Hi Fair Fans!

Today we are officially only 8 days away from the California State Fair! Can you believe it? I know I can’t, oh how the time has flown by! On Friday is the annual State Fair Gala, a huge event that benefits our scholarship fund. Then, only one week later is Opening Day with the traditional Corn Dog Toast (yes, Corn Dog Toast!) and of course the David Cook concert that night.

So are you curious what the new attractions at the State Fair look like? Well then you are in luck because I happened to take a leisurely walk in the lovely 97 degree weather and snapped a few pics that I thought you might enjoy.

This first one is what will soon become the new Weird Wild & Wacky Zone where you can find some crazy things! Big Foot, UFOs, haunted houses, giant spiders—you know, the usual.The floriculture exhibit is gorgeous as usual but this year you will feel like an ant in this oversized garden. Just look at the size of that frog!

Of course the Magnificent Midway is going to rock as usual, this year we have a new carnival provider, Butler Amusements.

Even some of the amazing Fair Food vendors have started moving in-cannot wait! Oh, have you heard what some of the new food is this year? If not here’s a sneak peek!

NEW for 2009!

· The legendary Chicken Charlie will be back with his newest deep fried creation: the Zucchini Weenie! This weird, wild, and wacky concoction is a hollowed-out zucchini with a hot dog inside – and like most of his other foods, battered and deep fried!

· While the name “Buffalo Chip” may not sound so appetizing, Jackson Enterprises has created a unique variation of the potato! Made up of sliced potatoes that are marinated in buffalo sauce and thrown on the barbeque, this is sure to be a mouthwatering stop for every Fairgoer.

· Thirsty? Tuttle’s Old Fashioned Soda is the place to both cool down and grab a hearty drink. Serving old-time soda from a covered wagon into collectable tin cups, be sure to try every flavor, ranging from Sasparilla to Root Beer, and more!

· Don’t forget to pick up a Pickle Pop from Grinder’s Sandwiches: a frozen dill pickle that’s both wacky and scrumptious! This seems crazy, so definitely a must try!

· And of course all the old favorites are back like State Fair Tacos, Curly Fries, Bloomin’ Onions, Fried Artichoke Sandwiches, funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and more are all right around the corner!

Speaking of mouth-watering...check out the NEW "Its a Candy Nation" exhibit that will be in Expo Center #4! This room is packed with candy, any kids dream!

So since there is only 8 days left let the countdown begin! 8…

Hello all you fairgoers, and welcome to the one and only California State Fair blog!

Everyone in the office has been making fun of me because I got really excited about making this blog. Whatever, I don't care.... I really want all you fellow fairgoers to get a behind the scenes look at what goes on not only during the Fair, but before and after it as well!

So to just jump right in; The planning process of the California State Fair has been busy, busy, busy, but I am sure you have heard that before! We, in the Media Center, have been working on Press Releases, editing the Official Program (so much info uhhh), and working on anything that gets thrown our way! We have also been feverishly working on getting our website all updated and beautiful, (shameless plug) check it out at www.bigfun.org.

I will post pictures soon of the upcoming Weird, Wild and Wacky Zone and the Counties Exhibits being built at this very moment! For frequent updates follow us on Twitter or Facebook! (I am sorry another shameless plug!)

If you have a question, comment, or just plain want to say HELLO! Leave us a comment and we will either answer it, respond to it, or say HELLO back!

Talk to you soon, fellow fairgoers!

-BEE