SACRAMENTO – In an essential move to safeguard the well-being of its resident animals, athletes and guests amidst the extreme heat, The California State Fair & Food Festival has temporarily suspended all horse racing activities this opening weekend. The fair officially opened today and runs through July 30th.
In concurrence with discussions with the State Veterinarian, Dr. Blea, horse racing has been suspended this opening weekend due to extreme heat forecasts.
“Our decision to suspend horse racing activities was guided by our unwavering commitment to animal safety”, said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and State Fair. “We want to ensure that our beloved equine athletes are in optimal health. With the current heatwave, their safety and well-being come first. The fair continues to offer an array of activities and attractions for our fairgoers to enjoy while we also prioritize the comfort and safety of our animals.”
Horse racing will resume for the last two weekends, with the post time of 1:45 PM to accommodate the races that have been postponed because of the heat.
While the CA State Fair continues to provide a comprehensive roster of attractions, we also understand that the current weather conditions pose a challenge to our fairgoers. As such, we have prepared several guidelines and resources to ensure that our visitors can comfortably enjoy their time at the fair. For the safety and well-being of our fairgoers, medical professionals are readily available onsite to provide immediate assistance should anyone fall ill due to the heat.
There are several ways to beat the heat at the State Fair. Here are some suggestions:
1. Personal misters are allowed: We encourage our guests to bring their own handheld misting fans to keep cool.
2. Dress appropriately for the weather: Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is recommended to stay cool and comfortable.
3. Apply sunscreen: We recommend all fairgoers apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially during the peak hours of sunlight.
4. Visit our misting and cooling stations: We have installed multiple misting stations and cooling tents throughout the fairgrounds to provide much-needed relief from the heat.
5. Plan your time wisely: Try to visit outdoor attractions during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.
6. Visit one of the dozens air-conditioned buildings: The Expo Center offers exhibits inside seven air-conditioned buildings, including, The Lost World of Dragons, Bear Cup Esports Tournament, and The Candy Maze Selfie Exhibit.
7. Enjoy refreshing treats: Indulge in ice cream, cold beverages, or frozen treats available at the fair.
8. Seek shade: Take breaks in shaded areas or under umbrellas or our cooling stations to give yourself relief from the sun.
9. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and cool.
“We want everyone to continue to have a great time at the State Fair,” added Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo & State Fair. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure a fun, safe, and comfortable environment for all our fairgoers. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation during these challenging weather conditions.”
For the next three weeks, the fair is bringing all of the great traditions to Cal Expo, from carnival rides to funnel cakes and plenty of exhibits there is something for everyone, including some top notch entertainment including Boyz II Men, Ashanti, LeAnn Rimes, Kool & the Gang and many more.
For complete schedules and ticket information visit the fair’s website and just click HERE.