California State Fair

Yup, it's that time again. For 17 days, from July 11-July 27, Cal Expo will host the 161st Annual California State Fair. Enjoy the many rides and games in the popular midway carnival, tour the candy-themed "Sweet--California's Tasty Journey" exhibit, and rock out to the performers at the Toyota Concert Series (including Steppenwolf, Macy Gray, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, America, Pat Benatar, Bret Michaels and many more).

Meanwhile, many other events and exhibits will show off the best the Golden State has to offer. This year, that includes awards for the finest California wines, craft beers and cheese (with official tastings during the Whiskey Festival on July 11 and Brewers Festival on July 19), horse racing and soccer showcases, and celebration of "The Farm," a large living exhibit of native California flowers, fruits and vegetables. 

And as always, you can also expect a delicious, bad-for-you plethora of fried foods. Ticket prices (for general admission, rides and special events) and hours vary throughout the run of the fair. For more information, visit www.castatefair.org.

Sacramento Independence Day Celebration

One of the many perks of living in East Sac is the close proximity to Cal Expo and all its great events. This is especially evident on the 4th of July, when the fireworks from the Sacramento Independence Day Celebration light up the night sky just across the river. It's so close that you can see much of the light show from your very own yard or the levy. 

But if you want to see it really close up, you can hop on the freeway and get to Cal Expo in about 5 minutes. Doors open at 4:30 and fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with food and beverage sales going on throughout the evening. General admission is free, with a limited number of $10 reserve seats available. On-site parking is also $10. For more information, check out the Events by Cal Expo page at www.calexpo.com.  

Sacramento County Fair

The Sacramento County Fair is back, starting this Thursday and running through Memorial Day weekend out at Cal Expo. At the fair, expect all the fun and fried food you’ve come to expect. There will be live music, train rides, carnival rides and games, a demolition derby and much more. 

East Sac will be represented by area elementary students, who will be participating in the fair’s Garden in a Wheelbarrow program. And members of the local Girl Scout troop will submit photographs and paintings for the fair’s art contest.

Admission to the fair is $5, with children 12 and younger and seniors admitted free. Parking is $10. For more information, go to sacfair.com or call (916) 263-2975. 

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Show your support for Mom—and all the other women in your life—by participating in the 18^th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. With a cowboy theme this year of Round-Up for the Cure, the event starts this Saturday morning, May 10, at Cal Expo.

All ages and skill levels are welcome. There will be a 1K walk and 5K and 10K runs, open to adults and children. The money raised from this event will go to support community organizations throughout the Sacramento Valley region that provide breast cancer education, screening and patient support. Since 1998, more than $18 million has been raised for the cause. 

Online registration closes May 8. For more information on registration times, fees and other race info, go to www.komensacramento.org or call (916) 231-3148.

Original Sacramento Home & Garden Show

Spring is just around the corner, which means it's time to start thinking about all the ways you can improve your home indoors and out. This coming weekend, find the businesses and products that will help you make those improvements at the Original Sacramento Home & Garden Show, held at Cal Expo.

The show is now in its 33rd year, and is expected to be better than ever. This weekend you'll find garden furnishings, patio covers and sunrooms, heating and air conditioning, landscaping, solar, building contractors, roofing, painting, gutters, home security, windows, doors, siding and much much more. And experts in design, remodeling, landscaping, finance and energy savings will also be hand to offer their advice at the "Look, Listen & Learn" stage.

Admission is $7 ($6 with a can of food for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services), and children 12 and under are free. For more information, call (916) 924-9934 or visit sachomeandgardenshow.net/spring.