California State Fair 2018

I love the California State Fair!

In the 30 years I have lived in Sacramento – California’s capitol and the home of the California State Fair – I have faithfully attended nearly every year.

When my sons were pre-teens I would go with a friend who also had two pre-teen sons. We would give the boys some money and tell them when and where to meet us for lunch. They would happily race to the Midway rides while we strolled through the shopping areas on our way to the wine garden!

In later years when I attended with my sweetheart we would purchase an all-day pass to Raging Waters, the adjacent water park. Then when the heat grew too intense we’d spend an hour or so cooling off in the pool and on the water slides before returning to the fair exhibits.

(Fun personal note: On our first date Rich mentioned that he loved going to the State Fair – from gates open to gates close – and I knew I had found the man of my dreams!)

Through the years I have gone to the fair with friends, and I’ve gone to the fair alone. I’m content either way; as long as I get my State Fair fix each year, I’m happy!

Making Memories At The California State Fair

This year I was able to attend Opening Day, and I was so excited that I posted a selfie on Facebook with this caption:

Ridiculously excited!
Set-the-alarm-and-get-there-before-the-gates-open excited!!

California State Fair | Don't Miss A Moment | Midway Rides | Livestock | Fine Arts | Agriculture | Images By RJM — Opening Day Excitement!

One of my friends asked “What are you most excited to see?” and my response was:

“That’s a really hard question! I love everything! I love seeing the quilts, the Photography and Fine Arts, the animals, people watching, going to the Farm and seeing the flowers and produce, pretty much everything! And as it gets darker, I’m going to love the midway and all the colorful lights!”

So here are some of my favorite images from Opening Day 2018 at the California State Fair! I hope they will inspire you to go make some State Fair memories of your own!