exhibit will be free with Fair admission and will include hands‐on activities like an archaeological dig site where children will have the opportunity to find their own fossils using authentic paleontology tools!
NEW! Jungle & Reptile Experience
This new interactive animal exhibit will be housed in a whimsical garden environment full of lush California plants. The jungle adventure will feature a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles, including a colony of alligators and a colony of large tortoises. The fairgoers will be able to see and touch the species up close and personal in a very family-friendly and educational environment.
NEW! ‘Get Animated’ Pop Culture Exhibit
The State Fair and Stage Nine Entertainment Company invite you to come ‘Get Animated’ in a new feature exhibit on the unique and entertaining world of Animation. It will showcase everything from the classics of traditional hand drawn cell animation, to the ever-changing and exciting new computer animation of the last 15 years, as well as the advances with 3‐D in the future. The exhibit will also feature major animation studios whose amazing animators have brought to life some of our favorite characters.
In addition, the ‘Get Animated’ exhibit will have:
- Celebrity voice talent and artists;
- Licensed costumed characters;
- Interactive stations featuring the drawing, painting and layout of traditional animation;
- A sound effects area;
- Digital character construction workshops;
- Unique 3‐D models and industry collectibles;
- Original artwork from the classics from pencil drawings and painted cells, to painted background.
BIG FUN for Everyone
In addition to these new attractions, the State Fair will focus its traditional exhibits and competitions on recreation, sports and tourism that make California an adventure capitol of the world.
The fairgrounds will highlight some of the unique recreational activities available throughout the State of California for people of all ages. Partnerships are already being solidified with the California Travel & Tourism Commission, the US Post Office, the California Auto Museum, the Davis Bicycling Museum, US Bicycling Hall of Fame, and many others to provide a roadmap of adventures and travel destinations in the State.
New Dates, New Adventures!
For the first time in more than 100 years, the California State Fair has moved off its traditional Labor Day schedule to a July event. An adventure will be waiting inside Cal Expo from Wednesday, July 14 to Sunday, August 1, a 19-day summer schedule that will no longer conflict with the busy back-to-school season.
The fun kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at the Main Gate Entrance with Opening Day Ceremonies on Wednesday, July 14. The event includes the annual ribbon cutting, the BIG FUN “Corn Dog Toast” and a special delivery by the Pony Express.