Latest news with #CaliforniaStateFair
CBS News
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
California State Fair's unseasonably mild weather a stark contrast to recent years
On the final Friday night at the California State Fair, some people are worried it might actually be a little too chilly. It's a stark contrast to the past two years, when more than half the days reached triple digits. Carnival flags were blowing in a cool afternoon breeze. The food court fans and misters were turned off. Could this really be the California State Fair? State fair temperatures are typically scorching, with average highs in the mid-90s, but not this year. So just how different is the state fair weather this year? Last year, there were 11 triple-digit days during the fair's 16-day run, including 111 degrees on opening day. In 2023, there were 10 triple-digit days. But this year, there's been only one — the very first day when it reached 102 degrees. Friday afternoon, we found fairgoer Sean Guerra wearing a long-sleeved flannel shirt during what's supposed to be the hottest time of day. "The reason why I have a flannel on right now is because later on tonight, the degrees are going to drop," he said. Even more impressive is that this year, 11 of the fair's days won't even reach 90 degrees. "It makes a big difference," Guerra said. "You don't have to come as early. You can come in the afternoon." There has been no word yet on how the mild temperatures are impacting attendance, but many fairgoers say it's why they came to Cal Expo this year. There are just two more days of the state fair left, with gates opening Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Historic Cannabis Seed Giveaway is a Huge Hit at 2025 California State Fair
Humboldt Seed Company empowers homegrowers with an unprecedented cannabis seed giveaway at the 2025 California State Fair. SAN FRANCISCO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Humboldt Seed Company (HSC), California's largest licensed cannabis seed provider, is making history at the State Fair with a 15,000-seed giveaway, part of its mission to empower home growers. The giveaway continues through July 27 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Fairgoers can visit the Embarc counter at the California Cannabis Experience and receive 3 cannabis seeds for one cent, keeping in compliance with all state regulations. The seeds are sourced from HSC's annual phenohunting project—an advanced selection process aimed at identifying the best cannabis strains for its ongoing breeding program. "This is more than just a giveaway—it's an opportunity to spotlight cannabis as a premium California agricultural product and inspire consumers to discover the benefits of growing their own," said Benjamin Lind, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Humboldt Seed Company. "The enthusiasm we're seeing has exceeded our expectations." This significant industry milestone is the largest legal cannabis seed distribution ever undertaken at a public event. It represents an important moment for the destigmatization of cannabis and brings home growing into the mainstream gardening realm. "We're thrilled to partner with Humboldt Seed Company. Their commitment to scientific innovation, genetic excellence, and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with our mission," said Dustin Moore, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Embarc. "And we're just getting started. In the coming weeks, we'll announce a new collaboration that combines world-class genetics with responsible retail practices to create memorable experiences for concertgoers. We're moving cannabis from the parking lot to the main stage." About Humboldt Seed Company Established in 2001, Humboldt Seed Company is a Northern California heritage brand providing quality cannabis genetics to commercial cultivators and home growers in legalized states across the U.S. and international markets, including Europe, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Antigua, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and the U.K. With a focus on environmental and social justice, HSC combines traditional breeding and modern scientific practices in its strain development program. For more information visit
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
California State Fair kicks off new weekday start times to combat high heat
On Monday, new reduced operating hours went into effect at the California State Fair, with the gates not opening until the afternoon. Since the mid-2000s, the fair's weekday start time had always been 11 a.m. But this year, Cal Expo's gates don't open until 4 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, which is often the hottest time of day. Some fairgoers were surprised by the reduced hours this year. "We did actually plan to try and come out earlier and beat the heat," fairgoer Shane Day said. "Unfortunately, we looked up the hours and found out they didn't open until 4." Others don't mind the later start time. "We like the nighttime because we like the lights and the excitement that comes with it," fairgoer Erin Fraker said. Why is Cal Expo cutting back on state fair hours during weekdays? "Our fair trends have shown that a lot of our fairgoers typically come in from 4 p.m. and beyond, so therefore, this makes sense for us," said. Cal Expo has been struggling financially in past years and has been forced to lay off some permanent staff. The fewer hours help fair management and vendors save money on employee costs. State fair officials say they don't expect the change will have an impact on attendance. "We don't take that into consideration at all. No, absolutely not," said Alex Alcantar, a state fair spokesperson. "For us, we do expect a good crowd to show up. We're not anticipating a loss." Even though Cal Expo is now closed during the cooler mid-day hours, there are still plenty of ways to try and beat the afternoon heat, like water misters and cooling stations. "When people do come in here, they're going to have a great time," Alcantar said. During last year's state fair, there was a record-breaking 11 days when the temperature reached triple digits. The fair will open at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Business Journals
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Journals
Times Like These at the 2025 California State Fair!
171 Years of California State Fair! We are celebrating 171 Years of the California State Fair. Each year, for 17 days of summer, the CA State Fair brings together the best of what the Golden State has to offer agriculture, technology, entertainment, and family fun. With the theme: 'Times Like These', we pay homage to a nostalgic past that has brought us a prosperous present which leads to a promising future. Important dates and info: NEW HOURS: Monday-Thursday Gates open at 4 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. Media Day: Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Opening Day: Friday, July 11, 2025, 10 a.m. Closing Day: Sunday, July 27, Gates close at 8 p.m. No re-entry after 6 p.m. Ways to Save! • Costco 'Times Like These' Packs • Kids' Day/$2 Rides- Kids 12 and under get in FREE and rides are only $2 for everyone! • NEW – 'Family Discount Day' Mondays - For the two hours of the Fair (4-6 p.m.), tickets are $2 for everyone! • NEW – 'Ride and Save Day' Wednesdays - Butler Amusement will provide a $10 discount on ride passes. • Save Mart – Discount Admission Tickets & Carnival Ride Wristbands • Senior Day Friday • SMUD Giving Fridays (July 11, 18 & 25) – Bring 5 non-perishable food items and receive a FREE Ticket to the Fair New This Year: • Butler Amusement- NEW RIDE! The Invader- Imported from the Netherlands and standing an impressive 45 feet tall, The Invader is not for the faint of heart. This ride will have you gripping your seat as six, four-passenger pods of a total of 24 seats spinning at a breathtaking 24 RPM, generating intense centrifugal forces that will leave you breathless. • The Budweiser Clydesdales (July 11-13 and 17-20, 6-8pm) • 'CaLOWfornia Love' The Lowrider Culture Exhibit - Immerse yourself in California car culture with a showcase of vibrant lowriders, custom paint jobs, and hydraulic-powered rides. • DJ Diesel (July 11) - "Shaq's BASS ALL-STARS". • SMUD Giving Fridays (NEW DAY!) • CA State Fair BBQ Competition (July 12) – Last year was just a taste-test! The 2025 California State Fair BBQ Competition turns up the heat as top pit masters battle for the Golden Bear trophy! Guests get to taste and vote in the People's Choice judging. • 2025 Series Daily CA State Fair Themed Cancellation Stamps – Collect Fair memories by sending an official California State Fair Station cancellation stamp. There is a new design each day. • CA State Fair Inaugural Film Festival (July 11) - The film festival was open to California residents 18 and older, this new festival showcases original short films and animations. Entries were judged on storytelling, cinematography, directing, acting, editing, and artistic impact. Discover bold new voices in California filmmaking! • Commercial Craft Beer Awards Luncheon at Rock and Brews (NEW LOCATION!) • POPnology - Explore the intersection of pop culture and technology with hands-on exhibits inspired by science fiction, innovation, and imagination. • Truck and Tractor Pulls– (July 19) Watch raw power in action as roaring engines and heavy-duty machines battle in a high-powered showdown as trucks and tractors compete in a thrilling test of strength and horsepower. • Water Wonders Fountain and Light Show - Enjoy a spectacular light and water show. • Wild Science - Discover the wild side of science with exciting, interactive experiments and jaw-dropping demonstrations for all ages. All About the Kiddos! • Butler Amusement Kids' Park • Captain Jack Spareribs • California Fresh Exhibit • CA Junior Chef Cooking Challenge (July 22) • CA State Fair Farm • Incredible Me • Life's Big Ag-Venture • Wild Science • Wild World Adventure • Youth Mariachi Competition sponsored by T-Mobile, California Lottery & Cricket • Tree Circus Time for Adult fun! • CA Cannabis Exhibit • Estrella Jalisco Cantina 1854 • Don Julio Outlaw Country & Western Bar • Michelob Ultra Sports Bar • Crown Royal SacTown Social Bar • Save Mart Wine Garden • Twists and Hops - Pretzels and beer New Food • Boba King – Boba and spam fries • Chando's Tacos • Dubai Chocolate Cups • Island Fin Poke • Rescafe Coffee • Woodfired Flatbreads featuring CA sourced ingredients • Fire Roasted Artichoke with Lemon-Chive Aioli & Garlic Butter • "Celebration of Sourdough!"-Fire Roasted with Dipping Sauces & Accompaniments • "The Best of the Wurst"-Silva Sausages from Northern California with Homemade Warm German Potato Salad-Bratwurst, Sweet Chile Mango, Beef Hot Link & Chicken Apple • Golden Fry House-"House of Sauced & Tossed!" Fries & Tenders-Fried in 100% Beef Tallow-Garlic-Parmesan, Buffalo-Blue with Celery, Honey Sriracha BBQ, Korean Gojuchang, Carolina Gold BBQ, Chile-Lime, Thai Street Fries.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lodi remains home of prized vineyards
Apr. 11—One of the oldest vineyards in Lodi has been given a top honor from the California State Fair. Marian's Vineyard was named the 2025 Vineyard of the Year by the State Fair Wine Industry Task Force last month. Planted in 1901, the vineyard consists of 8.3 acres of Zinfandel grapes owned by Mohr-Fry Ranches. "Obviously it's quite an honor for our family and vineyard to receive the award," CEO Bruce Fry said. "It's really great. The timing is really good, because this recognizes old vine Zinfandels, and with the uncertainty in the wine industry right now, this will show how unique and special many vineyards are." Marian's Vineyard is part of the Frys' 225-acre farm located west of West Lane between Harney Lane and Armstrong Road. When the Mohr-Fry family purchased the property in 1965, it was called West Lane Ranch and consisted of Zinfandel, Flame Tokay, Alicante Bouschet and Palomino grapes — the latter of which is used to make Sherry — as well as almond and cherry trees. The vineyard would eventually be renamed in honor of Fry's grandmother, and today, more than 90% of the acreage still consists of the vines originally planted in 1901. In the 1990s, St. Amant Winery founder Tim Spencer approached the Mohr-Frys about highlighting some of their old vine Zinfandel. The family loaned him seven tons, and in 2003, the winery's 2001 Marian's Vineyard varietal was named Best Zinfandel in California at the California State Fair. Today, Marian's Vineyard Zinfandel is bottled by St. Amant Winery as a "Reserve" wine. Fry said the vineyard's grapes are also purchased by Monte Rio Cellars in Sonoma County. "(Marian) was a very special lady, and the vineyard is very special," he said. "It keeps on producing fines wines, and for it to survive this long ... it goes along with how the family has been in business for so long. We've got six generations working for the family business. That's pretty unique in California." Marian's Vineyard is the second Lodi vineyard to be honored by the State Fair. Bechthold Vineyard, the oldest in Lodi that was planted in 1886 and is still harvested today, consists of 25 acres of Cinsaut grapes. "It's just an honor to be on the list with all the people who have won this award in the past," Fry said, adding the family plans to commemorate Marian's Vineyard locally sometime this year. Mohr-Fry Ranches will be formally presented with the "Vineyard of the Year" award on Wednesday, April 16 at the California State Fair Wine Judges Dinner at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg. To learn more about Mohr-Fry Ranches, visit
