California Exposition facts for kids
The California Exposition and State Fair (also known as Cal Expo) is a special place in California. It's an agency that helps promote farming and industry in the state. A group of 11 people called the Board of Directors runs Cal Expo. They choose a chief executive officer (CEO) to manage daily tasks. During the yearly California State Fair, over 2,000 people get temporary jobs here. Cal Expo earns its own money and does not get funding from the government. It helps the local economy by bringing in over $250 million. The California Exposition and State Fair Police keep everyone safe and secure at the Exposition.
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History of Cal Expo
The California government created the State Agricultural Society. This group wanted to show off California's farming and businesses. The first big farming show was in San Francisco in 1854. You can still see a special marker there today!
Back then, traveling was hard. So, the next few yearly shows moved around. They went to Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, and Marysville.
In 1859, the show came back to Sacramento. People decided it needed a permanent home. They bought a six-block area in Sacramento. This spot was home to the State Fair for the next 50 years.
As more people came, the fair needed a bigger space. In 1909, they bought 80 acres (about 32 hectares) outside the city. The first fair was held there that same year. But World War I stopped the fair in 1917 and 1918.
The fairgrounds grew even more in 1937, adding 75 acres (about 30 hectares). During and after World War II, from 1942 to 1947, the fair was closed. The United States Army used the fairgrounds during this time.
In 1948, the state bought about 900 acres (about 364 hectares) of empty land. This land was along the American River north of downtown Sacramento. Money to build on this land was not available until 1963. So, the State Fair stayed at the old Stockton Boulevard grounds until 1967.
The new California Exposition opened on May 22, 1967. Governor Ronald Reagan gave a speech at the opening. In 1968, Governor Ronald Reagan officially opened the new "Cal Expo" site. It covers over 350 acres (about 1.4 square kilometers) of developed land.
Cal Expo has not changed much over the years. After the sad events of 9/11, a special memorial plaza was built in 2002. In 2012, the Disneyland Resort gave Cal Expo the big 'CALIFORNIA' letters. These letters used to be at the entrance of Disney California Adventure. Now, they stand at the entrance to Cal Expo.
What Happens at Cal Expo?
Besides the yearly State Fair, Cal Expo hosts many other events. These include community gatherings, trade shows, and business events. Some popular events are the Sacramento County Fair and the International Sportsman Expo. Many RV, auto, and special collectible shows also take place here.
Cal Expo has a one-mile dirt racetrack. This track hosts live horse racing during the State Fair. It also has harness racing from September to May. Special events like the Sacramento Mile Auto-race happen here too.
The fair did not happen in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 159th fair was moved to 2021.
California State Fair Features
The Monorail Ride
Cal Expo has one of only two working permanent monorail systems in California. The other one is at Disneyland! This famous monorail was built in 1968 when the current grounds were created.
The Monorail ride is only open during the yearly State Fair. It's a fun way to see the fairgrounds from above. The monorail trains are stored in the northwest part of the grounds. Each train has a different California symbol on it. You might see the California Golden Poppy or the California Quail.
The Magnificent Midway
The carnival rides and games at the fair are operated by Butler Amusements, Inc.. Butler Amusements started working at the State Fair in 2009. Before that, another company called RCS Amusements ran the rides and games for many years.
