California Exposition
| Company type | Autonomous state entity |
|---|---|
| Industry | Events, Expositions, Agriculture |
| Founded | 1854 |
| Headquarters | Sacramento , United States |
Key people | CEO (selected by Board of Directors) |
Number of employees | 2000+ (Annually (seasonal workers)) |
| Website | calexpo |
The California Exposition and State Fair (commonly known as Cal Expo) functions as an autonomous state entity, established under California’s Food and Agriculture statutes. Its governance is entrusted to an eleven-member Board of Directors, while day-to-day management is overseen by a CEO selected by the Board. Annually, during the California State Fair, Cal Expo employs more than 2,000 seasonal workers. Operating without reliance on government funding, Cal Expo is financially self-sustaining and contributes an estimated regional economic impact exceeding $250 million. Security at the venue is maintained by the California Exposition and State Fair Police.
History
The California State Legislature founded the State Agricultural Society with the purpose of advancing California’s agricultural and industrial sectors. The inaugural agricultural exhibition took place in San Francisco in 1854,[1] with subsequent fairs rotating among cities such as Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, and Marysville due to transportation difficulties.
By 1859, the fair found a permanent home at Capitol Park in Sacramento, where it remained for fifty years.[2] As the population expanded, a new site was acquired on Stockton Boulevard in 1909,[3] which was later enlarged by in 1937.[2] The fair was suspended during World War I (1917–18) and World War II (1942–47), with the grounds repurposed for Army use during the latter conflict.[4] Prior to establishing its own academy in 1976, the California Highway Patrol utilized the fairgrounds for training activities.
In 1948, approximately 900 acres along the American River north of Sacramento were purchased by the state. Construction commenced in 1963, leading to the fair’s relocation there in 1967. Governor Ronald Reagan officially dedicated the new site on May 22, 1967,[5] with "Cal Expo" opening its doors in 1968. The Modern Brutalist-style Exposition Center was designed by San Francisco architectural firm Wurster, Bernardi and Emmons.
Since its inauguration, Cal Expo has experienced only minor modifications. Following the events of September 11, a memorial plaza was introduced in 2002. In 2012, Disneyland Resort contributed the distinctive 'CALIFORNIA' letters from Disney California Adventure to Cal Expo; these now serve as a landmark at the entrance.
In addition to hosting the annual State Fair, Cal Expo accommodates various community gatherings, trade exhibitions, and business events such as the State Fair Gala—which supports scholarship programs—the Sacramento County Fair, International Sportsman Expo, Western States Horse Expo, along with multiple RV, automotive, and collectible trade shows.
Cal Expo features a one-mile dirt racetrack that formerly held live thoroughbred and harness racing events as well as competitions like the Sacramento Mile Auto-race.[6] The earlier California State Fairgrounds Race Track also served as a venue for USAC National Championship races.
The fair was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in California, postponing its 159th occurrence until 2022.
Monorail
Cal Expo features one of the state's three fixed monorail systems, alongside those at Disneyland and Gilroy Gardens. Installed in 1968 by Universal Mobility Incorporated, this monorail is accessible to the public exclusively during the annual State Fair, providing elevated perspectives of the fairgrounds. The trams are stored in the northwest section of the site, with each vehicle adorned with unique California emblems such as the California Golden Poppy or California Quail.
Magnificent Midway
The carnival rides and games at the fair are supplied by Butler Amusements, which has been the official provider since 2009. Before this partnership, Ray Cammack Shows was responsible for these entertainment offerings for several years.
Show Arena
Known also as Rodeo Arena 1, the Show Arena hosts a variety of events including rodeos, concerts, and monster truck shows. Between 1974 and 1979, it functioned as a motorcycle speedway venue, notably hosting the American qualifying round for the Speedway World Championship in 1976.
External links
- Official web site of the California State Fair
- Promotional web site
- CDFA Division of Fairs and Expositions (governing body)
- California Historic Landmark 861
- California State Fair Virtual Tour (Java)
- Cal Expo Horse Racing
- ↑ "The State Agricultural Fair". October 6, 1854.
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